The Parola Armour Museum — Attraction in Hämeenlinna sub-region

Review based on one visit.

Located about 110 km north of Helsinki in Hattula, the Parola Armour Museum offers an extensive collection of roughly 70 tanks, 40 anti‑tank weapons, plus a full armoured train, largely unique within Europe. The only surviving BT‑42 assault gun, one of only two T‑50 light tanks left globally, and the only known BA‑10 armoured car in existence can be seen here.

The indoor exhibition halls cover Finnish post‑WWI armoured unit origins, WW2 conflicts, Cold War and modern developments, with gear, medals, uniforms, and personal stories of Finnish service members. The outdoor hillside exhibits are protected by shell shelters and display retired tanks in realistic condition—some rusted, others restored. Recommended visit duration: 1.5 to 3 hours to explore indoor halls, outdoor exhibits,...

"Must go" for everyone who is interested in military, especially tanks. Museum isn't super big, but after visiting few similar open air museums in Poland I'm impressed by way how exhibition is prepared, described, and protected against elements (maybe the train may undergo some cleaning and roof). I had a nice chat with one of the staff members in Russian, which is kind of unusual in Finland. Part of the machines is still in the drivable condition an are presented while moving. It seems to be accessible for the disabled. Minuses - IT is open air museum, so in the winter time it is good to be prepared and have warm clothes. Opening hours are also shorter, so you must be early enough. I think also that car is necessary - public transport seems...

It was a very pleasant surprise for me to see how big the place is and how much you have to see. The museum is big and you can easily spent a lots of time until you see all the tanks. The place is full of history and what is awesome is the fact that you can actually climb on two tanks, I found that a unique experience, to actually walk on top of a tank. When I visited the museum they had the Tiger II in there, a quite impressive a beautiful machine. I recommend the museum with all my heart, it's a beautiful place. P.S. They have even a simulator for artillery, you can shoot tanks (of course virtual) with an real piece of artillery. Thank you very much Parola Tank Museum! I had a very good experience and I will come...