Sometimes when we travel it’s easy to stick to the capital, but then we end up missing out on gems that are so close by! That’s why today I wanted to highlight two beautiful Finnish seaside towns: Hanko and Ekenäs. These places are charming and the wooden architecture will transport you back to a bygone era, but the best part is that they are easy day trips from Helsinki! Hanko is only a 1,5 hour drive from the capital, and Ekenäs is even closer.
Hanko
I liked Hanko the minute we pulled into the harbour. The first thing that struck me were the wooden villas. Hanko thrived as a spa town in the early 1900s and this shows in the town’s architecture. Hanko is sprinkled with beautiful homes painted in cheerful pastel colours, and many of the older buildings in the town once served as bath houses, casinos, and dance halls.
Another thing that makes Hanko so special is that it sits on the southernmost tip of Finland – you can’t go any further south from here without dipping your toes in the Baltic Sea. This prime location makes it home to beautiful coastlines, including 30 kilometres worth of sandy beaches.
The town is home to the famous Hanko Regatta which takes place every July. I missed the big sailing race by a few weeks, but I could imagine how the town would come to life during this time. With its lengthy shores, there would be so many places to perch yourself and watch the race unfold.
I arrived in Hanko just in time for lunch so our first stop was Bryggan, a little restaurant on the harbour with one item on the menu: a delicious salmon, dill and potato soup served with a side of rye bread and butter. (You know your restaurant is a winner when you can have one dish on the menu and people still come!) This was followed by a hearty slice of pie as we fuelled up for a day of exploring.
Our first order of the day was to take part in a meditation walk lead by Sattva Wellness. I had never tried anything like it before, so it was an interesting experience. Our guide asked us to remain silent as we soaked in our natural surroundings. She lead us past lily ponds and down forest trails before finally arriving at Plagen, a stretch of beach lined with old-fashioned wooden beach huts. I think the aim of the walk was to disconnect from everything going on around us and to really look inwards as we strolled through nature, but I kept getting distracted by my surroundings and ended up snapping pictures instead…discretely.
From here we continued on to the Path of Love, a rocky area on the harbour which was the departure point for many Finns seeking a new life abroad. It was on this rocky area that many dances were held as friends and family bid farewell to the 250,000 Finns who left the country between 1881 and 1931 in order to seek a new life in places like Canada, the United States and Australia. I know many Finnish-Canadians back home, so it was interesting to think that many of their predecessors could have begun their journeys in this very spot.
Ready to explore the outskirts of Hanko, we hopped back on our bikes and set out on a cycling tour of Hanko’s local farms. Since we were cooking our own meal that night, we stopped at the Sjöberg Farm to pick up an assortment of organic vegetables. Because it was the last week of summer, no one was working at the farm, but it was cool seeing the ‘honesty system’ in place, so we grabbed our produce and paid by leaving our money in a little box. By the time we arrived back in town we were all famished and ready to dig in!
I would have loved to spend a few more days in Hanko – those wooden villas by the sea were just calling out to me for an extended retreat! – but from here we were off to an equally tranquil seaside town.
Ekenäs
The town of Ekenäs grew out of a small fishing village, and it has a pretty cool history. Ekenäs was actually founded back in 1546, four years before the capital of Helsinki was even around! Swedish King Gustavus Vasa was the mastermind behind this, and his idea was that both Ekenäs and Helsinki would compete for trade with the port city that is today known as Tallinn. Unfortunately, things didn’t go exactly as the king had planned and the town remained a quiet village for almost 200 years.
While Ekenäs may not have become the booming city Gustavus had hoped for, it did manage to retain its history, which makes it a great place to wander around. The Old Town is a medieval maze of crooked lanes, and many of the street corners are still marked with images of fish and sea creatures, a method that was used to name and divided the town’s quarters in the 19th century.
I spent part of the morning on a do-it-yourself architectural walk of the medieval town. The tourism office puts out little brochures with maps of the Old Town, and you can use these to wander around and pinpoint the various architectural styles found there ranging from Neo-Classical to Art Nouveau.
I also got to try a new activity during my visit: paddleboarding! While the sport has only become popular in recent years, our instructor explained that it originated around the same time surfing became popular in the 60s and 70s. Surfing instructors needed a way to be out on the water observing their students, and thus paddleboarding was born out of necessity. The sport turned out to be a lot of fun, and the best part? I didn’t fall in!
And that’s a little glimpse at Hanko and Ekenäs. I wish I had more to share, but my visits were all too brief! Maybe that’s something that you can take away; even though these two towns are easy day trips from Helsinki, there’s still plenty of reason to linger for a few more days and really soak in everything these places have to offer!
Embracing Seaside Life: Practical Tips & Trip Ideas in Hanko and Ekenäs
There’s something magical about lingering in Finland’s small coastal towns. Here’s how to make the most of your visit to Hanko and Ekenäs. And why you might want to linger just a bit longer.
Getting There: Transportation Info
| Origin | Mode | Duration | Cost (2025) | Why Choose It |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Helsinki ↠ Hanko | Direct train (VR) | 1 h 45 m | €11-17 (Saver) | Scenic coast views, power outlets, bike carriage. |
| Self-drive (E18 + Ekenäsväylä) | 90 m | Fuel + toll ≈ €22 | Freedom to beach-hop en-route. | |
| Hanko ↠ Ekenäs | Matkahuolto bus | 45 m | €5 | Hourly departures, free Wi-Fi. |
| Cycling the Coastal Route | 2 h (30 km) | FREE (minus pastry stops) | Paved shoulders, wave-spray air, little traffic. | |
| Ekenäs ↠ Helsinki | Pendolino train | 1 h | €9-13 | Sunrise return for early Helsinki brunch. |
Seat-hack: on Helsinki–Hanko legs, grab rows 11-14 in the upper deck of “double-decker” cars—panoramic Baltic glimpses without neck-craning.
Crafting a 2-Day, One-Night Itinerary
Day 1 – Hanko
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 08:30 | Train from Helsinki 👉 Coffee & korvapuusti on board |
| 10:30 | Check-in & bag-drop (Hotel B8 or budget-sweet Hanko Hostel) |
| 11:00 | Wooden-villa photo stroll (Appelgrenintie + Boulevardi) |
| 12:30 | Lunch at Bryggan (salmon soup round #2) + harbour people-watching |
| 14:00 | Guided SUP safari around Tulliniemi sandspit, seal-spotting optional |
| 16:00 | Sauna & sea-dip at Hangon Itäsatama public sauna (ticket €12) |
| 19:00 | Sunset aperitivo at Skiffer rooftop – try the Lonna pizza with vendace |
| 21:30 | Starlit boardwalk walk & overnight in Hanko |
Day 2 – Ekenäs
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 08:00 | Bus or cycle to Ekenäs; pastry pick-up at Café Schjerfbeck |
| 09:00 | Self-guided Old-Town architecture hunt (download free PDF map) |
| 11:00 | Visit Ekenäs Nature Centre – short boardwalk into the archipelago |
| 13:00 | Lunch at Rådhuskällaren: try creamy perch with dill-butter potatoes |
| 15:00 | Kayak rental (2 h) to explore Slottskogen islets & picnic swim |
| 18:00 | Train back to Helsinki in time for late dinner at Hakaniemi Market Hall |
Know Your Seaside History
- Spa-Town Glam: Hanko’s pastel villas date to the Russian Imperial era (late 1800 s) when nobles flocked for therapeutic seawater baths. The circular pavilion you see by the beach? Former casino ballroom.
- War & Waves: During WW II Hanko was leased to the Soviet Navy; bullet holes still pepper the granite bunkers near Tulliniemi Nature Reserve.
- Bilingual Culture: Both towns are officially bilingual (Finnish/Swedish). Street signs read “Hanko/Hangö” and “Ekenäs/Tammisaari” — toss in a “tack så mycket!” (thanks so much) to earn local smiles.
- Export Hub: Ekenäs shipyards once built ocean-going schooners that carried pine tar and butter to Lübeck, Riga, even Buenos Aires. Keep an eye out for anchor motifs on door knockers.
Foodie Cheat-Sheet: Beyond Fish Soup
| Must-Munch | What It Is | Where to Score It |
|---|---|---|
| Strömmingsburgare | Crispy Baltic herring slider with horseradish mayo | Street food truck “Fiskarin Pannu” (Hanko harbour) |
| Åland pancake | Oven-baked semolina slice topped with stewed plums & whipped cream | Café Violetta, Ekenäs old town |
| Spruce-shoot lemonade | Wild-foraged spruce tips, lemon & local honey | Sattva Wellness kiosk, Plagen beach |
| Sea-buckthorn gelato | Tart orange berries blitzed into gelato | Pavis Gelateria, Hanko marina |
| Archipelago bread | Dark rye-malt loaf, sweet & dense | Buy a loaf at Fiskars Village Bakery en-route back to Helsinki |
Beach Quick-Guide (Hanko edition)
| Beach | Vibe | Good To Know |
|---|---|---|
| Plagen | Family-friendly, shallow, candy-striped huts | Beach volleyball nets & SUP hire steps away |
| Bellevue | Wind-surfers’ haunt | Sunset best viewed from hilltop water tower |
| Tulliniemi Nature Beach | Wild, windswept, driftwood piles | Part of Finland’s southernmost point trail (6 km loop) |
| Norsin Ranta | Locals-only, dog-friendly | Pack your own snacks; zero facilities |
Unique Experiences During Your Stay
- Sea Yoga on a Tallship – Morning vinyasa on deck of the restored schooner Kathrina (June–Aug, €25 incl. smoothie).
- Lighthouse Sleepover (Bengtskär) – 1.5 h boat from Hanko. Overnight on a wave-battered islet, four-course dinner of pike-perch & cloudberries, sunrise over the Gulf of Finland. Book a year ahead.
- Historic Sauna Crawl – Rent a fatbike and stop at three heritage wood-fired saunas between Hanko and Ekenäs; cool down in coves along the way.
- Foraging Workshop – Learn to identify chanterelles, nettle and wild thyme with local forager, then cook a camp-stove risotto (Aug–Sept).
- Regatta After-Sail Party – Even if you’re not in town for race day, cafés host “mini-regatta” Fridays in July: live jazz, wooden-boat parades, pop-up mussel bars.
Budget Snapshot (per traveller, mid-season)
| Expense | Shoestring | Comfort | Treat-Yo-Self |
|---|---|---|---|
| Return transport Hki ↔ Hanko/Ekenäs | €20 (incl. bus hop) | €35 (1st-class train) | €90 (rental car + fuel) |
| Hostel / Hotel (1 night) | €28 dorm | €85 boutique double | €250 spa-suite villa |
| Meals & fika | €25 DIY supermarket + cafés | €60 restaurant mix | €120 seafood tasting menus |
| Activities | Free beach + €15 bike rental | €55 SUP + sauna + museum tickets | €200 lighthouse overnighter |
🎒 What to Pack for a Finnish Seaside Day Trip
| Essential | Why |
|---|---|
| Light jacket / raincoat | Weather is famously changeable, even in summer |
| Swimsuit & towel | For beach dips and sauna sessions |
| Comfortable shoes | For cycling, walking, or spontaneous exploring |
| Sunhat & sunscreen | The Baltic sun can surprise you! |
| Water bottle & snacks | Stay hydrated on the go |
| Camera or phone | For all those wooden houses and seascapes |
| Layers | Evenings can be chilly, especially by the water |
| Small backpack | For market finds, souvenirs, and picnic supplies |
✨ Final Thoughts: The Slow Joys of Seaside Finland
Traveling through Hanko and Ekenäs is a gentle reminder that you don’t need to check out big cities. So, if you can, linger in Hanko and Ekenäs.
Have you explored Finland’s southern coast? Share your favorite memories or tips in the comments below! Happy summer travels, wherever the sea takes you.
I can’t say that I’ve heard much about Finland from the various travel blogs I follow–this was a treat! Thanks for sharing. Loved the photos! It looks so beautiful.
Perfect day trip and love those beach houses.
I’ve only been to Helsinki once, and it was during a layover from Hong Kong back to Chicago. I wish I could’ve stayed for more than a day, but at least now I can use it as an excuse to go back. 🙂 Looks like an awesome day trip, great pictures!
Finland just looks like a total utopia. Everything about it seems beautiful. Paddleboarding would be awesome there. Good job on not falling in 😉
The country does have a very relaxed and peaceful vibe. 😉
It’s so pretty here. My parents have a 30 hour layover in Helsinki on the way to India so I need to see if there’s something they can go do- it’ll be their first time out of the U.S. other than a resort in Punta Cana.
That’s so cool! I’m sure they’ll be super jet-lagged, but hopefully they get to do a bit of exploring. 30 hours is plenty to see a bit of Helsinki! 🙂
Pretty places indeed! Your photos are so refreshing! I particularly love that farm photo. I love such outdoors. I agree these towns look like you can spend a few days here and explore things on a slow pace.
Looks so cute. I love seaside towns.
The more I read about Finland, the more I want to visit!
I love these colourful wooden houses they seem to have everywhere in Scandinavia. I’d love to live in one!
I giggled at sneaking pics on the meditation walk!! As usual, loving all the Finland posts. Such an interesting and beautiful country, and I would love to try the restaurant with that soup.. sounds delicious!
These towns are so cute! The pretty wooden architecture of Hanko looks a lot like what I’ve seen at the Baltic Sea town outside Riga. Will be adding this to my Helsinki itinerary!
Never been to Helsinki, but your photos took me there in such a wonderful way. I love your photos of Hanko, they are so lovely, esp. that Path of Love. I wish I can visit there soon, stand in between the trees and just savor the moment of being there. 🙂
Bright colors, water activities, and gorgeous landscapes. Sign me up!
http://www.charactersandcarryons.com
Glad you liked my hometown, Hanko (Hangö in swedish). Welcome back.
The reason in my mind why we’re so peaceful and beautiful, especially in summer is 1) because we’ve endured war and suffering since almost forever so we know to value peace and delight in harmony/love etc when we finally have it, and 2) because it’s cold and dark for about nine months of the year, so when summer finally hits it’s truly received as the blessing it is. This is also why you don’t see pompous buildings and such, but rather small scale/delicate beauty instead. The conditions are too harsh to sustain lots of people, large scale manifestations etc. But it makes what we have that much more precious.