Russarö

Russarö is a small island off the tip of the Hanko peninsula in southern Finland, known for its lighthouse and coastal artillery fortifications. The island forms part of the Hanko archipelago and has been used historically for navigation and defence.

On the island visitors can see concrete gun emplacements, bunkers and associated military ruins alongside the lighthouse and service buildings. The site attracts people interested in coastal military history, birdwatching and short island walks.

Russarö was developed for coastal defence from the 19th century into the 20th century and remained of military importance through the world wars and the Cold War era. Many of the defensive structures remain as ruins or conserved examples of coastal fortification.

The island lies a few kilometres off the Hanko peninsula in the Gulf of Finland and is reached by seasonal boat services from Hanko or by private boat. Hanko is the nearest town and is the southernmost point of mainland Finland.

• Access: Seasonal boat services and private charters run from Hanko in summer months; access is limited outside the warmer season.
• Visitor note: The island is small and exposed to weather, so visitors should prepare for open, rocky shoreline walking and bring suitable clothing.

What to See #

• Fortifications: A 19th- and 20th-century coastal artillery area with visible gun emplacements, bunkers and concrete works dating from Finland's coastal defenses.
• Lighthouse: A small lighthouse and its adjacent structures that mark the island and serve as a local navigational point for the Hanko archipelago.