Riihimäki is a town and municipality in southern Finland, located in the Kanta-Häme region about 69 kilometers north of Helsinki and 109 kilometers southeast of Tampere. It serves as a vital railway junction, connecting major lines to Helsinki, Tampere, and Lahti, which has shaped its identity as a transportation hub. Covering a total area of 125.56 square kilometers (121.01 km² land and 4.54 km² water), Riihimäki ranks as the 290th largest municipality in Finland by area but is the 38th most populous, with 28,610 residents as of June 30, 2025. The population density stands at 236.43 inhabitants per square kilometer. Known for its industrial heritage, including glass production and defence-related activities, Riihimäki is evolving into a center for circular economy initiatives and defencetech innovation, blending historical significance with modern economic growth.
Riihimäki’s growth is tied to Finland’s railway development. The town
emerged with the opening of the Riihimäki railway station in 1862, part
of Finland’s first railway line between Helsinki and Hämeenlinna. It
became the country’s first railway junction in 1869 with the
Riihimäki–Saint Petersburg line extending to Lahti. A narrow-gauge
railway to Loppi operated from 1907 to 1952. Riihimäki separated from
Hausjärvi in 1922 as an independent market town and gained city status
in 1960.
In the early 20th century, a cavalry regiment was
established in 1910, followed by the Signal Regiment’s relocation to the
local garrison in 1944, solidifying its military significance. The
Riihimäki Glass company, founded in 1910 and active until 1990, was a
major industrial player, producing iconic designs. This heritage led to
the Finnish Glass Museum’s establishment in 1981, showcasing works by
designers like Tapio Wirkkala. Riihimäki Prison, one of Finland’s
highest-security facilities, has been a fixture since the town’s early
days, housing the country’s most dangerous inmates.
Located in the Tavastia Proper sub-region, Riihimäki is bordered by
Janakkala to the north, Hausjärvi to the east, Hyvinkää to the south,
and Loppi to the west. Its landscape features urban areas, forests, and
small water bodies, typical of southern Finland’s low plains and gentle
hills. Its railway and highway connections enhance accessibility, though
it lacks major natural landmarks like large lakes or mountains.
The
climate is temperate continental, with cold winters (January averages
-5°C to -10°C) and mild summers (July highs of 20–25°C). Precipitation
is moderate year-round, supporting local agriculture and green spaces.
Summer weather can vary, with thunderstorms occasionally moving through,
as seen in late July 2025 toward Hämeenlinna. Seasonal changes influence
outdoor activities and traffic patterns.
As of June 2025, Riihimäki’s population is 28,610, with some estimates reaching 28,835 by July 2025. The density of 236.43 people per square kilometer reflects its urban character. Linguistically, 91.4% speak Finnish, 0.4% Swedish, and 8.1% other languages, indicating a predominantly Finnish-speaking community with increasing diversity. The age distribution includes 15.4% under 15, 61.8% aged 15–64, and 22.8% over 65, showing a balanced but aging population. From 2000 to 2015, the area saw a 36.6% population increase, surpassing regional trends. Proximity to Helsinki attracts commuters, fostering a family-oriented demographic.
Riihimäki’s economy spans manufacturing, logistics, and green
technology. Major employers include Würth Oy (Finnish headquarters and
logistics), Valio (dairy in Herajoki), and Sako (rifle production). The
town is advancing in the circular economy through Fortum’s Circular
Economy Village, processing 100,000 tonnes of municipal waste annually.
Gasum’s €7.5 million biogas plant expansion, completed by May 2025,
boosts bioenergy production.
Defencetech is a growing sector, with
Riihimäki positioning itself as a hub via the DEFINE Accelerator,
supported by Redstone, to scale defence and dual-use startups. Batch 3
of the accelerator begins in August 2025, connecting startups with
military users. The city’s economic stability program targets €4.2
million in savings for 2025–2027, aligning with Finland’s projected 0.5%
GDP growth in 2025. Strong transport links support export-driven
industries, though specific unemployment data is unavailable.
Riihimäki’s cultural life reflects its industrial and artistic heritage. The Finnish Glass Museum, opened in 1981, showcases works by Tapio Wirkkala and hosts the Finnish Glass Biennale from June 5 to 8, 2025. The railway station and Travel Centre are iconic landmarks, while the high-security prison, though not a tourist site, is notable. Community events include the “Block Gigs” music series every Thursday from June 26 to August 14, 2025, starting at 5 p.m. The Riihimäki outdoor swimming pool, with diving towers, slides, and Wibit courses, is a family favorite. Sports events, like the RiPS-PKKU football match on August 1, 2025, at Riihimäen Pallokenttä, strengthen community ties. Schools reverted to paper-based learning in autumn 2024, reducing screen time after a decade of tech focus.
As of August 2025, Riihimäki is enhancing infrastructure and innovation. Road closures on Arolammintie and station streets continue until August 1, 2025, affecting traffic. The DEFINE Accelerator’s Batch 3 launches in August, supporting defencetech startups. A local company’s “mobile fortress” for soldier protection is seeing strong demand in defence exports. Traffic incidents, like a July 14, 2025, accident on Tie 3 toward Helsinki, highlight road challenges. National policies, including student housing allowance changes effective August 2025 and rail disruptions from May 2025, impact residents. Community feedback praises local amenities but notes minor issues, like customer service at Prisma. Riihimäki remains a dynamic hub for defencetech and sustainability in Finland’s evolving economy.