Hamina
Fredrikshamn · historic fortress town · Hamina octagonal plan
60°34.2'N 27°11.9'E
Depth
3–5m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
65m
Holding
Excellent
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
65m
65m for excellent holding in mud at 3–5m. Full shelter in all conditions. Russian border proximity — no navigation concerns in Finnish harbour but exercise awareness east of Hamina.
About This Anchorage
Hamina (Swedish: Fredrikshamn) has one of the most remarkable urban plans in northern Europe — an octagonal city centre radiating eight streets outward from a central town hall, designed in the 17th–18th century as a fortified military town for optimal cannon fire coverage. The octagonal plan is still intact and gives the city an extraordinary character from above. The Treaty of Hamina (1809), signed in the city hall, transferred Finland from Sweden to Russia — one of the most significant political events in Finnish history. The harbour is naturally sheltered and the approach through the inner archipelago is straightforward. As one of the closest Finnish towns to the Russian border, Hamina has a distinctive frontier character and a long military history.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE · S · SW · W · NW
Exposed To
None (fully sheltered)
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring; marina fee approx €18–22/night
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Military bases in the area — observe any restricted zones; Russian border proximity — do not proceed east beyond Finnish territorial waters without current legal advice.
Hazards
- !Russian border proximity — do not navigate east of Finnish territorial waters
- !Military zones in the surrounding area — observe all markers
- !9mm/year uplift — verify chart depths
- !Last provisioning before the Russian border area — stock up fully
Skipper's Tips
- →Walk the octagonal city plan — the circular street pattern is immediately apparent on foot; the town hall at the centre is excellent
- →The Hamina Tattoo (military music festival) in August is world-class — plan around it if possible
- →The Treaty of Hamina museum tells the story of the 1809 handover with excellent exhibition
- →From Hamina, the approach to Haapasaari (outermost island) is approximately 15nm — assess conditions carefully
Facilities
Town with restaurants, cafés, provisions. No fuel — Kotka (18nm W) is the nearest fuel.
Nearest provisions: Hamina town centre (0.5nm) (0.5nm)
Best Months & Season
Jun, Jul, Aug
June–August. Historically significant fortress town. Full shelter. Last well-serviced port before the Russian border area. Hamina Tattoo festival in August.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
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