The Hanko Peninsula was leased to the Soviet Union for 30 years as part of the Moscow Peace Treaty, though they evacuated it after only 174 days.
The museum stands directly on the 'Hanko Front,' the historic border line where Finnish forces held their positions against the Soviet naval base.
The site includes original dugout structures and defensive trenches that have been maintained as historical artifacts.
The area features a memorial park dedicated to the civilians who were forced to evacuate their homes on the peninsula within hours in 1940.
The museum building itself is constructed on the site of a former Finnish command post.
The Hanko Front Museum is situated on the front line of the 1940-1941 Hanko Lease Area, where Soviet forces occupied a peninsula of Finnish territory following the Winter War. The museum is located at the site of the original border, which separated the Soviet-controlled Hanko base from the Finnish front line. Exhibits are spread across the historic battleground, featuring preserved fortifications, trenches, and bunkers constructed during the conflict. The museum documents the 174-day struggle for control of the peninsula and the subsequent evacuation of the civilian population. A significant portion of the collection includes weaponry, military equipment, and personal artifacts retrieved from the trenches. The surrounding area remains physically marked by craters and defensive barriers from the wartime period. Visitors can explore the outdoor terrain to see the remnants of the front line fortifications firsthand. It serves as a memorial to the strategic importance of the Hanko Peninsula during the Second World War.
The restored trench sections and the wooden border marker crossing.
Wear sturdy, waterproof footwear as much of the museum experience involves walking through forest trails and uneven trench terrain.
Bring insect repellent during the summer months, as the forested outdoor site is prone to mosquitoes.
Check the official website before visiting to confirm if the museum is currently in its active summer season.
Do not wander off the marked paths, as the surrounding forest may still contain remnants of dangerous ordnance or unstable trench edges.
Open during the summer season only; typically closed from autumn through late spring.
Respect the site as a war memorial; refrain from climbing on unstable structural remains or removing any artifacts found in the forest.
