After almost twenty one years, I finally made it to Häme Castle to visit. It is less than an hour away from home, but I have always put it off for some reason or another. Today, there was no excuse, so after a great lunch at a grill restaurant close by, we went to visit the castle, which was surprisingly expensive.

58€ for two adults and a child.

This got us access to the castle, the prison and a military weapon exhibit, which we didn't have time to do today. However, the unused checkmark on the ticket is valid to fill for a full year, so we might have a chance to head back.

I didn't know there was a prison once held here, let alone that it was in operation until 1993. Apparently, it first started getting used as a prison in the 1800s when the castle itself was a prison, but this was later relocated to another building close by.

I don't think life was overly good as a prisoner back in the Russian days at least, with restraint boxes and strict rules to follow. However, under Finnish rule things are quite a bit different these days, with jail for many being more like a 9-5 job, including holidays for inmates, often that allow them to travel outside of the country.

Weird.

Smallsteps didn't mind being in solitary confinement, where apparently one of the main reasons for being sent for a few days, was coming back late or drunk from leave. Yes "leave" from jail.

And the reasons for jail were varied, but just think that this next one is still being debated in many countries, and some don't just jail, they kill those convicted. Drug dealers and murderers get a slap on the wrist, but two consenting adults fucking - they can be put to death.

And of course, there was some prisoner ingenuity put on display, with lots of prison weapons and this tattoo pen made out of whatever they could find.

Want some ink done?

Häme Castle

While we did the tour in English, I felt like I didn't learn anything really interesting about the castle itself. It started getting built in the 1300s, but it isn't like the other medieval castles in central Europe where there were kings and queens living. This was more a barracks for the Swedes and was overseen by rich families, not royalty. It also isn't full of all the accoutrements of fancier castles, which kind of fits the Finnish Lutheran style.

Basic.

At least there was one princess on call:

@galenkp, you didn't miss much with this one - other than the cost.

It was nice to do the tour, even though it wasn't as interesting as it could have been. However, another couple on the tour had two boys that were constantly running around, screaming, shouting and generally being little shits - and their parents said nothing to them. I am glad that Smallsteps isn't like that - she is awesome to travel with. She makes every day better.

Ever been to jail?

Taraz
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