Linna

Linna is one of Scandinavia’s finest golfing resorts, and one that dates back more than a century to its origins. Today, it is part of the European Tour Destination portfolio, with a beautiful tree-lined golf course and accommodation in the form of apartments and villas, along with rooms in the 20th Century castle and manor house. 

The castle and manor house were constructed in 1924 by Carl Wilhelm Rosenlew, with the gardens being designed by landscape architect Bengt Schalin. Now, the manor house and the horse stables both house accommodation for guests of the resort, with a range of unique a beautifully appointed rooms available. There are also villas and apartments, all of which overlook the stunning 18-hole golf course, for those guests looking for a more private stay during their time in Hameenlinna. 

That golf course has been named Finland’s best in recent years, and at its longest, it pushes past 7,200 yards. The layout winds its way through the Finnish forests around an hour north of the nation’s capital, and has sand and water galore to keep you on your toes. Despite the freezing winters, the course is immaculate throughout the calendar year. The venue is also home to a marvellous driving range and short game facility, perfect for honing your skills before taking to the course. 

Visit Linna’s website here.

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Over the last few years, Linna has been named as Finland’s best, and it is easy to see why. Tree-lined fairways which are immaculately presented, plenty of bunkers and even the occasional water hazard, Linna will test every aspect of your game. Play well, though, and there also some great chances to score! Tim Lobb designed the golf course, but amazingly, he only designed 17 holes of it... The 15th hole was designed by South African Dave Simpson, who won a competition in a magazine! Name another course where that has happened? 

The course runs in two out-and-back loops, giving golfers the opportunity to just play nine holes. The front nine sits on the eastern side of the property, with the back nine on the west, and with the closing hole overlooking Lake Katumajarvi. From the championship tees, it is a course that extends past the 7,200-yard mark. Thankfully, there are several teeing options available, with the yellows coming in at 6,500 yards. 

Water comes into play on a number of holes, most notably at 9, 14 and 15. The 9th green juts out into the water, meaning that anything short or left of the putting surface with your approach will be in trouble. The 14th, a 400-yard par 4, features a large lake on the left of the fairway and green, so right is the miss. The green is large, though, and with a solid drive, it is easily makeable. 15 of the second of the par 3s on the back nine, and the water comes into play off the tee, with a large hazard down the right side. Another stream runs across the fairway some 100 yards from the hole, and will get in the way of your lay-up. Work out your distances correctly, and it is a birdie chance, though!

The Hotel Vanajan Linna is located on the same estate as Linna Golf, and offers accommodation for guests of the resort in the form of rooms in a 1900s manor house. There are more than 30 unique rooms in the main building, and more than 80 rooms in total across the estate. 

Manor House 

The main building on the estate is the manor house, with the majority of the rooms in the building being based in the Kreivila and Pehtoorilai Wings – once housing the estate’s employees. 

Today, the Manor House at the Hotel Vanajin Linna has a selection of 34 uniquely designed rooms, with Standard and Superior Rooms, along with Suites, all available. All rooms in the major house are beautifully appointed and in keeping with the early 1900s style, and every option in the manor house comes with a double bed as standard. 

Ratsula Building 

The Ratsula served as the horse stables during Rosenlew’s time at the venue, and today, like the manor house, it is home to a selection of glorious rooms. The Ratsula is situated next to the golf club, around 300 metres from the main buildings of the castle.  

22 individual rooms make up the accommodation offering at the Ratsula, and like the main building, there are Standard and Superior Rooms available, with the latter also having their own saunas. The Ratsula also has a Studio Room, which has a double bed and much more – the most luxurious option in the building. 

Golf Suites 

Vanajan Linna also has 16 glorious Golf Suites, which all overlook the 18-hole layout. Each of the 16 Golf Suites are named after famous golfing venues around the world, and they are incredibly luxurious. Both the Club and Grand varieties have multiple bedrooms and their own private saunas. 

Apartments & Villas 

Finally, there are also 11 cozy apartments and villas on the property as well. They range from one- to three-bedroom apartments, along with the VanajanLinna Villas, a range of two-bedroom villas which overlook the golf course. Residents staying in both of the apartments and villas have free access to all of the hotel’s restaurants and facilities.

Where is Linna located?  

Linna is situated in the heart of the south of Finland. It sits on the banks of Lake Katumajarvi, just outside the city of Hameenlinna. Linna is almost next to two of the main highways in the region, with the E12 running north-south (and all the way through to Mo i Rana in the north of Norway), and the 10, which runs east-west. The resort is based around 120km north of both Espoo and Helsinki, the latter being the nation’s capital city.

What is the nearest airport to Linna?

The nearest international airport to Linna is also the nation’s largest international airport – that of Helsinki. The airport services the nation’s capital, and it is around 100km to the south of the resort. Turku Airport is also within 150km of Linna, situated to the southwest of Finland.

What golf facilities does Linna offer?

Along with the splendid 18-hole golf course, Linna is also home to a full-length driving range, which sits to the right side of the opening hole. There is also a short game area and a large putting green, the latter next to the clubhouse, to allow players to hone their skills on the surface before taking to the course.

Does Linna offer golf lessons?

The venue is home to the Anssi Kankkonen Golf Academy, with coaching and tuition packages available on site, all of which make the most of the world-class practice facilities at Linna.

What are the green fees at Linna?

The price of a green fee at Linna changes throughout the year, depending on the season. It is also different depending on whether it is a weekday or weekend.

For more information on current green fees at Linna, visit their website here.

What accommodation is on offer at Linna?

There is a wide range of choice when it comes to accommodation at the Finnish resort. Both the manor house and the Ratsula Building have rooms that range from Standard to Superior, the former also have a couple of Suites as well. There are also Golf Suites and Grand Suites which overlook the golf course, along with a selection of apartments.

Are there any other venues on the NCG Top 100s: European Resorts list nearby?

Linna is one of two Finnish venues on the NCG Top 100s: European Resorts list. The other – Kytaja – sits around 65km to the south of the resort, halfway between Linna and the capital city of Helsinki. After that, you’re looking at more than a 1,000km trip to the south of Sweden, to either Barseback or The National...