Riihimaki tourist information
Riihimäki is located in the southern part of the historical province of Häme, just a short drive from the major administrative and industrial centers.
Archaeological excavations in recent years have shown, that the area was first populated just after the Ice Age, even as early as 9000 years ago. Prehistorical discoveries indicate that there has hardly been any significant interruption in population since. A village settlement based on agriculture dates from the Middle Ages, but the beginnings of agriculture in the area have not yet been studied in detail.
The name of Riihimäki came common knowledge after the construction of the Helsinki-Hämeenlinna railway, and especially in 1870 when the railway from Helsinki to St-Petersburg was inaugurated. The junction station of Riihimäki served as a rolling-stock maintenance area. In 1910 the Russian administration built a garrison in Riihimäki to secure the railway as part of a defence line running through southern Finland.
In 1919 Riihimäki was formed a densely populated community with its own council and local self-government with a right to assign officials and committees.
In 1922 Riihimäki became a township, and on 1.1.1960 it was given town rights.
In addition to the railway, Riihimäki is famous for its glass making tradition. The tradition of the former glassworks is now continued by crafstman glassblowers in their workshops. The Glass Museum of Finland preserves the 4000-year history of glass making.
In the 20th century the industrial profile of the town was influenced by large factories, such as the Paloheimo sawmill, Riihimäen Lasi glass factory and the Sako arms factory.
Riihimaki aerial map
Please click on any icon on the Riihimaki aerial tourist map, to find close by places, offering hotels and tourist information. You can zoom in and zoom out our touristical map as well as switch between satelite and map view of Riihimaki.
Africa | Asia | Caribbean | Central America | Europe | Middle East | North America | Oceania | South America
