Hangö

Hangö (Swedish: Hangö; Finnish: Hanko) is a town and municipality in southern Finland, located on the Hanko Peninsula at the Gulf of Finland. It is part of the Uusimaa region and is one of the country’s southern coastal settlements. The peninsula extends into the Gulf, producing a varied coastline with beaches, rocky headlands, and a nearby archipelago.

As of the early 2020s, Hangö has around 10,000 inhabitants. The local economy centers on port services, fishing, tourism, and seasonal housing. The harbour supports regional trade and traffic to nearby coastal communities, while the town serves as a service hub for the surrounding rural areas. Hangö is connected by road and rail to Helsinki and the greater Helsinki region, making it a popular summer destination.

The town has a long maritime tradition and several notable buildings from the 19th and 20th centuries. Notable sites include Hangö Church and other examples of coastal architecture. To the south, the Tulliniemi cape hosts a nature reserve with hiking trails and bird-watching opportunities.

Historically, the area has been inhabited since medieval times and developed as a seaside resort in the 19th century. During the 20th century, the Hanko Peninsula held strategic military importance, and fortifications were developed in the area.