The Aulanko Observation Tower and Nature Reserve have long been a popular tourist destination in Finland, and along with Häme Castle, it is one of the most visited places in Hämeenlinna. Around 400,000 people visit the Aulanko area annually, with a large number also visiting the observation tower. Despite the high number of visitors, we have visited the observation tower a couple of times, and on both occasions, the place was very peaceful, with only a few other visitors around.
Located just 5-6 kilometers north of the city center, Aulanko is easily accessible by various means of transport, making it an ideal day-trip destination. For those traveling from the Helsinki metropolitan area, it’s only about an hour’s drive away.
Aulanko was established by Colonel Hugo Standertskjöld at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, who envisioned it as a park open to all. Both the area and its buildings are over a century old, offering a rich historical experience.
The Aulanko Scenic Loop
Aulanko Nature Reserve, also known as Aulanko Forest Park, features a scenic one-way loop that can be driven by car, connecting the area’s major sights. This loop provides breathtaking views and beautiful landscapes, making Aulanko a perfect destination for nature lovers.
The loop is open to cars in summer from 8 AM to 11 PM, with several parking spots along the route, allowing visitors to explore the area without lengthy walks. The park also has numerous walking paths for those who wish to venture deeper into nature and enjoy a peaceful day hike.
Aulanko Observation Tower & Viewing Platform
The Aulanko observation tower, located atop Aulangonvuori hill, is perhaps the reserve’s most popular attraction. From the tower and its adjacent viewing platform, visitors can enjoy stunning views of one of Finland’s national landscapes, the Vanajavesi Valley. The serene Aulanko Lake blends harmoniously into the vast green forest stretching as far as the eye can see. This breathtaking scenery has reportedly inspired several of Finland’s most notable artists, including Jean Sibelius and Eino Leino.
The tower itself is a majestic sight, with its castle-like appearance adding to its allure. Built over 100 years ago and standing 33 meters tall, the tower offers panoramic views that are nothing short of spectacular.
Next to the tower, visitors can also take in the same landscape from a different perspective at the nearby viewing platform. Close by is the former forest warden’s residence, now a summer café. This building, also dating from the early 1900s, has been serving refreshments since its inception.
The Aulanko observation tower is free to enter during its open season, which runs daily from early summer to late autumn, between 8 AM and 8 PM.
Bear Cave and Bear Family Sculpture (Karhuluola)
Below the lookout tower is the Bear Cave, accessible by a staircase beside the viewing platform. A little over 300 steps lead down to the cave, a hollow carved into the rock that houses an impressive stone sculpture of a bear family. According to legend, the original model for the sculpture was a live bear cub from Korkeasaari Zoo, but it was eventually replaced by a taxidermy bear due to the cub’s playful nature.
From the Bear Cave, visitors can either climb the stairs back up or take paths leading to Aulanko Lake and other parts of the nature reserve.
Ruusulaakso Pavilion & Joutsenlampi Lake (Swan Lake)
The Ruusulaakso Pavilion is a stunning Gothic-style park pavilion where visitors can enjoy picturesque English-style park views along the shore of Metsälampi lake (Forest Lake). Built in the late 19th century, the pavilion transports visitors back in time, offering a glimpse into life over a century ago. It is also a popular photography spot, with its beautiful scenery providing the perfect backdrop for memorable photos.
Joutsenlampi lake is nestled in the heart of Aulanko Forest Park, surrounded by a kilometer-long path lined with various shrubs and tree species. The park was originally planted with many foreign tree species, and around 50 different species are marked along the path. Almost all of Finland’s native hardwood species can be found within the Aulanko Nature Reserve, and the Joutsenlampi Lake trail offers a fantastic opportunity to explore them while taking in the beautiful park surroundings.
Granite Castle
The Granite Castle is a striking structure on the edge of Aulanko Park, reminiscent of a historical fortress. However, it was never used as a fort but was built by Hugo Standertskjöld as part of his estate grounds. Despite its lack of historical military use, the castle is an impressive sight with its sturdy walls and grand entrance, making it a must-see attraction. During the summer, the Granite Castle also hosts a summer theater.
Onnentemppeli Pavilion (Temple of Happiness)
Toward the end of the scenic loop, visitors will find another one of Aulanko’s pavilions, the Onnentemppeli Pavilion. Though easy to miss, with only one parking spot nearby, it is well worth a stop. The small, charming red-brick temple sits atop a stone mound, accessible by wooden steps.
According to legend, Colonel Standertskjöld buried a gold coin in the mound, promising the entire Aulanko estate to whoever found it. The temple is also said to have inspired Eino Leino’s poem, “Song of Happiness.”
Visitors can step inside the pavilion, which provides a delightful setting for taking fairy-tale-like photos.
Visitor Guidelines for Aulanko
- Walking and skiing are allowed freely within the nature reserve.
- Cars are permitted on the scenic loop from 8 AM to 11 PM in the summer.
- Mountain biking is only allowed on designated bike trails and the paved loop.
- The park features wide, accessible paths suitable for strollers and wheelchairs.
- Camping is prohibited.
- Open fires and fishing in the park’s lakes are not permitted.
Aulanko Nature Reserve is like a large, open-air museum of nature and history, offering something for everyone. Whether standing atop the observation tower, admiring the bear sculptures, or strolling along a peaceful forest path, Aulanko promises an unforgettable experience. A day at Aulanko is easily spent and makes for an excellent day-trip destination.
