Finland considers Hämeenlinna for new NATO headquarters location

Finland will establish a NATO headquarters, with the exact location to be decided at the ministerial level. Olli-Poika Parviainen, the mayor of Hämeenlinna, has offered the city as a potential candidate for the headquarters.

“We have spent the summer assessing the requirements for such a headquarters and how Hämeenlinna can meet them. Alongside this, we have considered how we can contribute more broadly to our nation,” Parviainen stated.

He hopes that the preparation process for the NATO headquarters will be as transparent as possible, except in areas that involve operational, tactical, or other confidential matters. Parviainen emphasized that Hämeenlinna and the Kanta-Häme region provide strong logistics, location, functionality, and framework for diverse headquarters operations. He noted that the city was already recommended as the site for the army headquarters in 2004 for similar reasons.

Hämeenlinna is reportedly Finland’s best logistical location and ranks among the best in the Nordic countries. It is less than an hour from two international airports and is close to several ports. The city also has quick connections to Finland’s largest urban areas and boasts a key telecommunications position. Parviainen added that Hämeenlinna’s position is strategically favorable for headquarters-type activities.

Hämeenlinna is part of the North Sea-Baltic transport corridor, ensuring Finland’s supply security, and is actively involved in the Define project led by the city of Riihimäki. The proximity of the tank brigade, various defense sector functions, training areas, and a strong defense industry presence make it a suitable garrison city, Parviainen noted, highlighting the many advantages this expansion could bring to both NATO and the Finnish Defense Forces.

The city is equipped with adaptable and secure facilities that can accommodate meetings and conferences. Parviainen also pointed out that Hämeenlinna is known for being family-friendly, offering exceptional cultural environments, over 150 sports clubs, its own employment services, and a new central hospital nearing completion. The city features an international university of applied sciences, excellent educational conditions, and pathways for early childhood and primary education in English and Swedish.