Hanko - the southernmost city of Finland and just two hours from Helsinki . Hanko is considered the main seaside resort of the country . It is located on the peninsula of the same name, where travelers are expected 130 km of coastline, of which 30 are sandy beaches . Many Finns move to Hanko for the summer from larger cities . Of course, it's unlikely that anyone will go to Suomi for the sake of beach holidays . But Hanko and its surroundings are interesting for tourists from Russia also thanks to the history . Russian name of the Hanko - Gangu Peninsula t, and many remember this word from school: in 1714 g . in the Battle of Gangut, Peter I scored a decisive victory over the Swedish army, which determined the victory of the Russians in the Northern War . Thus, the character of Hanko is twofold: on the one hand , a city with a rich military history; on the other, with the glory of a beach and secular resort where wealthy families once rested. .
How to get to Hanko
Hanko is located about 120 km from Helsinki and 140 km from Turku. The most convenient way to get here by car. There is also an option to get there by train from Karisa (about 40 minutes on the way).
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A bit of history
The first fortress on the peninsula was built at the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries . And the city of Hanko itself was founded in 1874 ., and soon here as a resort the Russian nobility traveled enthusiastically . Until now, the phrase "sweet life in Hanko, "she described beautifully the carefree and lazy luxury with endless animated tricks that were arranged here . But the city was by no means just a" useless "resort for the pampered rich: a port was opened here, which allowed to transport cargo to the capital of the Russian Empire by sea even in winter, when other ports of Finland were still icebound . In the beginning of the 20th century the port was used only for military needs . And after the end of the Finnish war in 1940, . USSR rented Hanko in order to keep the Navy base here .
During the Second World War, the base was attacked by German troops, to which the Finnish units later joined. Hanko desperately defended for almost six months, until the end of 1941, after which the defenders were taken by sea to Leningrad. The defense had a strong impact on the architectural appearance of the city, although Hanko was rebuilt almost completely later.
Hanko Entertainment, Tours and Attractions
Hanko has preserved many buildings built at the very beginning of its history: wooden villas, noble houses with richly trimmed stilts and balustrades. They can be admired in the southern part of the city. By the same period of construction is a small wooden Orthodox church. Mary Magdalene, built in 1888, and the casino is once the center of the secular life of the resort city.
- Take a picture of the beautiful lighthouse Russare, the "eye of Hanko."
- Walk around "The path of Love" in the very center of the city, to admire the fantastic view of the sea and at the same time see the "diabolical butter" in the rocks.
- Admire the numerous yachts in the marina. Hanko is an excellent place for sailing, and every year up to 10 thousand yachts moor to the harbor.
Those who go here for the sake of immersion in history, must visit two interesting museums. The first is the Museum of the Front, which is located not in the city itself, but on the road here, on an isthmus in a narrow part of the peninsula. Today's museum stands in the place where once there were battles, and you can view its exposition only in the summer season. The collection of the museum also includes facilities on its territory and military equipment. The second museum, the Fortress, is located on Nikanderinkat and stands on the restored Swedish fortifications of the 18th century.
The historical Gangut fortress of the early 19th century served as an apple of discord for several years and was eventually destroyed half a century after construction, during the Crimean War - got to the enemies. From Fort Gustafsvorn there were ruins that can be seen from Hanko to the south.
Visiting card Hanko - water tower, which rises 65 m above sea level and thanks to this was used as a beacon. In addition, the tower, built of red brick in 1943, housed the city clock and the coat of arms of Hanko. In the summer season, you can climb to the top of the tower to view the whole peninsula and the Baltic.
Next to the tower is a Protestant church built in 1892 - perhaps the most impressive building in Hanko today. The Neo-Gothic church was rebuilt after the last war and assumed its present appearance since 1973. Together with the red tower, these two dominants of the urban landscape look somewhat unexpected, especially from the sea.
The oil warehouse building in Western Harbor was built in 1909, when Hanko became the main port for the export of butter. The stone walls were made of local red granite, and the whole structure was given special durability. At the very beginning of the 21st century the building was turned into a passenger terminal for high-speed ferries, the administration of the harbor and a nice restaurant are also located here. The former warehouse is considered one of the historical city attractions.
Beautiful wooden villas of the spa park were built in the late 19th century. Designed by the rather well-known architects of the time, the villas are very decorative due to the decoration. Some of today's guesthouses and restaurants are open.
Book popular Hanko hotels at the best prices
| Villa Lundmark from 6,823 rubles Hanko Kulmakatu 11 A | Hotel Villa Maija from 6,548 RUB Hanko Appelgrenintie 7 | Hotel Bulevard from 4,136 rubles Hanko Bulevardi 8 |
Hanko Neighborhood
In the southernmost point of continental Finland is the nature reserve Udskatan, founded in 1990 In summer you can go here from Hanko with an excursion. On the territory of the reserve, there is a circular hiking trail with a length of about 7 km. About 270 species of birds live here, and explanatory plaques with information about the flora and fauna of the reserve are on the route.
There are many large and small islands near the peninsula. The closest of them are Hauensuoli, a scatter of half a thousand and more rocks in the sea, which look quite picturesquely from the boat. Far away is the island lighthouse Bengtskor, the highest in the whole of Scandinavia. In the summer, excursions are sent to the lighthouse. Also curious is the lighthouse of Gustafsvorn on a small island 3 km south-west of Hanko
Photo by Hanko (4)