The positive aspects of city life are combined with unique scenery and clean nature. The region values good housing, education, entrepreneurship and a versatile cultural life. The region consists of a network of small and medium-sized towns and communities and the services they offer. The oldest inland settlements in Finland are found in Häme.
Kanta-Häme is home of 11 municipalities: Forssa, Hämeenlinna, Hattula, Hausjärvi, Humppila, Janakkala, Jokioinen, Loppi, Riihimäki, Tammela, and Ypäjä. The largest is Hämeenlinna. The total population is 173 720 (Statistics Finland 2017).
Lively events and dynamic citizen activity are an integral part of the culture in Häme. The region also has a long tradition of textile and glass design. The countryside in Häme has remained strong and viable that offers an excellent opportunity to get acquainted with Finnish nature. The landscape is varied in topography, featuring a multitude of different types of forests, lakes, marshland and ridges.
The region’s main education hubs include HAMK University of Applied Sciences, and the Vocational Schools of Tavastia and Forssa Vocational Institute (FAI)
Tourist attractions include the Castle of Häme, medieval churches, and the birthplace of composer Jean Sibelius. The Kanta-Häme region is well known for its stunning nature and national parks including Aulanko and Sibelius Forest.
Economic Competiveness and Advantages
- Location in centre of Southern Finland: accessibility and logistics
- Sustainable use of nature resources, bioeconomy (HAMK University, Natural Resource Institute Finland, University of Helsinki, Lammi)
- Steel construction (HAMK University, Tampere University of Technology)
Main Business Areas and Clusters
- Metal industry
- Major companies include: SSAB Europe Oy, Patria Land Systems Oy, Machine construction: Major companies include: Konecranes Oy, M-Components Oy, Finnkorkki Oy,
- Food industry
- Major companies include: Atria Oy, HK Ruokatalo/LSO Foods, Hämeenlinnan Osuusmeijeri, Herkkumaa Oy
- Wood processing
- Metsä Group, Rengon Saha
- Public administration
- The Finnish Defence Forces, Regional State Administrative Agency/Southern Finland
Transportation
- Flights: direct flights to European and Asian destinations from Helsinki-Vantaa airport (1 h by car, bus and from 2015 also by train via change in Tikkurila) and Tampere-Pirkkala airport
- Maritime: direct maritime lines from harbours of Helsinki and Turku
- Train: direct train connection to Helsinki (1 h by train) and Tampere (40 min).
- Highways: to Helsinki (1 h by car), Tampere (45 min), Turku (2 h) and Lahti (1 h)