Things to do in Hanko
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Neljän Tuulen Tupa
On Little Pine Island, 1.5km east of the town centre, is Neljän Tuulen Tupa, where locals snuck swigs of ‘hard tea’ (alcohol) during the Finnish prohibition (1919–32). Field Marshal CGE Mannerheim, who had his summer cottage on the neighbouring island, wouldn’t stand for it. Disturbed by the merry-making, he bought the whole joint in 1926, fired the chef, imported tea sets from France and personally ran the place until 1931. Little Pine Island is now connected to the mainland by a bridge and has a beautiful cafe and summer terrace perched over the water. Today the tea room itself is modest, but the view is free with granite tables carved from the surrounding rocks.…
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M/Y Marilyn
From mid-June to the end of August, several boats offer day cruises to the island of Bengtskär, all departing from East Harbour. The cruises include lunch and entrance to the islandM/Y Marilyn operates from July to mid-August, departing at 10:00. The cruises last between four and a half (the Marilyn) and seven (the Anna) hours.
All cruises should be booked in advance with the company or the tourist office.
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M/S Anna
From mid-June to the end of August, several boats offer day cruises to the island of Bengtskär, all departing from East Harbour. The cruises include lunch and entrance to the island. M/S Anna departs at 11:00. The cruises last between four and a half (the Marilyn) and seven (the Anna) hours.
All cruises should be booked in advance with the company or the tourist office.
reviewed
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Front Museum
Nineteen kilometres northeast of Hanko, and just off the Ekenäs highway (Rd 25), the Front Museum remembers Finland’s WWII involvement at the site of some of the worst fighting. There are original trenches, bunkers, artillery guns and an extensive tent exhibition. This area was occupied by Russia during the war and the people of Hanko were evacuated for a year.
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Henri’x
You’ll need to catch a free ferry out to this refined little island restaurant that feels a world away from the rugged granite island it perches on. The cane marine interior oozes comfort and the menu is hearty sailor fare including a rib-sticking potato and sausage stew. As it’s in the port, you can expect yacht rock and a boat-shoed crowd to match.
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SunFun Charter
The most interesting short cruise from Hanko is the 1¾-hour trip to Hauensuoli. The SunFun Charter departs from East Harbour daily from May to August at 13:00 and includes commentary in English, Finnish and Swedish.
All cruises should be booked in advance with the company or the tourist office.
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M/S Marina
The most interesting short cruise from Hanko is the 1¾-hour trip to Hauensuoli. The M/S Marina departs from East Harbour daily from May to August at 13:00 and includes commentary in English, Finnish and Swedish.
All cruises should be booked in advance with the company or the tourist office.
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SunFun Hanko
Bicycles are ideal for exploring the parkland and Russian villas east of the town centre - a ride or walk out to Neljän Tuulen Tupa on Little Pine Island is a good excursion. Bikes can be hired at SunFun Hanko at the East Harbour, and it also rents mopeds, rowboats, canoes and water-skiing gear.
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Pirate
Plenty of other sea dogs know this is the spot to weigh anchor if you’re after straight-up grub. Below decks on the ground level there’s a restaurant that runs to burgers, pizzas and pastas, while up top there’s a lively bar that plays the odd sea shanty (or other live music).
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M/S Summersea
From mid-June to the end of August, several boats offer day cruises to the island of Bengtskär, all departing from East Harbour. The cruises include lunch and entrance to the island.
All cruises should be booked in advance with the company or the tourist office.
reviewed
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Jonathan
With a maritime-themed dining room upstairs, and a terrace and bar, this restaurant (named after the seagull) is a good choice. There are small but tasty tapas portions, snails in delicious garlic butter, and great salmon and roast chicken mains. The service is good here.
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Park Café
Opposite the Casino in Spa Park, this converted rotunda makes for a brilliant evening’s boozing where they’ll bring you a rug when it gets too chilly. There’s a good range of international beers including stout and it makes a good warm-up or come-down for the Casino.
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Alan’s Café
Set in a delightful villa with an appealing forecourt this place features treats (€1.50) hand baked by the jolly owner, plus there’s a small (mostly Finnish) bookshop and gift shop attached. It’s the ideal place for a post-seaside stroll and cuppa.
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Paul Feldt's Bicycle Shop
Bicycles are ideal for exploring the parkland and Russian villas east of the town centre - a ride or walk out to Neljän Tuulen Tupa on Little Pine Island is a good excursion. Bikes can be hired at Paul Feldt's Bicycle Shop in the town centre.
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Origo
In the line-up of East Harbour eateries, this one distinguishes itself with quality seafood. The menu shows great care – blackened perch is a treat and even their crayfish soup comes with a croissant. It’s a quality plate in this busy strip.
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Hanko Church
The neo-Gothic Hanko Church, built in 1892, was damaged in WWII but has been thoroughly renovated. Photographers love the challenge of aligning the church spire with the town hall and water tower in a single panorama.
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Art Galleries
Hanko is quite an artistic community, and there are some half a dozen Art Galleries scattered around town, including changing exhibitions in the town hall. The tourist office has all the details of current exhibitions.
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Monument of Liberty
Where Bulevardi meets the beach is the Monument of Liberty, commemorating the landing of liberating German forces in 1918. The monument was taken down after WWII, but re-erected in 1960 with new text.
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Hanko Museum
Hanko Museum is the town museum housed in the brick-and-stone building near East Harbour, with a smattering of local (especially military) history and changing exhibitions.
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Galaxy Nightclub
When it gets late, the sophisticated youth of Hanko head here. The DJs are as close to cutting edge as it gets in a Finnish beach resort, with dance music usually prevailing over Europop.
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Park Café
This place is an excellent Belgian café-bar with a casual atmosphere and free Internet access. The terrace, shaded by lofty pines, is a great place to relax.
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Café Plage
This rudimentary cafe-bar right on the beach does for a simple meal while watching your kids play minigolf or run along one of the town’s best stretches of sand.
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Casino
The imposing green-and-white casino has long been a celebrated nightspot in Hanko and has regular live music, dancing, roulette and terrace drinking.
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Water Tower
Take the lift to the top of the 50m landmark water tower on Vartiovuori Hill for an excellent view across town and out to sea.
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Mad Dog
For something cheap, Mad Dog is a grilli and pub with a small terrace. It's a good spot for hamburgers and sandwiches with a beer.
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