Hauensuoli, Archaeological site and strait near Hanko, Finland
Hauensuoli consists of two rocky islands containing more than 600 rock carvings made by sailors across different centuries. The inscriptions include names, dates, and symbols that document the maritime history of this strategic strait.
The oldest carvings at Hauensuoli date to the 15th century, with a notable inscription from Field Marshal Augustin Ehrensvärd recorded in 1754. This collection reflects the site's long importance as a key anchorage for passing vessels.
The rock carvings display coats of arms, names, and messages left by Swedish and Finnish nobility who stopped at this natural harbor. These personal marks offer a window into the lives of seafarers and prominent figures who visited across generations.
Access to Hauensuoli requires a personal boat or a water taxi service, available only during summer months from Hanko's harbor. Weather conditions can affect the crossing, so checking sea conditions before visiting is advisable.
This site holds the largest collection of maritime rock carvings in the entire Baltic Sea region, documenting centuries of seafaring history. The inscriptions come from diverse people, ranging from nobility to ordinary sailors who wanted to mark their passage.
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