city, southwestern Finland. It lies on the shore of Lake Vanaja, northwest of Helsinki. The city's name is derived from the castle of Häme, parts of which date from about 1250. The town, originally chartered in 1639, was first located north of the castle but moved to its present site, a little to the south, in 1779. In 1862 Hämeenlinna became the northern terminus of Finland's first railroad.

Notable landmarks in Hämeenlinna include the castle (reopened in 1979 after reconstruction), the church (1798), the Renaissance-style town hall, and the birthplace of composer Jean Sibelius (Sibelius, Jean). Hämeenlinna has an art gallery, science institute, municipal museum, and teachers' training college. Aulanko Park, a tourist centre, is located nearby. Local industries include publishing and printing houses, metal and machinery works, and textile factories. Pop. (2005 est.) 47,335.