Hanö Island: Discovering Blekinge's Unique Natural Escape

Hanö is a small island situated off the coast of Blekinge in Southern Sweden, offering visitors a distinctive experience centered around dramatic nature and peaceful tranquility. It's a popular destination, particularly for day trips during the summer months, appealing to those who appreciate coastal landscapes, unique geological features, and quiet walking trails.

The island is relatively small, but packs a surprising amount of natural beauty and a touch of history into its modest size. With a charming small village at its harbor and a prominent lighthouse marking its highest point, Hanö provides a memorable escape from the mainland pace.

This guide provides a general overview of what new visitors can expect when planning a trip to Hanö, covering how to get there, what to see and do, and some practical tips for making the most of your visit.

The only way for visitors to reach Hanö is by taking a ferry from the small harbor town of Nogersund, located near Sölvesborg on the Blekinge coast. This is a foot passenger ferry; you cannot bring a car onto the island (unless you have specific island resident permits, which is not applicable for visitors).

The ferry journey is relatively short, taking around 25-30 minutes to cross the water to Hanö harbor. The ferry service is operated by Blekingetrafiken (the regional public transport authority) and runs year-round, though the frequency of departures increases significantly during the summer season (typically May-September).

Once you arrive at Hanö harbor, prepare to explore the island entirely on foot! Hanö is a car-free island for visitors, and its size makes it perfect for walking.

Well-marked walking trails crisscross the island, leading you to the main sights like the lighthouse, Bönsäcken beach, and through its unique forest areas. The terrain can be varied, with some uphill sections (especially on the way to the lighthouse) and uneven paths, so wearing sturdy, comfortable walking shoes is highly recommended.

The village area around the harbor is small and easy to wander through. Exploring Hanö is best done at a relaxed pace, allowing time to enjoy the scenery and tranquility along the trails.

Despite its small size, Hanö offers several distinct natural and historical attractions:

• Hanö Lighthouse: Standing prominently on the island's highest point, the lighthouse is a key landmark and offers fantastic panoramic views of the sea and coastline from its base. In summer, it is often possible to climb to the top for an even better vista (check locally for opening times and any small fee).
• Bönsäcken: Located on the northern side of the island, Bönsäcken is a unique geological formation – a long, narrow point made up of millions of water-polished pebbles. The shape and size of this "beanbag" beach constantly change depending on the direction of the waves and wind, making it a fascinating natural phenomenon.
• Drakamörkret (The Dragon's Darkness): This area refers to a dense, somewhat mysterious hornbeam forest on the southern part of the island. Walking through this unique woodland offers a different natural experience compared to the open coastal areas. The name has mythical connections in local folklore.
• Cliffs and Coastal Trails: The island's coastline features dramatic cliffs in places, and the walking trails often follow the shore, providing beautiful views and a sense of being exposed to the elements.
• The English Cemetery: A small historical site dating back to the Napoleonic Wars (1810-1812), when the British Navy used Hanö as a base. A simple cemetery remains as a reminder of this period.

The main settlement on Hanö is a small, picturesque fishing village clustered around the harbor where the ferry docks. It's a charming collection of traditional houses.

The village is the central point for the island's limited services. You'll typically find a seasonal restaurant or café by the harbor. There might also be very limited accommodation options (like a guesthouse or hostel) and perhaps a small shop during the peak summer months.

Given the island's small size and focus on nature, dining options are very limited. The primary place to eat is typically a restaurant or café located by the harbor in the village, which is usually only open during the summer season.

Packing your own food and drinks is highly recommended when visiting Hanö, especially if you plan to spend a full day exploring the walking trails away from the harbor area. Bring water, snacks, or even a full picnic to enjoy amidst the nature.

The most suitable time to visit Hanö is during the summer season, roughly from May/June to August/September.

During these months, the ferry runs more frequently, the seasonal restaurant and any other services in the village are likely to be open, and the weather is generally most favorable for walking and outdoor activities. Spring can offer unique flora (like orchids), while early autumn can have pleasant colors.

Outside of summer, the island is very exposed to the elements, with strong winds, and services are extremely limited or closed. Ferry traffic is also reduced.

A trip to Hanö is generally quite affordable, especially if visiting for a day. The main costs are:

• Ferry Fare: The return ticket for the ferry from Nogersund is the primary transport cost (around 50-70 SEK per person each way as of early 2025, check current prices with Blekingetrafiken).
• Food & Drink: If you pack your own, this is just your grocery cost. If you plan to buy food on the island, factor in the cost of eating at the seasonal restaurant/café.
• Activities: Most activities on Hanö, such as walking the trails and visiting natural sights, are free. There might be a small fee to climb the lighthouse if it's open.

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to Hanö, keep these practical tips in mind:

• Check Ferry Times: Double-check the departure and return schedule before you go, especially for the last ferry of the day.
• Wear Appropriate Shoes: Sturdy walking shoes are a must for the island's trails.
• Pack Essentials: Bring water, snacks or a picnic, sun protection (even on cloudy days), and layers of clothing.
• Be Prepared for Wind: Hanö is exposed. A windproof jacket is highly recommended.
• Cashless: While card payment is common in Sweden, it's wise to check if the seasonal businesses on the island accept cards, or have a small amount of cash just in case for very small purchases, though card is usually fine.
• Respect Nature: Hanö is a nature reserve. Stay on marked trails, do not disturb wildlife (including the deer), and take all your trash with you.

Most visitors experience Hanö as a day trip. However, if you wish to stay overnight, options on the island are very limited (potentially a guesthouse or hostel - check availability well in advance).

A more common approach is to stay on the mainland nearby, for example in Sölvesborg or a coastal town in Blekinge, and take the ferry over for a day visit. This offers more accommodation choices and dining options.

Hanö island offers a captivating escape for those seeking dramatic coastal nature and tranquility in Southern Sweden. The short ferry journey sets the tone for visiting a place where walking is the only way to explore, revealing unique sights like the ever-changing Bönsäcken and the prominent lighthouse.

It's a place to disconnect, enjoy the sea air, and appreciate a landscape shaped by the elements. Whether you visit for a few hours or a full day, Hanö provides a memorable experience that highlights the wild beauty of the Swedish coast.

Ready to plan your visit? Here is the essential link for the ferry:

• 🔗 Blekingetrafiken (Ferry Schedule and Fares for Nogersund-Hanö)