Hamina

Hamina is a town in Kymenlaakso, in the extreme southeast of Finland.

Understand


Hamina's history dates back to the Swedish rule, when Gustav Vasa gave Hamina Castle and the surrounding land to the merchant town of Hamina in 1653.

Hamina was an important trading town located on the border between Russia and Sweden. Its inhabitants traded with both countries, and trade was very important to the town's economy. Hamina also had an important harbour, from which goods were transported around the world.

In the 19th century, Hamina became even more important as the postal route from Saint Petersburg to Helsinki passed through the town. Along the road there were several inns where travellers could stay and rest.

After the war of 1808–1809, the peace treaty between Russia and Sweden was signed in Hamina Castle, confirming the annexation of Finland to the Russian Empire.

In the 20th century, Hamina's importance as a trading town declined. In 1920, a few years after Finnish independence, Hamina also became an important military town with the establishment of a major garrison - the Reserve Officer School. Their facilities make up the southeastern corner of the old town.

By car
Highway 7 (E18) between Helsinki and the Russian border passes through Hamina, as does the historic King's Road.

By bus
Hamina has direct buses from Helsinki and Lappeenranta. Local bus line 1 connects Hamina with Kotka.

By bus
Kotkanaikataulut.fi has information about local bus routes and timetables.

By bike
There is a bike sharing system using bluetooth and the Donkey Republic about €1.50/1 hr, €4/5 hr, €12/24 hr. For longer stays becoming a member is cheaper: €9 or €18/month covers all trips of less than 1 hr respectively 12 hr, also in other towns using Donkey Republic – but you need to register as member in the country of your card (available: most countries in western Europe and USA). Customer service info@kaakau.fi@undefined, daily 09:00–21:00. Several towns in south-east Finland use the same system, which is in use also elsewhere in Finland and abroad.

By taxi

 * Smartphone apps: Valopilkku, 02 Taksi, Taksini

Buy
In central Hamina you can find a couple of supermarkets, and a few dozen smaller businesses from clothing stores to opticians - just like in any mid-sized Finnish city.





Eat
There are several fast food places in central Hamina, serving hamburgers, hotdogs, pizza or kebab.





Sleep




Go next

 * Kotka — Hamina's bigger brother, 26 km to the west.
 * Lappeenranta — A major shopping destination for Russian tourists at the southern shore of Lake Saimaa, 88 km north.
 * Russia — If you have a valid visa (or don't require one) the border crossing at Vaalimaa is about 30 km east. Nearby destinations in Russia include Vyborg.