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Hamina
The World-Class Little Hamina Town
The charming old houses of Hamina all have fascinating histories of the colorful past inhabitants, merchants, officers, and artists. At the heart of the circular town plan you will discover churches in various architectural styles and museums introducing the colorful characters who once lived in this world-class small town.
Meet the star-shaped fortress town, unique on a global scale, within the ramparts. Find the interesting attractions teeming with history – these are all within walking distance from each other in the Fortress.
Become enchanted by the idyllic wooden houses and visit the churches and museums representing various architectural styles, located adjacent to each other. See the flags flying in the Flag Park.
Visit Tervasaari to admire the sea, and to smell the salty water. Or why not deviate to an excursion outside the town centre to the beautiful countryside and archipelago.
Throughout centuries, Hamina has been a meeting place between the East and West, and it has been located alternately on both sides of the national frontier. This is where the land and sea meet each other; in the winter intertwined in snow, and in the summer the waves caress the seaside sand and the rocky shores of the archipelago.
This is where the history of the unique circular centre of Hamina with its fortress meets the beautiful countryside, which offers its fresh and pure local produce to the active Market Place. This is where happy people meet each other – in the sunny streets and festivals of a summer’s day, on the trekking paths in the peace and quiet of the natural environment, and in the autumn and winter events filled with a special atmosphere.
In co-operation with Visit Kotka-Hamina, we welcome You to Hamina!
Meet the star-shaped fortress town, unique on a global scale, within the ramparts. Find the interesting attractions teeming with history – these are all within walking distance from each other in the Fortress.
Become enchanted by the idyllic wooden houses and visit the churches and museums representing various architectural styles, located adjacent to each other. See the flags flying in the Flag Park.
Visit Tervasaari to admire the sea, and to smell the salty water. Or why not deviate to an excursion outside the town centre to the beautiful countryside and archipelago.
Throughout centuries, Hamina has been a meeting place between the East and West, and it has been located alternately on both sides of the national frontier. This is where the land and sea meet each other; in the winter intertwined in snow, and in the summer the waves caress the seaside sand and the rocky shores of the archipelago.
This is where the history of the unique circular centre of Hamina with its fortress meets the beautiful countryside, which offers its fresh and pure local produce to the active Market Place. This is where happy people meet each other – in the sunny streets and festivals of a summer’s day, on the trekking paths in the peace and quiet of the natural environment, and in the autumn and winter events filled with a special atmosphere.
In co-operation with Visit Kotka-Hamina, we welcome You to Hamina!
Juuri sitä parasta
Kohokohtia
Cicular Town Plan of Hamina
History & Architecture
Sometimes it is good just to wander around. In the old town of Hamina, this happens even without planning, due to its circular town plan. The plan dates back to the beginning of 1720 when the town of Hamina was under Swedish rule. The town plan was based on a Renaissance ideal circular shape and this decision was highly influenced by the town being situated within a star-shaped bastion fortress. Located in the middle of the plan is the center of the city administration, the Town Hall, from which start eight radial streets.
The Monumental Flag and Flag world
History & Architecture
The world’s largest, 486 square meter flag of Finland was hoisted to Europe’s highest, the 100-meter flagpole in 2019 celebrating the independence of Finland. The Flag is a joint gift of foreign states to the Republic and the people of Finland. The large Blue Cross flag is an attraction, which highlights the particular nature of the Finnish people, but in a spirit that respects diversity and a sense of community. The largest Finnish flag will be in 365 days a year, but on stormy winds, it can be pulled down. The flag is part of the Flag World.
Hamina Bastion - Central Bastion
History & Architecture
The Central Bastion built in 1803-1811 is the largest bastion in the fortress of Hamina. Its 58 casemates, i.e. masonry vaults, were originally designed as explosion-proof storage facilities. Today, the Central Bastion is the event arena Hamina Bastion, which is covered by the largest canopy in Europe for the summer. The terraced stands can accommodate as many as 3,000 spectators. The vaults are equipped with modern technology, complete with restaurants and showrooms.
Shopkeeper's Museum
History & Architecture
Completed in 1841, the wooden building housing the Shopkeeper's Museum is of high value in terms of its cultural history. The museum presents Finnish-Russian retailing traditions from the early 1900s. The most recent yard buildings date from the 1870s. The house was opened as a museum in the late 1970s. Visitors can see what an old-fashioned Finnish shop looked like at the beginning of the 20th century, when Finland was still an autonomous part of the Russian Empire, and how craftsmen spent their everyday lives in their homes and yards.
Portimo Nature Trails
Wildlife & Nature
The Portimo hiking trail is a network of paths in Husula, Kannusjärvi and Kitula north of Hamina. The routes of varying lengths are marked with blue dots in the forest and with signposts at intersections. The sceneries range from beautiful lake and pond views to fine sand ridges, rugged pine forests and beautiful countryside. Starting places include the sports centre in Ruissalo, Vehkalinna in Husula, Vehkarinne in Kannusjärvi and Kisapirtti in Kitula. There are two lean-tos and a lookout tower along the trails.
Tämä reitti kulkee kohteen läpi
Reitin varrella
The surroundings of Kotka and Hamina has a comprehensive range of places to visit for history enthusiasts. Alternatively, you can enjoy the nature in the marine archipelago scenery, by the Kymijoki rapids or in the Valkmusa National Park, which offers magnificent Finnish scenery. There is a lot to experience nearby!
3 - 5 days
