Eastern Gulf of Finland National Park is a dream destination for hikers. The "circle city" with an original city plan is truly one of its kind. Head to nearby River Kymijoki to try out different water sports. On our holiday in Finland, we’re next off to Hamina, also known as Ympyräkaupunki (“the circle city”). The reason for the silly-sounding nickname is simple: the town of Hamina is built on a circular town plan, a rarity worldwide. We try our best not to get lost in this atypical small town while also offering some travel tips to make the most of this pearl of Kymenlaakso. Hamina, with only 20,000 inhabitants, is a small town in the full sense of the word. Hamina, however, is a much more attractive destination for travel than most Finnish towns of this size due to its location. Especially if water is your favorite element, there are several unmissable activities in the Hamina region. Hamina's outer archipelago is part of the beautiful area of the Eastern Gulf of Finland National Park. The national park contains as many as 100 islands and islets that are essential destinations especially for birdwatchers and those interested in military history. The main route of the spring wave of birds called the Arktika runs across the national park, making the area Finland's largest concentration of migratory birds. Ulko-Tammio, the main island of the national park, is the best destination for hikers with its lush groves and rugged cliffs. On the island's military history themed nature trail, you can try hiding in a cave that was used during World War II as a crew shelter. Of course, the archipelago trip's meals are taken care of in a genuine Finnish summer style around a fire at the campfire site! There is a guest harbour for those travelling with their own boats and also a cruise option during the summer months departing from Hamina’s Tervasaari. If the plan is to do more physical water sports, head to Kymijoki, near Hamina. The 200 km long river, which starts from the Lake Päijänne and descends into the Gulf of Finland, is a real treasure trove of the water-lover. Kymijoki is ideal for both a soothing afternoon on a sup-board or a fast and exciting experience trying out whitewater rafting. Fishermen praise the Kymijoki river as the best salmon river in southern Finland, so with some luck you can perhaps grab some dinner for free! If you’re like us at OnniBus and value comfort above anything else, you may not have the patience to wait for your own prey. Know that feeling when your stomach is growling, and food is pretty much the only thing on your mind? If that’s the case, it’s time to try out one of Hamina’s cozy restaurants. One pick would be Mon Ami, an atmospheric and intimate cellar restaurant, as its name suggests. Rumor has it that this may be Hamina's most romantic restaurant, at least if you’re lucky enough to get a seat in one of the private corner boxes. The adventures of small and unique Hamina await on the shores of the Gulf of Finland. OnniBus.com offers affordable and convenient access to this Finnish hidden gem. Plan your trip and book tickets for your next holiday in Finland!
