Plizio Visual Lab
Hamina Star-Shaped Town Plan
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
The star-shaped town plan of Hamina is a globally rare example of a circular fortress city from the Baroque era. Designed in the 1720s following the model of Italian 'convenient cities,' the layout is centered on an octagonal market square from which eight radial streets lead toward the fortress ramparts. Hamina was conceived as a strategic border stronghold for the Swedish Empire against Russia following the loss of Vyborg. The original defensive perimeter consisted of eight bastions, named after Finnish towns, which completely enclosed the urban core. In 1809, Hamina was the site of the signing of the Treaty of Fredrikshamn, which transferred sovereignty over Finland to Russia. The city's unique geometry remains clearly visible today in its street patterns and the positioning of historic landmarks like the Town Hall and various churches. Currently, much of the fortress infrastructure has been restored and hosts events such as the Hamina Tattoo international military music festival. The town plan is recognized as one of Europe's most significant monuments of military urbanism.
- Location: Finland
- Top sights: Rampsinkarin uimaranta · Savilahden uimaranta · S/S Hyöky
- Nearby: Vilniemi (4 km)
- Population: ~19.305 (2025)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -5 | -6 | -3 | 3 | 10 | 14 | 18 | 17 | 12 | 6 | 2 | -2 |
| Rain mm | 57 | 48 | 43 | 43 | 56 | 73 | 67 | 73 | 70 | 81 | 72 | 69 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The unique circular layout and star-shaped street pattern of the town are best experienced by walking the streets and following the old fortification lines. The core area is an open-air urban environment, completely free to explore on foot or by bicycle.
Typical hours
As a functional living town, the historical street plan and outdoor ramparts are always open and accessible twenty-four hours a day. However, specific museums, shops, and historic buildings lining the streets usually operate during standard daytime business hours.
Photography
Capturing the true star shape from the ground can be quite challenging due to the perspective, so look for slightly elevated vantage points if available. The appealing wooden houses and cobbled radial streets provide fantastic subjects for architectural photography.
Time needed
Plan to spend roughly two to three hours casually strolling through the central octagonal square and along the surviving fortress walls. A half-day is well-suited if you want to stop for coffee, read the historical markers, and absorb the unique geometric atmosphere.
Combine with
The town hall at the absolute center of the star is a logical starting point, while the nearby Hamina Bastion has deeper insights into the military engineering. Consider exploring the welcoming coastal areas and local harbors to complete your visit to the region.
Getting there
Hamina is easily accessible by car or regional bus services from the larger neighboring city of Kotka. Once you arrive at the town center, the remarkably compact layout makes navigating on foot the most practical and enjoyable way to see the historic plan.
Insider tip
Look at a satellite map on your phone before starting your walk; visualizing the excellent geometry from above makes navigating the converging streets much easier. Follow the path along the ramparts for a clear overview of how the defensive star was structured.
Geography
Facts
- The circular town plan was originally drafted in the 1720s.
- The city center is built around a central octagonal market square.
- Eight defensive bastions originally protected the entire inner city.
- The Peace Treaty of 1809 was signed inside the Hamina Town Hall.
- Hamina is the oldest continuously operating garrison town in Finland.
- The fortress walls now house the Hamina Bastion, Finland's largest event arena.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Hamina Star-Shaped Town Plan (7)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is special about the town plan of Hamina?
It is a rare circular fortress town with a central market square from which eight streets radiate.
When was this town plan designed?
The circular plan dates from the 1720s, following an Italian model.
Can you visit the old fortress ramparts?
Yes, parts of the ramparts are preserved and surround the city center like a park.
What stands in the center of the circle?
The octagonal Hamina Town Hall stands right in the middle of the circular market square.
Is Hamina easy for tourists to walk around?
Very well; the distances within the fortress town are small and the streets are very easy on the eye.
Hamina Star-Shaped Town Plan: where is it located?
Hamina Star-Shaped Town Plan is located in Finland.
Hamina Star-Shaped Town Plan: what is there to see?
Highlights include Rampsinkarin uimaranta, Savilahden uimaranta, S/S Hyöky.
Hamina Star-Shaped Town Plan: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Hamina Star-Shaped Town Plan: why is it worth visiting?
The star-shaped town plan of Hamina is a globally rare example of a circular fortress city from the Baroque era.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Finland →
Nearby cities
Helsinki surroundings
The surroundings of Helsinki are a highly urbanized area.
Vantaa
Vantaa is Finland's main airport city and a key part of the Helsinki metropolitan area.
Jyväskylä surroundings
The rural surroundings of Jyväskylä are in central Finland.
Jyväskylä
Jyväskylä lies in the heart of Finland and is an important educational and administrative center.
Lahti
Lahti is a well-known Finnish city on the shore of Lake Vesijärvi and the gateway to the Päijät-Häme lake district.
Kouvola
A major railway hub and regional center, known for the Verla UNESCO site and the Tykkimäki amusement park.
Lappeenranta
Lappeenranta lies on Lake Saimaa and is an important city in southeast Finland.
Hämeenlinna
Hämeenlinna is situated on Lake Vanajavesi and is one of Finland's oldest cities.
Aulanko
A magnificent nature and landscape park in Hämeenlinna, famous for its observation tower and for inspiring Sibelius.
Porvoo
Porvoo is one of Finland's oldest cities and is famous for its red riverside skyline.
Salo
Salo is located in southwestern Finland.
Kotka
Kotka is a major port city on Finland's southern coast and a center for trade and maritime transport.
Järvenpää
Järvenpää is located on Lake Tuusula near Helsinki.
Nurmijärvi
Finland's largest non-city municipality, famous as the birthplace of national author Aleksis Kivi and for its serene lake landscapes near…
Hyvinkää
Hyvinkää is located about 50 kilometers north of Helsinki.
History & landmarks
Lappeenranta Old Town Hall
The Old Town Hall of Lappeenranta is a 19th-century historic building.
Savonlinna
A picturesque town in the heart of the Saimaa lake district, famous for the medieval Olavinlinna Castle and its international opera festi…
Hamina
A historic fortress city on the Finnish coast, famous for its rare circular town plan and star-shaped fortifications.