Aulanko
4.5
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4.5
118 reviews
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43
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3
TeWe
Helsinki, Finland1,132 contributions
Jan 2021
Very nice outdoor area, we went cross country skiing there, and the tracks were in good condition, and marked very well. Not too many people around, so good skiing in nice surroundings.
Written 25 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chelstru
Inverness, UK2 contributions
Aug 2013 • Couples
Pleasent ride amongst the greenery of finnish forest leads to the first of many gazebos scattered around this national park . At the top you'll be greeted by scenery tower or 300+ steps of agony down to bear cave with bear sculpture. If you are a bit mad like me you will climb back up the steps and man it hurts or you could take the path easier route as you climb back up the hill through the trees to the tower. The views are spectacular looking across the trees to the lakes so remember and take your camera and leave plenty of time to enjoy the scenery
Written 4 September 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marika R
Kangasala, Finland252 contributions
Aug 2013 • Friends
This is one of the nice opportunities to see a glimp of the wonderful nature of Finland, just a short distance from the city center of Hameenlinna. The Aulanko national park has steep forest, beautiful lakes, observation tower with great views over the lakes, great English style parks... You could drive straight to the observation tower, visit the tower and the nice summer café nearby, and take excercise with the steps down "the bear cave" and back, all in about half an hour. Or you can leave your car down by the lake and the hut, and take a 3 km (or more, depending on the trail chosen) walk up to the tower and see a bit of the forest on the way. There are nice big trees, and if lucky you could also spot some wildlife: squierrels and woodpeckers at least.
In 1883, a man called Hugo Standertskjold bought the mansion of Karlberg and some minor neighbourhood estates, and five years later the Katajisto mansion nearby. He soon started the massive works to make the place a nice park (and in some places, a garden) for everyone to visit and admire the views. Two ponds were made, and some water birds were aqcuired there. New paths and roads were built, as well as several pavilions. Two of the pavilions are still left, the gothic pavillion of the Rose valley (no roses left unfortunatelly) and the chinese-styled Lucky Temple. The observation tower was built in 1907. There was also a zoo, with for example deer, black pigs, lots of peacocks and swans, but during the 1st world war they had to close it due to lack of groceries. Two artificial islands were built, and lots of exotic plants were planted in the Katajisto mansion park, like cactuses and palms. The lakeside was decorated with statues and glass balls. Even during Hugo Standertskjold´s time, the park had always been open to public. Not everything is left from the Hugo´s days, but there is still plenty to see. Nowadays, the park is a popular place to visit, as a tourist as well as a normal citizen for a Sunday walk or a run at the forest. If weather allows, it is a terrific place for a picnic.
This is a must place for anyone visiting Hameenlinna, or even worth the visit if you´re just driving north from Helsinki.
In 1883, a man called Hugo Standertskjold bought the mansion of Karlberg and some minor neighbourhood estates, and five years later the Katajisto mansion nearby. He soon started the massive works to make the place a nice park (and in some places, a garden) for everyone to visit and admire the views. Two ponds were made, and some water birds were aqcuired there. New paths and roads were built, as well as several pavilions. Two of the pavilions are still left, the gothic pavillion of the Rose valley (no roses left unfortunatelly) and the chinese-styled Lucky Temple. The observation tower was built in 1907. There was also a zoo, with for example deer, black pigs, lots of peacocks and swans, but during the 1st world war they had to close it due to lack of groceries. Two artificial islands were built, and lots of exotic plants were planted in the Katajisto mansion park, like cactuses and palms. The lakeside was decorated with statues and glass balls. Even during Hugo Standertskjold´s time, the park had always been open to public. Not everything is left from the Hugo´s days, but there is still plenty to see. Nowadays, the park is a popular place to visit, as a tourist as well as a normal citizen for a Sunday walk or a run at the forest. If weather allows, it is a terrific place for a picnic.
This is a must place for anyone visiting Hameenlinna, or even worth the visit if you´re just driving north from Helsinki.
Written 25 August 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JariJK
Kouvola, Finland6,907 contributions
Jul 2013 • Family
Finland's first National Urban Park consists of many parts in the city of Hämeenlinna. We visited Aulanko (Aulanko Park or Aulanko Nature Reserve).
There are very beautiful places and nice walking routes in Aulanko. The most important sights are Joutsenlampi (Swan Pond) with a kiosk, Metsälampi (Forest Pond) with picnic tables, Aulanko Observation Tower (free entrance, a coffeehouse at the bottom of it), Karhuluola (Bear Cave with a bear sculpture by Robert Stigell, stairs from the observation tower), old pavilions and the ruins of Graniittilinna (Granite Castle).
There are many possibilities for activities in Aulanko: hiking, walking, sauna bathing, swimming (beaches and indoor swimming pools), riding, tennis, camping etc. You may even take part in Hopealinja (Silverline) Cruises or have a lunch in Aulangon Kievari (Aulanko Inn).
Spa Hotel Rantasipi Aulanko is the best place for accommodation in Aulanko. There are also a campsite and a hostel there.
There are very beautiful places and nice walking routes in Aulanko. The most important sights are Joutsenlampi (Swan Pond) with a kiosk, Metsälampi (Forest Pond) with picnic tables, Aulanko Observation Tower (free entrance, a coffeehouse at the bottom of it), Karhuluola (Bear Cave with a bear sculpture by Robert Stigell, stairs from the observation tower), old pavilions and the ruins of Graniittilinna (Granite Castle).
There are many possibilities for activities in Aulanko: hiking, walking, sauna bathing, swimming (beaches and indoor swimming pools), riding, tennis, camping etc. You may even take part in Hopealinja (Silverline) Cruises or have a lunch in Aulangon Kievari (Aulanko Inn).
Spa Hotel Rantasipi Aulanko is the best place for accommodation in Aulanko. There are also a campsite and a hostel there.
Written 1 August 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tarjak4
Helsinki, Finland70 contributions
Aug 2019
We've now visited Aulanko both in winter and in summer, and the scenery is absolutely beautiful. During our summer visit, the tower was also open for even better views from higher up.
Written 30 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew K
Liverpool, UK49 contributions
Sept 2018 • Friends
Aulanko is a good natural landscape close to Hameenlinna. There are many walks and the newly found Sibelius Forest has panels referring to the composer and the flora and fauna around. Enough present to satisfy all levels of activity.
Written 14 September 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kristiina K
Tallinn, Estonia28 contributions
Jun 2015
One of the first vacation areas in region. Go for Aulanko lookout tower to get a glimpse of the scenery.
Written 30 June 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leena T
Kuopio, Finland123 contributions
Aug 2013 • Couples
Aulanko park is a place where you can drive through the park By a car, bycicle or make a walk in the forest. In summer I recommend a picknik by the lake and remember that there is also a fire place By the lake where you can stop and grill a sausage (take the sausages with you). From the wieving tower you can admire the landscape which inspired Sibelius to compose Finlandia. In winter there are lovely skiing sloper for crosscountry skiers.
Written 17 February 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Erarenki
Tammela, Finland10 contributions
Oct 2013 • Couples
We take there only some of the pictures, because Metsähallitus and Häme Visitor Centre has organized a campaign with a twist of different places. Aulanko was one of the eight visiting places. But Aulanko was surprisingly great. Landscapes of the tower at the foot of the tower and the lower level (top flat was closed) was fantastic. Further down we "chatted" with the swans and ducks.
A very short visit, we were able not only to view - even spend time watching the scenery. It was autumn, so the service was not much. If, despite the tower would have got a cup of coffee and one received, so it five star should have. After a short visit was a feeling that could come here again for a longer period of time. Maybe lunch with.
A very short visit, we were able not only to view - even spend time watching the scenery. It was autumn, so the service was not much. If, despite the tower would have got a cup of coffee and one received, so it five star should have. After a short visit was a feeling that could come here again for a longer period of time. Maybe lunch with.
Written 13 November 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mel O
16 contributions
Oct 2019 • Solo
Had a nice peaceful walk. Trails could be marked a bit better but overall if you want to retreat into nature this is a nice place to go
Written 4 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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