There are many interesting places in the world. Even if these are small territories, they can surprise with a variety of attractions. Hamina (Finland) also belongs to this category. This is a small European town. It is located on the shore of the bay and is included in the province of Kymenlaakso. The town has a population of only 22,000. But due to its favorable location and rapid development, it has become interesting for tourists.
City location
Town It is located only forty kilometers from the Russian border, 150 km from Helsinki and 240 km from St. Petersburg. You can get to Hamina by different means of transport. From St. Petersburg to Finland is the E-18 highway. Hamina has a special pointer to the lapel. You can get into the city by regular buses.
Hamina's story
Hamina was built on the site of the town of Vekhkalahti. The first mention of this area dates back to the 13th century. Vekhkalahti received the status of a city only in 1653. But already in 1712 it completely burned down during the retreat of the Swedish-Finnish troops. Then the city of Friedrichsham was rebuilt at this place, which in Finnish turned into Hamina. The city has a circular development, which is already a rarity in world architecture.
Legend of the Mill Millstone Monument
Hamina's attractions are unusual. One of them, a monument to millstone installed in the Summer Park, is even associated with a whole legend. According to her, in 1783 a meeting between Catherine the Second and the Swedish King Gustav the Third took place in Hamina. According to legend, he wanted to marry the empress, but she set him a condition that he had to fulfill.
Gustav III was supposed to kiss Catherine II through an opening in a millstone. And not the Empress’s pen, but lips. The Swedish king could not fulfill this condition and as a result received a polite refusal from the royal sweetheart. Now this millstone has become a place of pilgrimage for lovers. Many couples try unsuccessfully to do this trick.
The famous fortress of the city
The fortress star decorates the center of Hamina. This is one of the surviving amazing ancient ring buildings. The fortress was founded by the Swedes as a defensive bastion.
In modern times, ramparts and walls outline the borders of the historic center of Hamina. If you look at the fortress from a height, then it resembles a star in outlines. Due to this, she received such an original name.
The largest European stage summer playground is located on the territory of the fortress. It has a removable canopy from the weather and stands for the audience. Grandiose events are constantly held on the site. One of them is a festival of military music. This is an international event.
In the center of the fortress is the city Hall, built in the 17th century. The building is decorated with antique watches that still work. They start only manually. Previously, the Town Hall was set aside for banking and prison facilities. In the building there were police, shops and guardhouse. Now the City Hall is located in the Town Hall.
School of officers and a monument to the baker
There are two interconnected monuments in Hamina. The first is the school of officers located on the territory of the star fortress. The educational institution has been elevated to the status of a museum. The building's collections contain Finnish military uniforms from different times and weapons. And next to the museum is a monument to the baker Barbara. It would seem that can connect them?
It turns out that Varvara brought pies to the school daily, which fed the Cadets. At the same time, she was a kind of psychologist for them, listened, helped with advice in love affairs. According to legend, she not only brought cakes to the school, but also accompanied the cadets with them even on maneuvers. Often prompted them with the right decisions. As a result, the baker became a kind of tactical adviser.
Barbara died in 1941, and in 1972 a monument from stainless steel was erected to her. Funds for the manufacture of the monument were raised by former graduates of the school of officers. Local residents are sure that the monument has miraculous properties. If a person touches the baker’s hands, he will learn how to cook, and will get a lot of money.
Powder Cellar
The town of Hamina (Finland), although it is small, has gathered many interesting sights. For example, in the central fortress there is a bastion of Turku. It housed a powder cellar.
The Jaeger Museum is now equipped there. Interestingly, his exhibits are not hunting trophies, but weapons and military photographs. The powder cellar has very thick walls, which in ancient times withstood even bombing attacks.
Museums in Hamina
When sightseeing Hamina, it is impossible to pass by amazing museums. The city has exhibits on shipping and the history of the fortress. It is here, according to legend, that the Russian Empress met with the Swedish king.
The merchant museum exhibits on Russian-Finnish life and traditions of the 20th century. The building houses old shops and shops. Nearby is a small bakery that still works. In it you can enjoy very tasty pretzels and bagels.
Another museum is located directly in the open. It is located on the shore of a reservoir and reproduces the conditions of rural life. In the courtyards there are utensils and peasant household items. Hamina (Finland) has an old farmland, the main attraction of which is a windmill. In 1993, two new cultural sites appeared next to it - Ovin and the Museum of Milk. Over sixty tree species grow throughout the farmland.
A separate series of museums created from real ships. They are permanently parked on the island of Tervassari. One of the ships was built in St. Petersburg at the beginning of the 19th century. When the ship was decommissioned, it began to serve as a beacon. Now the bowels of all the ships in the eternal parking lot have been converted into museums. They sell souvenirs and small cafes and restaurants.
Marina
Hamina (Finland) also boasts an unusual marina, which is located along the road crossing the city. The design of Tervasaari is made in the shape of a bull. Designed the marina of Miina Akkiurk. Near Tervasaari is the former customs. Now it houses a restaurant and organizes exhibitions. Nearby is the city beach.
How to get to Hamina?
You can get from St. Petersburg to Finland, to Hamina, by bus that goes to Helsinki and Kotka. If you travel by car, the journey will take approximately seven hours. From Kotka, the bus will take you to Hamina in 35 minutes, and from Helsinki, transport takes three hours.