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Loviisa Bastions

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Loviisa Bastions, primarily Bastion Ungern and Bastion Rosen, are significant remnants of an 18th-century frontier fortress designed to protect the Swedish realm from Russian advances. Following the Peace of Åbo in 1743, Sweden lost several key fortresses and decided to fortify the newly founded town of Loviisa. Construction began in 1748 under the leadership of Augustin Ehrensvärd, the renowned military architect also responsible for Suomenlinna. The fortress was designed as a modern bastion system, but due to shifting priorities and lack of funding, it was never fully completed. Today, the massive stone walls and earthen ramparts are well-preserved and form a central part of Loviisa’s cultural landscape. The area functions as a public park and a venue for open-air theater and historical festivals, representing a key chapter in the Baltic region's military history.

Location: Finland
Top sights: Anchor · Ragnar Nordström · Bonga Castle
Nearby: Valko (5 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-6	-6	-3	3	10	14	18	17	12	6	1	-2
Rain mm	55	46	42	42	55	73	67	69	65	78	70	66

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The bastions of Loviisa are remains of an 18th-century fortress system. The area is freely accessible and can be visited at any time.

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Typical hours

As it is an open outdoor area, there are no fixed opening hours. The best time to visit is during daylight, especially in summer when the green spaces are maintained.

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Photography

Photography is allowed throughout the bastion area. The old earthworks and cannon positions offer interesting subjects for history and architecture photography.

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Time needed

A walk around the site takes about 20 to 40 minutes. Those who want to explore the bastions thoroughly should allow an hour.

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Combine with

Combine the visit with a walk through the old town of Loviisa. The harbor and the wooden houses along the streets are also worth seeing.

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Getting there

The bastions are located within the city of Loviisa, within walking distance of the center. Parking is available on surrounding streets or at the edge of town.

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Insider tip

Bring an information leaflet to better understand the history of the bastions. Especially in autumn when leaves fall, atmospheric photos can be taken.

Geography

Coordinates

60.45610, 26.22810

Facts

Construction of the bastions started in 1748.
The fortifications were designed by Augustin Ehrensvärd.
The project followed the loss of Hamina in the Peace of Åbo (1743).
The bastions are named after prominent Swedish generals.
The area is designated as a nationally significant cultural site.
The construction was halted in 1767 due to financial constraints.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Loviisa<1 km · SEExplore →

Valko5 km · SExplore →

Ruotsinpyhtää15 km · NEExplore →

Koskenkylä17 km · WExplore →

Hämeenkylä24 km · NEExplore →

Pyhtää28 km · EExplore →

Neste Porvoo Refinery31 km · WExplore →

Takakylä36 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Loviisa Bastions (10)

Anchor

Anchor monument in Loviisa.

Ragnar Nordström

Monument to Ragnar Nordström in Loviisa.

Bonga Castle

Gallery in Loviisa.

🌐 bonga.fi

Loviisan ilmatorjunnan muistotykki

Memorial anti-aircraft gun in Loviisa.

Loviisa Church

Church building in Loviisa, Finland.

Myllyharjun museotuulimylly

Museum windmill in Loviisa.

Harjun portaat

Stairs with a viewpoint in Loviisa.

Lovisa svenska metodistförsamling

Swedish-speaking Methodist congregation in Loviisa.

Galleri Emilie

Gallery in Loviisa.

Laivasillan Jatulintarha

Stone labyrinth at the ship bridge in Loviisa.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What are the Loviisa Bastions?

They are remains of an 18th-century Swedish fortress named Svartholm and land fortifications.

What are the names of the two main land bastions?

The two well-known bastions are named Ungern and Rosen.

Can the fortifications be visited for free?

The land bastions are freely accessible and offer beautiful walking paths.

How do I get to the Svartholm island fortress?

In summer, regular ferries run from the harbor in Loviisa.

Is there food and drink available?

On Svartholm island, there is a restaurant and café during the summer.

Loviisa Bastions: where is it located?

Loviisa Bastions is located in Finland.

Loviisa Bastions: what is there to see?

Highlights include Anchor, Ragnar Nordström, Bonga Castle.

Loviisa Bastions: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Loviisa Bastions: why is it worth visiting?

The Loviisa Bastions, primarily Bastion Ungern and Bastion Rosen, are significant remnants of an 18th-century frontier fortress designed to protect the Swedish realm from Russian advances.

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