Hanko

The Gulf of Finland is regarded as beginning at the Hanko peninsula. To the west are the Archipelago Sea (by the coast) and the main basin of the Baltic Sea.

As the Hanko peninsula must be passed by all coastal traffic, it was already an important stopover during the Viking Age. It was chartered as a town in 1874; a railway had been built; Hanko was to be a winter port for Finland and Saint Petersburg since the open sea off the peninsula freezes late. The following year a spa was built, and Hanko became a resort town, with many Russian guests. Finland was then part of the Russian Empire. The casino and the richly ornamented wooden houses of Hanko date from this time. The town developed industry, too.

When Finland became independent in 1917 and the Russian aristocracy suffered due to the revolution, the Russian tourists disappeared. After the Winter War, 1939–1940, the peninsula was leased to the Soviet Union as military base, as demanded by the peace treaty. The border was heavily fortified and manned, and plans for a decisive strike were made on both sides at the start of the Continuation War, but actual battles were minor and the Soviets retreated in 1941. Scattered fortifications remain, and there is a museum on the Hanko Front.

The town remains a major port for international trade, retains its industrial base, and has revived its role as a summer resort. The Hanko Regatta draws a huge crowd, both people participating or interested in the regatta, and those coming just because others are (called Regattasvansen, "the Regatta tail"), some of the latter causing a bit of trouble around the town.

The tip of the peninsula serves as a stopover point for migratory birds crossing the Gulf of Finland and, hence, hosts much birdwatching.

By train or by bus:

All trains between Helsinki and Turku stop in Karis (Finnish: Karjaa), and most connect to a regional train between Karis and Hanko (leaving from track 1, a bit off). There are also some regional 'H' trains from Helsinki to Hanko (stopping at track 4 in Karis, despite the sign at the platform – trust the display instead), and coaches from Helsinki; timetables from VR and Matkahuolto respectively. In the summer the Helsinki–Turku services might be suspended because of track works, possibly with regional trains from Riihimäki instead. Permanent passenger services have been suggested (as the line was electrified), but there are no decisions on it as of 2026.

1 Hanko railway station (Hangon rautatieasema/Hangö). No services. (updated Aug 2020)

The trains stop also at 2 Lappohja (Lappvik) and 3 Hanko pohjoinen (Hangö norra).

By car:

Highway 25 comes in from Lohja via Karis and Ekenäs of Raseborg.

The town is a 1.5-hr drive from Helsinki, making it suitable for a day trip. Use the motorway (highway 1, E18) to Lohja or highway 51 along the coast to Karis. From the west along road 1 or 110, turn towards Ekenäs in Salo.

By yacht:

The coastal fairways pass the Hanko Peninsula's tip where Hanko is situated. Seafaring, fishing and hospitality to seafarers are Hanko's heritage.

Hanko is easily reached from the sea, but there are crossing fairways and freight traffic in the archipelago and near the peninsula's tip. Parts of the archipelago are difficult to navigate when disoriented.

The Eastern Harbour (Itäsatama, Östra hamnen) is the biggest and busiest guest marina in Finland. There is another guest marina on the north side of the peninsula.

By ferry: