Örö

Welcome, intrepid travelers and students of both military history and natural ecology, to the remarkable island of Örö. Situated in the outer archipelago, approximately twenty-five miles southwest of Hanko and completely exposed…

Leaving the modern amenities of the marina behind, we begin our trek inland along paths that speak immediately to the immense labor exerted upon this island. Before the military arrived, the landscape here was open, windswept…

We now arrive at the most awe-inspiring and intimidating historical features on the island: the remains of the heavy artillery batteries. The centerpiece of this defensive complex is the massive twelve-inch Obukhov gun…

Moving away from the heavy fortifications, we transition into the living quarters that housed the generations of soldiers who maintained this outpost. While the Russian origins of the fortress are evident in the heavy…

We now hike out to the exposed western shore of the island, transitioning from the realm of military history into a theater of spectacular natural beauty. As we break through the tree line, a stunning three-kilometer stretch of…

Venturing further into the island's diverse habitats, we arrive at an area that beautifully encapsulates the bizarre ecological legacy of the military presence: the island's small helicopter pad. At first glance, a concrete and…

We conclude our extensive exploration of Örö here, near the inner bays where the water is calm and swans nest quietly among the reeds, providing a stark contrast to the roaring western beaches. Our journey across this island has…