Greetings traveler.
Today we are welcomed to the beautiful historic city of Hamina, Finland.
This street walk marks part 1 of 2 in the Hamina series.
The city is not only unique because of its circular center design.
It is also the city with the largest flag in Finland.
in fact it is the largest flagpole in all of Europe! (14th in the world)
The gigantic flagpole reaches a height of 100 meters.
While the flag is the same size as an official basketball court (445 square meters, 16.5 x 27 meters), and weighs more than 30 kg.
It represents Finland’s 100th anniversary of independence and was established in 2019.
Today a strong wind from the sea has no problem making the flag dance.

Hamina is known for its long tradition as a proud military town.
The Army Reserve Officers School is located inside and just outside the city walls.
About 1500 conscripts from all over the country are trained annually.
Hamina is a seaside town located in southeastern Finland.
The port of HaminaKotka is the second largest commercial port in Finland.
Highway 7 (E18) is the road connection to Helsinki, about 145 km (90 mi) east of the country’s capital.
More than 20,000 inhabitants populate the municipality.
More than 95% are Finnish-speakers, Swedish-speakers represent less than 1%.
One of Google’s 5 European data centers is situated in Hamina.

As i mentioned before, the city center was build in a circular design.
The entire city was destroyed by the Great Northern War (1712).
When the vibrant city of Vyborg was lost to Russia in 1721, Hamina (Fredrikshamn) was dedicated to replace it.
The reconstruction of the town was completed between 1722 and 1724.
Based on Central European and Italian Renaissance concepts from the 16th century.
Around the same time, construction of the unique star-shaped fortress began.
However, in 1743 Hamina was surrendered to Russia, after the Russo-Swedish War (1741-1743).
After which the town of Loviisa became the next Swedish stronghold.
The splitting of Finland from Sweden took place in 1819 after the Treaty of Fredrikshamn (Hamina).
Becoming the Grand Duchy of Finland of the Russian Empire.

The most notable sights include the Town Hall which is located in the center of the circle.
Originally built in 1798, it was renovated by Carl Ludvig Engel in 1840.
The Reserve Officers School, the Town Museum, Hamina Fortress and the 3 churches around the center.
Perhaps the most famous Finn known outside of Finland, Simo Häyhä, also known as “The White Death”, spent his last years in Hamina.

In the next video we visit the beautiful Oolanni park and the Hamina guest marina.
Thanks for joining. I hope to continue our conversation soon.
Enjoy your walk, stay safe and have a nice day.