Hanko, Coastal municipality in Uusimaa, Finland
Hanko is a port town at Finland's southernmost tip, featuring sandy beaches, seaside homes, and a working commercial harbor on the Baltic Sea. The municipality spreads across the landscape with a mix of residential areas, green spaces, and waterfront sections that define coastal living here.
The town was founded in 1874 and quickly became an important port on the Baltic coast. During World War II, it gained strategic importance and came under Soviet control from 1940 to 1941.
The town maintains its maritime roots with traditional wooden buildings lining the waterfront, reflecting Nordic seafaring traditions. Daily life here centers on the water, with local fishing practices and nautical crafts woven into the community's rhythm.
The train station sits in the town center, making it easy to explore on foot from there. The summer months bring warm weather perfect for beach time, while walking distances between the harbor, villages, and main attractions remain manageable throughout the year.
In the late 1800s, thousands of Finns departed from here for North America, making it the gateway for emigration during that era. This chapter of history shaped the town's identity and created lasting connections with Finnish communities abroad.
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