A red wooden boathouse on rocky shorelines with calm waters and greenery in the background, reflecting tranquil coastal scenery. A bright red water tower surrounded by greenery against a clear blue sky. Highlights its unique architectural design in a scenic setting.
Finland

Hanko: Finland's southernmost town

Hanko Water Tower
 Hanko, Finland, July 2023

Hanko is the southernmost town in Finland. A small place with plenty of coastline, plenty of wind, and a mix of harbor life, summer architecture, and a quiet kind of urbanity. At the edge of town, forest meets water. There, in a sheltered bay, rows of red cabins stand close together among the pines. In front of them: a narrow jetty, boats, calm water—an orderly arrangement of wood, varnish, and rope. On the beach: pale sand, shallow waters, a few strolling visitors, and not much else.

In the center, a modest church stands in a park, not far from the water tower. The tower also serves as a viewing platform with panoramic views stretching far across the archipelago — or so I was told, as I didn't climb it. On its peak sits a whale-shaped weather vane. Nothing spectacular in itself, but it amused me nonetheless.

Old wooden villas line the streets around the centre—some freshly restored, others showing their age. They date back to the time when Hanko established itself as a seaside resort. The town remains popular today, and I can see why many people love to come here. For me, though, the spark didn’t quite catch this time. Maybe it was just the mood of the day. Maybe Hanko simply deserves a second try.

Map of Hanko
A pathway lined with traditional red wooden cottages surrounded by lush greenery and tall trees.
A small red wooden cabin surrounded by greenery, nestled among trees with another cabin visible in the background.
A pathway leads to charming red cottages nestled among lush greenery and trees, creating a serene outdoor retreat.
A cluster of red wooden cabins nestled in a green forest clearing, surrounded by tall trees and soft grass.
A tranquil marina scene with white and blue boats docked beside red wooden cabins, reflecting in calm water, surrounded by lush green trees.
A marina with several boats docked alongside wooden piers, surrounded by lush greenery under a clear blue sky.
A scenic harbor with various boats docked on calm water, surrounded by lush greenery and reflections of trees.
A scenic marina with fishing boats moored beside red wooden cottages, surrounded by lush greenery and calm waters.
Two red wooden cabins nestled in a lush green forest with tall trees and sunlight filtering through the foliage.
A scenic park pathway leads to a church, surrounded by greenery and flowering shrubs, with benches for visitors to relax.
A historic church with a tall spire surrounded by greenery, featuring a pathway leading to its entrance. Clear blue sky above.
A church exterior surrounded by trees and grass, featuring a tall steeple and a modern wall structure. Clear blue sky in the background.
Originally built in 1892 from red brick, the church was severely damaged during World War II and was thoroughly renovated and plastered gray in 1953.
A bright red water tower surrounded by greenery against a clear blue sky. Highlights its unique architectural design in a scenic setting.
A vibrant orange clock tower with antennas and a fish weathervane against a clear blue sky.
At 65 metres above sea level, the Hanko Water Tower offers fantastic 360-degree views of the Cape of Hanko and the Baltic Sea. The tower itself is 48 metres high. A lift takes visitors all the way to the top.
A historic wooden building with a tower, surrounded by greenery and rocky terrain under a clear blue sky.
Villa Tellina, built in 1880, now serves as a guesthouse.
A charming wooden villa with green exterior and white trim, featuring multiple balconies and colorful flower boxes.
A colorful beach hut with blue and yellow stripes on a sandy shore, overlooking a calm sea on a sunny day.
A weathered blue wooden building with large windows and a distinct entrance, showcasing vintage architecture.
A red wooden boathouse on rocky shorelines with calm waters and greenery in the background, reflecting tranquil coastal scenery.