Why I Fell in Love with Hanko

Originally published on Medium (2024), now updated for Vocal!

Hanko’s History: A small coastal town with a rich past involving sea trade and wars.

Puistovuori Nature Walk: A beautiful trail with amazing views and cool historical spots.

Trip Highlights: Historic places, peaceful landscapes, and tips for making your visit great. Keep reading if you want to learn more about how to enjoy your visit to Hanko.

Why Hanko Should Be Your Next Day Trip

I recently spent a sunny summer day in Hanko, Finland, and it was amazing! This town by the sea might not be super famous, but it’s a hidden treasure that mixes interesting history with beautiful nature. If you need a break from the busy city, Hanko is the perfect place for a day trip. In this post, I’m going to tell you about my experience during the day trip. I will also give you tips on what to see, the history of the place, and the best spots to check out.

A Short History of Hanko: Finland’s Maritine Town

Hanko, also called “Hangö” in Swedish, is at the southernmost tip of Finland. Even though it’s small, Hanko has been really important in Finland’s history because of where it’s located. It was a very important town by the sea in the late 1800s. It was very busy with ships coming in to trade and for military purposes.

Hanko was a key place during big events like the Crimean War and both World Wars. Because it was so important for the military, many forts were built there, and you can still see some of them today.

One of the coolest things about Hanko is how it mixes old history with natural beauty. When you are walking through the town, you can feel the history around you. The town’s wooden villas, built in the late 1800s and early 1900s, are especially beautiful. These fancy old houses make Hanko feel like a place from another time.

Exploring Puistovuori: A Nature Walk Through History

One of the best parts of my trip was walking through Puistovuori, a rocky hill near the center of Hanko. This place is wonderful because it combines nature and history in a really cool way. The name Puistovuori means “Park Hill” or “Park Rock,” and it’s both a pretty place to walk and a spot full of history.

Walking through Puistovuori made me feel like I was stepping back in time. In the late 1800s, when Finland was ruled by Russia, the Russians built forts here to protect the coast. These forts were important during the Crimean War (1853–1856) and both World Wars. Today, the old forts are still there, covered by plants, showing how nature and history can come together.

One of the most magical parts of Puistovuori is the “Path of Love” (Rakkaudenpolku). This peaceful trail winds through the forest on the hill. As I walked along, I loved the pine trees, the sound of the sea breeze, and the amazing views of the Baltic Sea. The Path of Love is not just about romance — it’s also a place to find peace, think, and enjoy the best of nature.

The views from the Path of Love are some of the best in Hanko. I suggest going there in the late afternoon when the light is soft and the scenery looks extra special.

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What I Loved About Puistovuori

History Everywhere: Walking through Puistovuori felt like a journey through history. The old military forts, now covered by nature, tell stories of the past.

Beautiful Views: The views from the top of Puistovuori are incredible. On a clear day, you can see the sea and small islands in the distance.

Peaceful and Quiet: Even though Puistovuori has a rich history, it’s a calm and quiet place, perfect for a peaceful walk.

Tips for Visiting Puistovuori

Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon is the best time to go. The light is perfect, and it’s less crowded.

What to Wear: Wear comfy shoes because the ground is rocky. If it’s cool outside, bring a windproof jacket because it can be breezy.

Take Your Time: Don’t rush. Take time to read the signs about the history and enjoy the scenery. Bringing a small picnic can make the experience even better.

Learn More: If you’re really into history, you might want to read up on the place or get a guide to learn more about the forts and their role in Finland’s past.

How to Make the Most of Your Day Trip

Getting to Hanko: You can take a train from Helsinki, which takes about 1.5 hours. Driving also takes about the same time.

Where to Eat: Hanko has cozy cafes and restaurants where you can try Finnish food. I suggest two restaurants in Hanko. One of them is called Classic Pizza and the other is Hangon Makaronitehdas. They are both Finnish restaurants that serve Italian-style food.

What Else to Do: Besides Puistovuori, don’t miss the Hanko Water Tower for great views of the town and the sea. And, the Hanko Museum is a great place to learn about the town’s history.

Reasons Why Hanko Should Be on Your Travel List

If you enjoy history, and nature, or just want a peaceful getaway, Hanko has something for you. During my day trip to Hanko, I discovered, relaxed, and gained a new appreciation for Finland’s history and landscapes. I highly recommend visiting Hanko — you won’t regret it!

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