Freezing Week 2027

All participants to Freezing Week book their own accommodation directly from the hotel/hostel/Airbnb.

All the hotels are in the town center.  The railway station is just two kilometres away, easily reached either by foot, taxi or bus. The walk from the bus station takes only about five minutes. The distance to the Hämeenlinna University Centre is three kilometres. 

• Scandic Hämeenlinna City
• Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna Hämeenlinna
• Sokos Hotel Vaakuna
• Hotel Emilia
• Matin ja Maijan majatalo

Other options

• Airbnb Private accommodation, the prices vary.  

Travelling to Hämeenlinna

Hämeenlinna campus is in Visamäki, 2 km from the Hämeenlinna city centre.

The nearest airports are Helsinki-Vantaa and Tampere-Pirkkala. You can take a bus or a train to Hämeenlinna from both airports.

Travel by bus: Matkahuolto I Onnibus

Travel by train: Finnish Railways VR (You can also download an app called VR Matkalla)

Bus connection from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to Hämeenlinna:

The bus connection from Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport to Hämeenlinna is the easiest way to get to Hämeenlinna.  A bus to Hämeenlinna sets off several times a day and takes a little over an hour. The prices vary from around 11€ up to 19€. Express buses to Hämeenlinna depart right outside the airport terminal. The ticket can be purchased from the bus driver or beforehand online. Please note that you may have to change buses in Keimolanportti Service Station, about 10 minutes’ drive from the airport. It is best to consult the driver about the possible change. For more information about the bus schedules and travel details, please visit Matkahuolto or Onnibus.

Train connection from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to Hämeenlinna

The train station is located at the airport on the arrivals floor, at the corridor between Terminals 1 and 2. The total journey from Helsinki-Vantaa airport to Hämeenlinna takes about 1,5 hours depending on the changing time in Tikkurila. I and P trains cover the Ring Rail between the city centre and Helsinki Airport. Nearly all long-distance and most commuter trains stop at Tikkurila, where you’ll have to change trains to get to Hämeenlinna.

Make sure to buy a ticket from the airport all the way to Hämeenlinna (it is cheaper like that). On commuter train (Commuter train I, P and R) you can sit anywhere and on InterCity/Pendolino trains you’ll get an assigned seat.

Make sure to buy a ticket before entering the train – no tickets are sold on trains. Tickets can be bought from Finnish Railways VR or VR Matkalla app.

VR Railways

VR Matkalla (app)

Bus Connection from Tampere to Hämeenlinna

Tampere-Pirkkala airport is located 6 km for the Tampere city centre. Bus line 103 operates between the airport and city centre.

You can take a bus from Tampere city centre to Hämeenlinna (you can find the timetables at Matkahuolto and Onnibus). The ride will take an hour.

Trains from Tampere to Hämeenlinna

Tampere-Pirkkala airport is located 6km for the city centre. Bus line 103 operates between the airport and city centre. The walk from bus station to the railway station is little under 1km and takes around 10 minutes. From Tampere you can choose either a commuter train or Intercity/Pendolino train to Hämeenlinna. This will take about an hour.

Make sure to buy a ticket before entering the train – no tickets are sold on trains. Tickets can be bought from Finnish Railways VR or VR Matkalla app.

By taxi

Usually there are taxis waiting on in front of the railway station, bus station or city centre marketplace. In Hämeenlinna there is no Uber service. You can also call a taxi from Taxi Häme (+358 200 55 111).

By bus

Local buses stop in front of the railway station as well. For the local bus route info and timetables you can visit this website. Bus number 2 goes from railway station and city centre all the way up to Hämeenlinna University Centre (bus stop is called Korkeakoulu P). Bus tickets can be purchased directly from the bus driver by cash for 3,40€ (they do not accept bills over 20€ and prefer the exact change), by card for 2,40€(contactless payment– they accept most of the debit/credit cards, you can only pay your own bus ticket) or via Waltti – a mobile app.

Convenient bus stops for you:

Railway station (stop B) 

Scandic Hämeenlinna City, Hotel Emilia, Matin ja Maijan Majatalo -> Bus station (stop D) 

Hämeenlinna University Centre -> terminus at Korkeakoulu P 

Route 2

Route 2 U

HAMK wireless visitor network

A wireless visitor network is available in all HAMK campuses.

Tap water

Finland has pure and healthy tap water, which is available almost anywhere free of charge. Tap water in Finland is among the highest quality in the world and needs no treatment in many areas. If you carry your own reusable bottle with you (and hopefully you do), you can fill your own bottle from the tap.

Suitable clothing and footwear

Always check the weather forecast before your trip: Foreca or Finnish Meteorological Institute

The average minimum temperature (usually the minimum temperature is noted during the night) in Hämeenlinna in February is -11.0°C. The average maximum daytime temperature lies around -4.0°C.

For most of the year, the key to a perfect Finland outfit is layers. Visitors travelling to Hämeenlinna should definitely plan on bringing a warm sweater and winter jacket as well as winter shoes since there will be periods of snow. Also pack warm gloves and warm, preferably windproof hat.

Living with allergies

If you have allergies or special diets, you certainly do not need to worry! Finland and HAMK follow the EU regulations that require certain allergens to be always mentioned in the food tags. For more detailed information, please read here.

Shopping

S-group markets and K-group markets are the two most common supermarket chains in Finland, from which you can shop for everyday groceries. There are also Lidl and Tokmanni. R-kioski is the convenience store chain.

Money and paying

ATM = OTTO or NOSTO. ATMs are available in many central places, and you can withdraw cash with internationally recognised credit cards.

In Finland, the most common method of payment is a debit or credit card. Foreign debit and credit cards can be used in Finland, but it is best to check with your card provider before arriving in Finland.

Healthcare

If you need to visit the pharmacy during your visit, the place is called Apteekki in Finnish. If you need other health services, you can find information here.

Emergency number 112

There is only one emergency number in Finland – 112. Please do not call the emergency number unless you have a genuine emergency for which you need urgent assistance from the authorities (police, paramedics, firefighters, or social services). Please refer to Emergency Response Centre Agency Finland for more detailed information on calling the emergency number. You can also download the 112 Suomi application.

All participants to Freezing Week book their own accommodation directly from the hotel/hostel/Airbnb. 

Below you can find options for accommodation in Riihimäki. Hotels are located in central Riihimäki, AirBnB options might be located a bit further away in the countryside. Please note that if you book a stay further away, you will need a car to move around.

• Teatterihotelli Riihimäki 
  • The hotel is located in the city center (Hämeenaukio 1, Riihimäki), only 0,5 km from the HAMK campus and 0,8 km from the train station.
• Hotel Seurahuone
  • The hotel is located near the city center (Hämeenkatu 29, Riihimäki), 1,3 km from the HAMK campus and 0,8 km from the train station.
• AirBnB
  • There are some AirBnB apartment options in and around the city, distance to the campus and train station varies.

Travelling to Riihimäki

When travelling to Riihimäki, we recommend arriving to the Helsinki-Vantaa Airport for convenience. 

From the Helsinki-Vantaa airport

The train connection from Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport to Riihimäki is the easiest way to get to Riihimäki. The train station entrance is located at the airport, in between terminals 1 and 2. The journey to Riihimäki takes about an hour with a change in Tikkurila train station (depending of the changing time in Tikkurila). Please check the timetables from VR, Finnish railways. You can also download an app called VR Matkalla. You need to buy train tickets beforehand, as those at not sold in the trains.

There is a also bus connection from Helsinki-Vantaa airport to Riihimäki. Express buses to Riihimäki depart right outside Terminals 1 and 2. The ticket can be purchased from the bus driver. Please note that you may have to change buses in Keimolanportti Service Station, about 10 minutes drive from the airport. It is best to consult the driver about the possible change.

Some of the long-distance buses may leave you at the bus stop outside the town. It is best to consult the driver about ordering a taxi for the last four kilometers.

For more information about the bus schedules and other information, please visit Matkahuolto website.

For more flexibility in your travel, you can rent a car for your visit from the Helsinki-Vantaa airport. Please read more about this on their website: Car rentals at the airport.

The Riihimäki campus is located about 1,5 km from Riihimäki city centre and Riihimäki railway station. You can walk to the campus in about 20 minutes from the railway station. You can also arrive by local bus.

The Riihimäki campus is located about 1,5 km from Riihimäki city centre and Riihimäki railway station. You can walk to the campus in about 20 minutes from the railway station. You can also arrive by bus, bike or your own car.

By bus

The bus stop closest to the Riihimäki campus is Koivistonmäki P/E. Check the Matkahuolto route guide for bus lines and time tables. More about public transport and tickets in Riihimäki.

By taxi

However, if you wish to use some transportation when arriving, usually there are taxis waiting at the train station. You can also call for a taxi from Taksi Häme, +358 200 55 111. 

HAMK wireless visitor network

A wireless visitor network is available in all HAMK campuses.

Tap water

Finland has pure and healthy tap water, which is available almost anywhere free of charge. Tap water in Finland is among the highest quality in the world and needs no treatment in many areas. If you carry your own reusable bottle with you (and hopefully you do), you can fill your own bottle from the tap.

Suitable clothing and footwear

Always check the weather forecast before your trip: Foreca or Finnish Meteorological Institute

The average minimum temperature (usually the minimum temperature is noted during the night) in Hämeenlinna in February is -11.0°C. The average maximum daytime temperature lies around -4.0°C.

For most of the year, the key to a perfect Finland outfit is layers. Visitors travelling to Hämeenlinna should definitely plan on bringing a warm sweater and winter jacket as well as winter shoes since there will be periods of snow. Also pack warm gloves and warm, preferably windproof hat.

Living with allergies

If you have allergies or special diets, you certainly do not need to worry! Finland and HAMK follow the EU regulations that require certain allergens to be always mentioned in the food tags. For more detailed information, please read here.

Shopping

S-group markets and K-group markets are the two most common supermarket chains in Finland, from which you can shop for everyday groceries. There are also Lidl and Tokmanni. R-kioski is the convenience store chain.

Money and paying

ATM = OTTO or NOSTO. ATMs are available in many central places, and you can withdraw cash with internationally recognised credit cards.

In Finland, the most common method of payment is a debit or credit card. Foreign debit and credit cards can be used in Finland, but it is best to check with your card provider before arriving in Finland.

Healthcare

If you need to visit the pharmacy during your visit, the place is called Apteekki in Finnish. If you need other health services, you can find information here.

Emergency number 112

There is only one emergency number in Finland – 112. Please do not call the emergency number unless you have a genuine emergency for which you need urgent assistance from the authorities (police, paramedics, firefighters, or social services). Please refer to Emergency Response Centre Agency Finland for more detailed information on calling the emergency number. You can also download the 112 Suomi application.

Below you can find options for accommodation in Forssa. Hotels are located in central Forssa, AirBnB options might be located a bit further away in the countryside. Please note that if you book a stay further away, you will need a car to move around.

• Hotel Fabrik
  • The hotel is located in the city center (Hämeentie 7, Forssa), only 0,4 km from the HAMK campus and 0,4 km from the bus station.
• Boutique Hotel Maakunta
  • The hotel is located in the city center (Keskuskatu 12, Forssa), only 0,6 km from the HAMK campus and 0,8 km from the bus station.
• Hotel Koskenniska
  • The hotel is located in the city center (Turuntie 1, Forssa), only 0,5 km from the HAMK campus and 0,8 km from the bus station.
• AirBnB
  • There are some AirBnB apartment options in and around the city, distance to the campus and bus station varies.

Travelling to Forssa

When travelling to Riihimäki, we recommend arriving to the Helsinki-Vantaa Airport for convenience. 

From the Helsinki-Vantaa airport

There is only one daily bus connection between the Helsinki-Vantaa airport and Forssa; you need to change the bus once, and the journey takes about 2 h 40 min. Tickets, fares and routes for Helsinki-Vantaa Airport – Forssa: Matkahuolto https://www.matkahuolto.fi/en

You can also take a regional train or bus from the Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to Helsinki city center and continue your travel by bus from Kamppi bus terminal to Forssa, as there are several connections daily between Helsinki Kamppi and Forssa. 

Information regarding the public transport (HSL) between the airport and Kamppi bus terminal (tickets, fares and routes): HSL, https://www.hsl.fi/en. Tickets, fares and routes for Helsinki Kamppi – Forssa: Matkahuolto https://www.matkahuolto.fi/en

For more flexibility in your travel, you can rent a car for your visit from the Helsinki-Vantaa airport. Please read more about this on their website: Car rentals at the airport. Drive from Helsinki-Vantaa to Forssa takes approximately 1 h 30 min.

Since Forssa has very compact city center, distances between bus station, HAMK campus, hotels, restaurants and convenience stores are around 1-1,5 km. Thus, you will most likely manage to go around by foot during your stay. 

By taxi

However, if you wish to use some transportation when arriving, usually there are taxis waiting at the bus station. You can also call for a taxi from Taksi Häme, +358 200 55 111. 

HAMK wireless visitor network

A wireless visitor network is available in all HAMK campuses.

Tap water

Finland has pure and healthy tap water, which is available almost anywhere free of charge. Tap water in Finland is among the highest quality in the world and needs no treatment in many areas. If you carry your own reusable bottle with you (and hopefully you do), you can fill your own bottle from the tap.

Suitable clothing and footwear

Always check the weather forecast before your trip: Foreca or Finnish Meteorological Institute

The average minimum temperature (usually the minimum temperature is noted during the night) in Hämeenlinna in February is -11.0°C. The average maximum daytime temperature lies around -4.0°C.

For most of the year, the key to a perfect Finland outfit is layers. Visitors travelling to Hämeenlinna should definitely plan on bringing a warm sweater and winter jacket as well as winter shoes since there will be periods of snow. Also pack warm gloves and warm, preferably windproof hat.

Living with allergies

If you have allergies or special diets, you certainly do not need to worry! Finland and HAMK follow the EU regulations that require certain allergens to be always mentioned in the food tags. For more detailed information, please read here.

Shopping

S-group markets and K-group markets are the two most common supermarket chains in Finland, from which you can shop for everyday groceries. There are also Lidl and Tokmanni. R-kioski is the convenience store chain.

Money and paying

ATM = OTTO or NOSTO. ATMs are available in many central places, and you can withdraw cash with internationally recognised credit cards.

In Finland, the most common method of payment is a debit or credit card. Foreign debit and credit cards can be used in Finland, but it is best to check with your card provider before arriving in Finland.

Healthcare

If you need to visit the pharmacy during your visit, the place is called Apteekki in Finnish. If you need other health services, you can find information here.

Emergency number 112

There is only one emergency number in Finland – 112. Please do not call the emergency number unless you have a genuine emergency for which you need urgent assistance from the authorities (police, paramedics, firefighters, or social services). Please refer to Emergency Response Centre Agency Finland for more detailed information on calling the emergency number. You can also download the 112 Suomi application.

All participants to Freezing Week book their own accommodation directly from the hotel/hostel/Airbnb. 

Valkeakoski offers a wide range of accommodation possibilities, from a hotel to farmstays. Some accommodation is in the city center and some further away in the countryside. Please note that if you book a stay further away from the city, you will need a car to move around.  

• Hotel Waltikka 
  • Hotel is located near the city center, 3,5km from the campus. The closest bus stop is 700 meters away (Valkeakosken kauppatori, 8975).  
• Haave Apartments 
  • Found also on Booking.com 
    
    They have apartments both in Tampere and in Valkeakoski, make sure to book your stay in Valkeakoski. 
    
    The apartments are located right in the city center of Valkeakoski, 3km away from the campus. The nearest bus stop is 400 meters away (Valkeakosken kauppatori, 8975). 
• Koivistonpiha farmstay 
  • The farmstay is located in the countryside, 5km away from the Valkeakoski city center and 8,5km away from the campus. Please notice, that if you book this stay, you will need a car to move around. 
• Ilola farm 
  • This farmstay is located in the countryside, 9km away from the campus, 11,5km away from the Valkeakoski city center and 10,5km away from the Akaa city center. 
    
    You can travel to the campus with a bus from bus stops Ilola (9417) or Metsäkansa (9433), but the bus schedule is sparce. It is more convenient to have a car to move around. 
• AirBnB  
  • AirBnB offers some apartment options around the city, and even a sauna boat to rent for the night stay! 

Travelling to Valkeakoski

The nearest airports are Helsinki-Vantaa and Tampere-Pirkkala. You can take a bus to Valkeakoski from both airports. 

Bus connection from Tampere-Pirkkala to Valkeakoski 

There are bus connections between the Tampere-Pirkkala airport and Valkeakoski about once every hour, the last one departing from the airport before 10 PM. Depending on the connection, you need to change the bus about 2 times, and the journey takes about 1h 30min to 1h 50 min.  

The bus stop is right outside the terminal at the airport. The ticket can be purchased from the bus driver or beforehand online. 

Tickets, fares and routes: Nysse https://www.nysse.fi/en/front-page.html / 

Bus connection from Helsinki-Vantaa to Valkeakoski 

There is a bus connection between the Helsinki-Vantaa airport and Valkeakoski once every 2-3 hours. You need to change the bus once, and the journey takes about 1 h 50 min. Express buses to  

Valkeakoski depart right outside the airport terminal. The ticket can be purchased from the bus driver or beforehand online. 

For tickets, fares and routes, please visit Matkahuolto website.

Rental car 

You can rent a car for your visit from both airports. Please read more about this on their websites. Helsinki-Vantaa:  Car rentals at the airport
Tampere-Pirkkala: Car rentals at the airport  

By taxi 

Usually there are taxis waiting at the city center, in front of Koskikara shopping center. In Valkeakoski there is no Uber or Bolt service. You can call for a taxi from Taksi Häme, +358 200 55 111 or Taksipalvelu Kivelä, +358 10 583 3969. 

By bus 

For local buses, fares and routes you can visit Nysse website. The bus lines operating between the campus and the city center are: 44B, 60, 63, 65U, 66 and 68U.  

If you stay at Ilola farm, the bus lines that operate between them and the campus are 66 and 69U. 

HAMK wireless visitor network

A wireless visitor network is available in all HAMK campuses.

Tap water

Finland has pure and healthy tap water, which is available almost anywhere free of charge. Tap water in Finland is among the highest quality in the world and needs no treatment in many areas. If you carry your own reusable bottle with you (and hopefully you do), you can fill your own bottle from the tap.

Suitable clothing and footwear

Always check the weather forecast before your trip: Foreca or Finnish Meteorological Institute

The average minimum temperature (usually the minimum temperature is noted during the night) in Hämeenlinna in February is -11.0°C. The average maximum daytime temperature lies around -4.0°C.

For most of the year, the key to a perfect Finland outfit is layers. Visitors travelling to Hämeenlinna should definitely plan on bringing a warm sweater and winter jacket as well as winter shoes since there will be periods of snow. Also pack warm gloves and warm, preferably windproof hat.

Living with allergies

If you have allergies or special diets, you certainly do not need to worry! Finland and HAMK follow the EU regulations that require certain allergens to be always mentioned in the food tags. For more detailed information, please read here.

Shopping

S-group markets and K-group markets are the two most common supermarket chains in Finland, from which you can shop for everyday groceries. There are also Lidl and Tokmanni. R-kioski is the convenience store chain.

Money and paying

ATM = OTTO or NOSTO. ATMs are available in many central places, and you can withdraw cash with internationally recognised credit cards.

In Finland, the most common method of payment is a debit or credit card. Foreign debit and credit cards can be used in Finland, but it is best to check with your card provider before arriving in Finland.

Healthcare

If you need to visit the pharmacy during your visit, the place is called Apteekki in Finnish. If you need other health services, you can find information here.

Emergency number 112

There is only one emergency number in Finland – 112. Please do not call the emergency number unless you have a genuine emergency for which you need urgent assistance from the authorities (police, paramedics, firefighters, or social services). Please refer to Emergency Response Centre Agency Finland for more detailed information on calling the emergency number. You can also download the 112 Suomi application.