The oldest city in Kymenlaakso attracts travellers particularly to its city centre, with its sturdy stone houses and beautiful wooden buildings.
The vibrant port town of Hamina lies in a sheltered cove on the Gulf of Finland. Hamina has been an important trade location for centuries, and is still a working port. The history of the area is visible in the streets of the city centre, which follow a circular street plan. Start your trip from the central Town Hall. There are plenty of gorgeous buildings around the town hall marketplace, and you should at least visit the Neo-Renaissance Tanelinkulma.
Finnish military history is clearly visible in Hamina. The main building of the old Imperial Cadet School and the Officers’ Mess are impressive locations. Visit the Reserve Officer School Museum and the Town Museum to familiarize yourself with the history of the city. You can arrange an inexpensive holiday in Hamina by getting a walking brochure from a travel agent.
The eighteenth century Hamina Fortress is one of the most interesting destinations in the city centre. Six of the original seven bastions are still standing, and the so-called Central Bastion has been restored as a concert and performance venue. Concerts are held in summer, in connection with Hamina Tattoo. You can also walk along the ruins of the walls and fortifications that circle around the other bastions.
Hamina city centre includes fabulous churches such as St. John’s Church, a representative of the neoclassical style, the fifteenth century St. Mary’s Church, and the Orthodox Church of St. Peter and St. Paul. If you want to smell the sea air, visit the museum ships, on the island of Tervasaari. S/S Hyöky and Museum Ship Merikarhu are distinctive destinations with guided tours available in summer.
Hamina is a dream destination for boaters and yachtsmen, easily reachable from the Gulf of Finland. If you are driving, you can reach Hamina by the E18 highway. There are buses to Hamina from all around Finland. The beautiful manors of the Hamina region are easily accessible by car, and you can visit the Eastern Gulf of Finland National Park by boat.
