Discover Hauho

Hauho is a destination for anyone who would like to explore a historic village setting and experience different ways of connecting with culture and nature. The church village is an exceptionally well-preserved, cohesive ensemble of a church, rectories, streets, farmsteads, small houses and commercial buildings. This mix defines Hauho’s character: the village’s appearance is shaped not only by individual buildings, but by the interplay of different buildings and streets.

Church village and cultural landscape

Wanha Raitti stretches around the medieval stone church. With its bathing spots, it is one of Finland’s best-preserved church village ensembles and is considered a unique rural cultural landscape. Anyone interested in the history and form of a place will find a different focus here than on an excursion centred mainly on nature. Hauho’s significance also extends beyond the village ensemble: the church village is part of the nationally significant Hauhonselkä cultural landscape area.

Wide views and forest trails

The Vuorenharju observation tower on Wanha Raitti offers a sweeping view over the clear waters of Hauhonselkä. For a trip that also puts the landscape itself in the foreground, the Kotkonharju nature reserve offers a different perspective. There you will find forest trails, hilly terrain and the shores of clear lakes. Forest, hills and lakeshores describe the character of this natural area, while the village ensemble and its history provide a distinct cultural note.

If you are travelling with your family, these different themes can appeal to a range of interests: the architectural history of the church village, for example, the view from Vuorenharju or the forest trails in the nature reserve. When choosing a holiday apartment, you can consider whether you would like to discover Hauho mainly for its cultural landscape or its nature. This way, the search for a suitable destination starts with the experiences that matter to you during your stay.

Museums and farming heritage

The Kotko open-air museum, maintained by Hauho-Seura, displays farming artefacts and buildings. Its buildings are open to groups by prior arrangement. If you are planning a visit with a group, making this arrangement is therefore part of your preparations. Hauhon Esinemuseo offers another perspective on Hauho’s history and cultural heritage. It is housed in a former granary built in 1818.

The exhibits at Hauhon Esinemuseo include gallery paintings made by the soldier Jonas Erik Korler in 1772. The museum thus brings together the history of its building and a specific example of Hauho’s cultural heritage. Alongside the farming artefacts and buildings at Kotko open-air museum, they offer a range of themes for a trip focused on local history and everyday culture.

Events and getting there

Culinary traditions and events also contribute to Hauho’s appeal. Hauhon Herkkujen Yö is a long-running culinary event featuring food and drink at various venues in Hauho. Niskavuoriviikko has been held for over 30 years. It opens with a Midsummer Peace Proclamation, read on Midsummer’s Eve beside Hauho church in Skytten-Au Square. The two events each offer a distinct focus: one with food and drink, the other with an opening tradition on Midsummer’s Eve.

Hauho can be reached by bus from Hämeenlinna in about 47 minutes; the bus journey from Tampere and Lahti takes about an hour from each city. These approximate travel times can help with your initial travel planning.

Explore more destinations

Find more destinations in Janakkala, Hattula, Peränne, Loppi, Forssa, Harviala, Hausjärvi and Ypäjä.

Back to the main travel overview: Kanta-Häme.