Exploring the charming city of Hamina

For people who usually visit the Savonlinna Opera Festival every year in the summer, there is also a nice opportunity to see other places close by during the trip.

Although it seems like a small town, it has enough beautiful areas to visit, such as old Hamina, wonderful churches, colorful wooden houses and buildings, and its famous military fortress. 

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Hamina the ‘round’ fortress town

Hamina’s star-shaped military fortress is well-known, and it was constructed during Swedish rule. This fortress covers the town and holds it in a pretty circular shape, which is quite rare and not so common. Usually, people are familiar with medieval cities designed by architects mainly in the country of Italy. 

However, Hamina in Finland surprisingly has been designed in a similar way, holding a beautiful symmetrical shape as well. The round main square of Hamina is called Raatihuoneentori, and it is surrounded by two churches: a Lutheran and an Orthodox church, both in amazing lively vivid colors. 

Old Hamina 

Hamina is a small city, but it holds a lot of stories and is interesting to explore its history as well. Hamina was involved in cultural and political national affairs together with the work of merchants and military officers. The city then thrived in various aspects and therefore created a rich history dating back to the 17th century. By walking around Old Hamina, one can notice the heart of Hamina’s history and fall in love with the beautifully charming colorful buildings, wooden houses, churches, and museums. In addition, it is good to mention that there are also nice parks and cozy cafes to enjoy a drink in the peaceful, calming atmosphere of this charming town. 

Tove Jansson murals, the creator of Moomins

Foreigners and Finns, for sure all people who live in Finland for a while, get to know about Moomin characters and the famous cartoon animations made by the Japanese based on the stories written by Tove Jansson. Therefore, it is good to know that in the city hall’s council chamber, there are murals by Tove Jansson in an old hotel which is still functioning well. The beautiful paintings certainly could be an attractive place to visit for people who live in Finland and also for tourists.

Hamina Tattoo, the military music festival 

Although a small town, it holds an important music festival in July called Hamina Tattoo, which is remarkable for music lovers and includes musicians from all over the world. There are concerts by military bands, parades, and marching shows during Tattoo week. Thanks to the Finnish Defense Forces, which support this wonderful event, people can enjoy a nice experience in the cozy atmosphere of the little historical fortress town of Hamina. 

It is also interesting to mention that the tallest flagpole in Europe was put up in Hamina to celebrate 100 years of Finnish independence.