Things to see and do Loviisa

35 min boat trip to Svartholma sea fortress. This fortress was built in 1748 by the Swedes to protect themselves against the Russian invasion. Suomenlinna's big sister, so to speak. Destroyed by the British during the Crimean War, it has since been rebuilt. On the small island, you will find a small museum (free entrance) to understand the history of this fort which was built between Russian and Swedish laws. Also on the spot, there is a small bistro to have a drink or a bite to eat.

The old town with its wooden houses that survived the great fire of 1855 is well worth a visit, with its Market Square whose surrounding buildings were designed by Georg Chiewitz. See also the town hall dating from 1862, the neo-Gothic church from 1865, and further east, the Ungern and Rosen bastions. From the top of the Kukkukivi tower you have a breathtaking view of the Bay of Loviisa. Visit the Sibelius House, which belonged to his aunt. Sibelius spent his summer holidays there and composed his Kullervo symphony.