All About Hanko
Hanko has been an unofficial port of call due to its sheltered nature since the late 13th century. However, it wasn’t until 1873 that the port officially came to life, leading to Hanko getting awarded city status a year later by the Emperor of Russia, Alexander I. Hanko’s centralized location made it a much-desired town over the centuries resulting in wars and fortifications by the Swedes and Russians. The city became a part of Finland in 1917 but momentarily returned to Russian control from 1939 to 1941.
Tourism, the port, and industrialization form the three pillars of Hanko’s continued economic progress over the past few decades. Developed as a spa town in the early 20th century, Hanko now attracts a diverse set of tourists who visit the city to enjoy and discover its sandy beaches, museums, fascinating history, and natural beauty.
Routes and Ferries to Hanko
Among the more leisurely and convenient ways to reach Hanko is by ferry. Stena Line operates seven sailings a week between Nynäshamn in Sweden and Hanko. Tickets for the 14-hour journey start at €70. The highlight of purchasing ferry tickets to Hanko is that the boats sail overnight, leaving around 20:00 and reaching the city by 10:00 in the morning. Moreover, ferries have both cabins and comfortable seats. However, passengers taking the boat must be traveling with a vehicle. You can check Ferryscanner for real-time schedules on this route and book your ferry tickets to Hanko in advance.
The city of Hanko is roughly equidistant from Turku and Helsinki airports. Turku Airport caters to mainly domestic and a few international flights. Whereas Helsinki Airport is the busiest in the country, connecting to over 80 destinations. It takes approximately two hours from the airports to reach Hanko by car or bus. Those wishing to travel by rail can take trains from Helsinki or Turko to Karis, followed by a commuter train to Hanko.
Port of Hanko
The southernmost harbor in Mainland Finland is the Port of Hanko, which lies at the strategic location where the Baltic Sea converges with the Gulf of Finland. Moreover, the port has direct access to the Gulf of Bothnia, and thus, its position on several maritime trade routes adds to its significance.
The Port of Hanko has three commercial harbors. The Western and Outer harbors cater to over 1500 container and cargo vessels annually. Forest industry export, car import, and containers are the three primary cargos that make for the bulk of trade at the docks. The recently developed Koverhar harbor, where most passengers with ferry tickets to Hanko arrive, is about 15km from the city. The terminal here has basic facilities such as a ticket office and toilets with transport options to the center.
The Eastern Harbor of the port is home to HSF Marina, one of the biggest in Finland. Here you’ll find an 81m pier, restaurants, a sauna, and space for 220 boats to dock. Located close to the center of Hanko, the marina stays in demand from June to August.
Best Beaches of Hanko
Hanko’s edge of the land location blesses it with a beautiful 130km shoreline, of which 30km accounts for glorious sandy beaches. It is no surprise then that tourists and locals visit the many beaches of Hanko come summer, all set to bask in the city’s coastal treasures.
Tulluddsstranden
If you plan to hit a beach as soon as you arrive with ferry tickets to Hanko, Talluddsstranden is the best option. A short walk from the port, this lengthy shoreline has sandy and grassy sections. The water here tends to be deep and good to swim, but one should remain cautious if visiting with children. The beach has a nudist area at the far end and is popular with kitesurfers on windy days. There aren’t many amenities at Tulluddsstraden, but you will come across trademark red fishermen’s huts, a café, parking, and a jogging path.
Hangon uimaranta
A 20-minute walk from the town center, Hangon is a sheltered bay with clean, shallow water, ideal for kids. Among the most popular beaches in Hanko, it offers unique amenities, such as a carousel in the water for kids to swing and jump. During summer, families can enjoy the bouncy castle in the sea for €15 per hour. A lively spot for sunbathing, on-site amenities at Hangon include wooden changing huts, a restaurant, toilets, and parking.
Bellevustranden
The nature-centric Bellevue beach is only a five-minute drive from Hanko center. The family-friendly sandy strand offers clean and shallow entry into a calm sea, while the pine trees in the background provide shade on sunny days. The beach comes with all basic facilities, like portable toilets, beach huts for changing, and a couple of cafes to help you stay hydrated in between sunbathing sessions.
Slaktis uimaranta
The small sandy strip of Slaktis lies on the city’s western coast and is one of the best beaches in Hanko to enjoy the sunset. What makes it even more appealing is the shallow water apt for families with little kids, plenty of parking, and proximity to the center. Additionally, the beach has toilets, changing huts, and barbeque areas to make your day under the sun convenient and enjoyable.
Lappohja Beach
A 25-minute drive northeast of downtown Hanko takes you to the long and natural Lappohja beach. An idyllic spot to relax and spend time with family and friends, dunes give this beach with a sandy seabed a scenic disposition. The water stays relatively shallow next to the shore, but kids can use the pontoon to jump into the sea. There aren’t many amenities at Lappohja, except for a couple of changing rooms and a volleyball court.
Things To Do Around Hanko
For a small town, Hanko has surprisingly abundant cultural, historical, and entertaining attractions for visitors. From playing disc golf or watching a movie in a 1946-built cinema to the Hanko Regatta in July and awe-inspiring hiking trails, excursions in Hanko are ideal for a weekend break or an extended summer vacation in the city.
Visit Pike’s Gut
Located in a narrow strait between the nearby islands of Kobben and Tullholmen is Hauensuoli or Pike’s Gut, one of the most significant maritime findings in the region. The creek, once used by sailors to safeguard their boats during stormy weather, has on display over 600 carvings of names, dates, and coats of arms from the 15th to the 17th century. Known as the ‘guestbook of the archipelago’, a guided tour of this fascinating site in July and August is one of the essential things to do in Hanko.
Walk the Love Path on Puistovuoret
A mostly tree-lined nature trail starting from Hanko Casino, the Love Path is a scenic 1.5km long coastal walk built in the 19th century for spa guests. Offering mesmerizing Baltic Sea panoramas, the walk is an unmissable opportunity to take in the gorgeousness of Hanko’s natural surroundings. Moreover, the gentle trail hides amid its route several age-old findings, from machinegun bunkers to natural passages made by flowing water thousands of years ago.
Shop at Hanko Markets
Some might say that Hanko is a bona fide market town, and they wouldn’t be wrong in their observation. The city hosts year-round farmer’s markets every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday near the train station. Although small, these markets are the primary source for locals to buy fresh produce for the week. During summer, the Western Harbor is the location of the Wednesday and Friday markets. Attended by locals and tourists alike, the markets are abuzz with activity, allowing visitors to buy fresh seafood, vegetables, souvenirs, and handicrafts. While at the market, don’t miss out on Eastern Habor’s culinary offerings, which range from restaurants to cafes and food trucks.
Stop by the Museums in Hanko
The city has two museums that ought to be on your things to do in Hanko checklist. The Hangö Frontmuseum is an indoor-outdoor war museum with permanent exhibits from 1939 to 1941. On display here are photos, maps, uniforms, and weapons. You can also take the 1km War Path from the museum or visit the Irma Bunker by appointment. On the other hand, Hanko Museum is a collection of artifacts, household items, clothing, photos, and other objects from in and around the city. Opened in 1909, the museum exhibitions are on show in an 18th-century brick and stone building that is also one of the city’s oldest constructions.
Go Up Hanko’s Water Tower
Hanko Water Tower, with its red façade, is one of the most significant buildings on the city’s skyline. Designed by Finnish designer Bertel Liljequist, the granite tower was completed in 1943. Every summer, tourists can take the elevator to the observation deck of the 48m high spaceship-like building for stunning 360° views of Hanko. Entry ticket for Hanko Water Tower is roughly €5.
Transportation Around Hanko
Passengers traveling with ferry tickets to Hanko experience the beauty of the surrounding archipelago as they arrive and depart the city. However, boat rentals are available in the summer if you wish to sail around the islands on your own schedule.
On land, Hanko is a small city and fun to wander about on foot. At the same time, renting a bicycle is a practical and quick way to go from one place to another, especially during the Hangon Regatta when the city gets crowded beyond the limit.
Taxis are available but expensive if you travel long distances. Instead, if you have time, make use of the local bus services, or else, rent a car. Surprisingly, parking in Hanko is not an issue. Moreover, a vehicle allows you to drive beyond city limits and visit nearby attractions or cities like Turku, Espoo, and the capital Helsinki, all roughly two hours away.
User Account