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The Photo Record is an archive of digitally restored historic photographs from Finland and beyond.

Restaurant at Hanko Spa

Restaurant at Hanko Spa

Hanko, at the southern tip of Finland, grew in the 19th century as both a port and a resort town. Its long sandy beaches and favourable climate made it a natural choice for a spa destination, drawing wealthy visitors from Finland and abroad. The spa complex included bathing facilities, accommodation, and restaurants, creating an elegant centre for leisure and social life.

The restaurant at the spa stood out with its ornate wooden architecture and twin towers, a fine example of late 19th-century design. It served as a gathering place not only for dining but also for entertainment, with concerts and events adding to the atmosphere. For many visitors, it was as much a social hub as a place to eat.

This historic sepia-toned photograph shows the Hanko spa restaurant, with its decorative wooden details, towers, and broad verandas. Flags fly from the towers, and awnings shade the windows, while paths and lawns frame the building.

Original Photograph

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Digitally Restored Photograph

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Photo Information

Original photo courtesy of the Finnish Heritage Agency
Photographer: K. E. Ståhlberg
Year: 1890-1899

Link to original photo here


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Hanko: Passenger Ship at the Pier

Hanko: Passenger Ship at the Pier