Fortress and circular center
It's easy to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Hamina by stopping for a moment in the heart of the city and looking around. It's fascinating to imagine what life was like in 1653, when Peter Brahe founded the city of Weckelax Nystad on the site. Today, the city is surrounded by historic ramparts, which were not yet in place to protect the city, which was completely destroyed in the Great Northern War of the early 1700th century. The Swedes began building the ramparts of Fredrikshamn, or Hamina, which had risen from the ashes, in the 1720s, and the Russians continued to work on the fortress in the 1740s. Hamina has been destined to be located on either side of the border of the empires at any time, which has left a lasting mark on the city.
The history of the fortress is seamlessly intertwined with the atmosphere of the old city center. The eight radial streets starting from the Town Hall Square, as well as the Big Circle and the Small Circle streets, form a unique urban plan, where the atmospheric wooden blocks that survived the great fires of the 1800th century delight visitors. The churches and museums located along the way offer a glimpse into the past.
Inside the fortress, you can also find many of the city's modern-day gems. The Hamina Bastioni event arena, with its 58 vaults and large summertime tent canopy, provides an impressive setting for great events.
Hamina's top attractions tour
You can follow the Hamina Top Destinations route as you explore the world-class small town of Hamina. A map of this route can be found on OutdoorActive.
Fortress path
The Fort Trail is a walking trail that starts at the Flag Tower and follows the ramparts of Hamina around the city center and ends at the Town Hall Square, the center of the fortress. You can walk in either direction, or take a detour along the route. There are seven information boards along the Fort Trail.
Sustainable Fortresses Project
The Sustainable Fortresses project is underway in the cities of Hamina and Kotka, with the primary aim of developing Hamina Fortress and Kotka Kyminlinna into responsible recreational and tourist destinations. The project, co-financed by the European Union, is managed by the Kotka-Hamina regional development company Cursor Oy. The project period is 1.1.2026-30.4.2027.