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Sibelius Forest

Sibelius Forest is about 100 hectares of nature reserve located in Hämeenlinna. It is just outside the Aulanko Peace area, managed by the City of Hämeenlinna. Finland’s national composer, Mr. Jean Sibelius (1865–1957), who was born in Hämeenlinna, walked in his youth in these forests with his violin in search of inspiration for his famous melodies.

Sibelius Forest is easy to reach from Aulanko Peace area by following the road Aulangon-Heikkilän tie road. The Sibelius Forest hiking path circulates throughout the Lake Aulangonjärvi. It returns to the main road Aulangon-Heikkilän tie via Kihtersuo swimming beach, about a kilometer away from the Aulanko Peace area.

Nature of the Sibelius Forest

There are eight information boards on the nature trail of Sibelius Forest, which tell about the nature of the area. They can also be read by composer Jean Sibelius’s thoughts on how local nature has influenced his works and helped him create.

In the woods and in the scenery of Lake Aulangonjärvi, you will be able to get acquainted, among other, with the landscape and the so-called forest church formed by pine trees, aspens and birches, located right next to the Aulanko Peace area. From the Levonkallio and Kärmeskallio cliffs there is a magnificent view to Lake Aulangonjärvi. It is dominated by the famous landmark of the Aulanko Urban Park, a granite observation tower created by colonel Hugo Strandenskjöld.

From the cliff down to the shore of Lake Aulangonjärvi can be reached via sturdy steel stairs. On the beach there is a campfire site and a pier where you can take a dip in the swim or admire the peaceful lake scenery.

The trees of Sibelius Forest are typical Finnish pine and spruce trees, as well as the noble trees of maple, hazel and small-leaved lime. The birds of the region include, for example, ospreys, greenish warblers, tawny and Ural owls as well as lesser spotted woodpecker. The environment is also suitable for bats and Siberian flying squirrels.