Discover Loviisa: Coast, Old Town and Walking Trails

Loviisa is located on the coast of the Gulf of Finland. If you are looking for hotels in Loviisa, your planned focus can help you decide where to stay: the harbour and sea fortress, historic buildings or walking trails. The town offers a variety of themes, from the salt warehouses at the Laivasilta landing to trails through wooded surroundings.

Laivasilta and Svartholm Sea Fortress

Laivasilta now serves as a guest harbour. Converted wooden salt warehouses stand by the landing. They house restaurants, small shops and art exhibitions; the red warehouses are also home to the Loviisa Maritime Museum and summer shops. The museum and exhibitions are open seasonally, and the shops operate as summer shops.

Cruises to Svartholm Sea Fortress depart from Laivasilta in summer. The fortress can also be reached from there daily by water bus. The service is seasonal, so check the current timetable before your trip. In summer, the m/s J. L. Runeberg also brings visitors from Helsinki to Laivasilta. The harbour and sea fortress therefore make up a maritime highlight, with services that depend on the season.

The Old Town and the history of fortifications

Alakaupunki and Loviisa’s Old Town are among the few intact urban areas in Finland dating from the 18th century. Both escaped the devastating town fire of 1855. For anyone interested in the historic townscape, they offer a concrete point of reference for a stay: the focus is on preserved urban areas and their history, not just individual buildings.

The land fortifications are also part of Loviisa’s history. Construction began in 1748; the Rosen and Ungern bastions are in the town centre and form part of these fortifications. Visiting the two bastions is free of charge. Together, the date, the fortifications and the preserved urban areas offer different insights into the town’s past.

Walking trails with different highlights

Ehrensvärdinpolku is a two-kilometre wooded loop trail in the area around the fortress. There is also a shorter, easier route. Information boards along the trail cover the construction of the fortress and cultural history, as well as plant and animal species. The route combines a clearly defined circular walk with several topics to explore along the way.

The Myllyharju Trail starts at Loviisa Church and follows a wide, open-air path towards Myllyharju. There are 16 information boards along the route covering nature, history and life in Loviisa. When choosing a trail, you can therefore opt for either the wooded loop around the fortress or a path that starts at the church and heads towards Myllyharju. Another viewpoint is Kukkukivi: an Art Nouveau-style observation tower stands at the highest point of the ridge. It was designed by K. Hjelt in 1906, and the tower offers panoramic views.

Museums, art and seasonal events

Komendantintalo is in the town centre and is one of three locations of the Loviisa City Museum. The building was constructed in 1755; the museum has been housed there since the 1960s. Alongside a permanent exhibition, there are seasonal changing themed exhibitions, and the programme may change.

Bonga Castle houses the studio spaces of Professor and artist Riitta Nelimarkka, as well as an exhibition gallery. More than 200 of her works are on display there, and some are for sale. Seasonal events may also be of interest when planning a trip: Loviisa Open Gardens invites visitors to explore the town’s gardens twice each summer. The Loviisa Heritage Homes Event takes place in autumn, and Loviisa Heritage Christmas Homes in December. The events are spread across different seasons; check the specific dates before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Tavastby

For the main travel overview: Eastern Uusimaa.