Gustavsvärnn, Lighthouse and fortification complex on an islet near Hanko, Finland.
Gustavsvärnn is a 10-meter concrete fortification with a lighthouse on a small islet near Hanko that marks the entrance to East Bay. The structure combines the remains of an original defensive work with a modern beacon that guides ships using white, red, and green light signals.
Swedish forces built the original fortification in 1789 using local red granite, but Russian troops destroyed it during the Crimean War. The ruins remained in place and later served as the foundation for the current lighthouse installation.
The site reflects Finland's long coastal defense traditions and the importance of maritime traffic to local communities. Today the fortification and lighthouse together show how the entrance to the bay was monitored and protected.
The islet is surrounded by water and can only be reached by boat, so visitors should arrange a boat trip from Hanko to visit it. Coastal weather changes quickly, so warm clothing and sturdy footwear are practical choices for any visit.
Visible quarry marks in the red granite tell the story of stone extraction that once supplied fortifications across the region. These scratches and patterns left by tools reveal the craftsmanship of builders from centuries past.
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