Hanko Fortress (Gustavsvärn)
Gustavsvärn
The remains of a sea fortress built by Sweden in the 18th century on a small island outside Hanko harbour, with stone bastion ruins and a lighthouse.
Gustavsvärn Fortress was built by Sweden around 1789 on a small island outside Hanko harbour. Together with the fortifications on neighbouring islands, it guarded the Hanko shipping channel. During the Crimean War in 1854, Russian forces blew it up themselves. Today the island retains stone bastion ruins, walls and gun positions, as well as a small lighthouse, and its setting is desolate and serene. In summer, water taxis and sightseeing boats run from Hanko to the island. You can also admire it from the shore of West Harbour.
Opening hours
All day (boat rides in summer)
Nearby sights
- Hanko Eastern Harbour & Villas
- Russarö
- Tulliniemi (Hanko Cape)
- Hanko Church
- Hanko Water Tower
- Hanko Casino & Beaches
- Café Four Winds (Neljän Tuulen Tupa)
- Hanko Front Museum