Hamina - the small circular town
Discover the rich history of Hamina and immerse yourself in the distinctive charm of the small town with its circular city plan within the fortress and international historical significance.
From the lively Market Square and the old cozy wooden houses to the garrison and bustling small boat harbor, Hamina invites you to explore its unique features. Indulge in a local culinary experience, savor mouthwatering pastries in historic cafes, and unwind in atmospheric restaurants after an active day exploring Hamina’s vibrant offerings.
Distance from port to city centre
5 km
Distance from city to airport
126 km
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On your way along the coast of the Gulf of Finland, your adventures will take you to the small, circular world-class town Hamina. Behind the gates of the old wooden city houses, you are going get to dive into the fascinating past of the fortress town Hamina (est. 1753) with all its amazing historic characters. Experience the old-world city-life, enjoy the historical cafeterias, taste the local cuisine and take a short walk around to get to know the unique circular town and its famous star-shaped fortress. Combine your experience with the lush forests, country life, Kymijoki River and archipelago nearby.
Enjoy and have a relish of the cozy lifestyle and friendly people.
Hamina welcomes you all seasons!
Must See & Do
The Fortress Trail
The Fortress Trail offers several notable spots that highlight the town’s rich history and scenic beauty. Here are some of the best spots along the trail: Hamina Bastion, Vyborg Gate, Reserve Officer School Park, Town Hall Square, Kesäpuisto Park, Japanese-style Garden at Bastion Hämeenlinna, Kirkko-järvi Lake.
These spots make the Fortress Trail a memorable experience in combining history, culture, and natural beauty.
Hamina Old Town
Hamina Old Town is offers unique charm and rich history. Key highlights:
Circular Town Plan: Hamina is renowned for its rare circular town plan, designed in the 18th century. In the center of this circle stands the Town Hall, from which streets radiate outwards
The Old Town is filled with colorful wooden houses, museums, churches, boutiques, and cafés.
The Merchant's House
The Merchant’s House in Hamina is a museum that offers a glimpse into the life and traditions of Finnish-Russian merchants in the early 20th century. Key highlights:
Historical Significance: The museum showcases the lifestyle and business practices of local merchants, reflecting the cultural and economic history of Hamina and documents that illustrate the daily life and trade activities of the time
A great place to visit when you’re interested in history and want to learn more about the local heritage.
Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Cathedral
A must-visit for anyone interested in architecture, history, or religious sites.
The most significant architectural feature of the Cathderal (built in 1837), is its Neoclassical style with Byzantine influences, and reflects the historical and cultural influences present in Hamina during the 19th century.
The interiors reflect the Cathedral’s historical and architectural significance.
Tervasaari Boat Harbour
Tervasaari Boat Harbour is a notable area in Hamina, located just about a kilometer from the town center. It’s a vibrant spot known for its recreational possibilities.
It’s a great place to visit when you’re looking to enjoy some outdoor activities or explore the local history.
Museum Street
Museum Street in Hamina is a historic street that stretches from the Town Hall. This approximately 500-meter-long street is rich in history and features 15 significant venues. Each site has informative signs, and many have QR codes for additional information. The street is easy to navigate and accessible, making it a great way to delve into the rich history of Hamina.
Shore Excursion Examples
Sightseeing
Behind the gates of the old wooden city houses, you are diving into the fascinating past of the fortress town Hamina (est. 1753). Experience the old-world city-life and take a short walk around to get to know the unique circular town and its famous star-shaped fortress. You will also be able to visit the St. Peter and Paul Cathedral, the Town Museum and an old Merchant’s House built in 1841, guests can step into the old shop and explore the daily lives of artisans who once inhabited these quarters, where every corner echoes with the spirit of a bygone era.
Active & Wellness
Inhale the power of the fast-flowing and unspoilt Kymijoki River. As you travel down the river, you will experience at close hand some of the miracles that the wild river has to offer. The free-flowing stream, peaceful inlets, trees hanging over the river, fishermen waiting for their catches, idyllic fields and the vibrant sounds of nature. Enjoy a delicious local taste by the riverside made over the campfire. This is a ‘back to nature’ experience that you absolutely have to try.
Archipelago Adventure
You will be taken to the Island of Ulko-Tammio, which is located on the outskirts of the National Park of the Gulf of Finland. As the island does not have any inhabitants, you have a splendid opportunity to familiarize with the archipelago nature when walking along the trails, sitting on the cliffs and looking out from the lookout tower. When climbing up to the lookout tower, you will notice that on top of watching birds you also have a clear view to the Russian side of the Finnish-Russian border.
Cooking class - how to cook a traditional local archipelago dinner
You will be taken a private owned island, located in the eastern part of the Finnish Gulf. In the atmospheric fishermen’s village, you will learn how to prepare and enjoy a traditional Finnish archipelago dinner. The cooking class is conducted by the owners who are specialized in making local dishes of local organic produce, topped with freshly picked vegetables grown on the island.
Nature
After a 30-minute-long coach ride through the rural and forest landscapes, you will arrive at the all-season suitable Valkmusa National Park.
The park is known for its extensive marshland and natural open swamps. You can experience the beauty of the swamps through all your senses seeing the vibrant colors of the mosses, hearing the calls of migratory birds, smelling the fresh air, and even tasting the cranberries and bilberries that grow there. You can also look out for wetland birds and fluttering endangered marshland butterflies, especially in spring and summer.
Activities include hiking, bird watching, and skiing in the winter. There is a marked circular trail with duckboards about 2.5 kilometers long, featuring a nature observation tower.
Annual Events
The Amazing Arktika
- Early June and September
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Witness the migration of Arctic water and shore birds from their winter homes in western and northern Europe into their nesting areas by the Arctic Sea and in the north European and Siberian tundra.
The Military Music Festival - Hamina Tattoo
- August
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When July turns into August, Hamina kicks off the international military music festival known as Hamina Tattoo (every second equal year).
Kotka Maritime Festival
- End of July
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During the last weekend of July, Kotka becomes the scene of one of the most popular town festivals in Finland.
Ready to Elevate Your Travel Offerings? Let’s Bring Hamina to Your Clients!
Contact us for more detailed destination information, shore excursion opportunities and promotional materials or images. We are here to help you sell the destination!
Petra Cranston
Project Manager Cruise Business
Ready to Elevate Your Travel Offerings? Let’s talk more about Hamina.
Contact us for more detailed destination information, shore excursion opportunities and promotional materials or images. We are here to help you sell the destination!
