Hamina, Finland

HAMINA was founded in 1653 and sporting a magnificently bizarre town plan, the main streets branching out of and forming concentric circles around the central plaza. It was built this way to allow the incumbent Swedish forces to withstand attack – the town being the site of many Swedish– Russian battles. You can still amble around the base of the original defending wall, preserved and restored in various parts; follow the signs to the "bastoni" from the centre. Besides this, however, there's not an awful lot to amuse, although you can pick up suggestions and local information from the tourist office at Raatihuonetori 16 (Mon– Fri 9am–4pm; Tel:05/749 2641, Web: www.hamina.fi ), which can assist with accommodation.