For those who love old wooden houses and picturesque townships, Loviisa is an absolute treasure so take the time to explore it. Wander the little alleys and admire the courtyards and gardens in this lovely little town by the sea.
You can start your Loviisa tour, for example, by visiting the local museum at the historical Komendantintalo (Commandant’s House) that was built in 1755. Loviisa is famous for its gardens, and there are annual events that allow people to visit and inspect them more closely.
Within this small town, nothing is too far away. Stroll through the lovely Kappelinpuisto (Chapel Park), take the historical Ehrensvärd Trail, and explore Loviisa Fort at Garnison Park, where the rivers and bays of Loviisa meet.
Upon arriving at Sibelius Park, you might have probably already guessed that there’s a story about it, and you’d be right. Famous Finnish composer Jean Sibelius used to visit his grandmother in Loviisa as a child. He wrote his Kullervo symphony in Loviisa and gave concerts at Seurahuone, one of the oldest buildings in Loviisa, still used for various events and festivities.
The majestic church of Loviisa that welcomes all visitors at the gateway to the town is also a good landmark for entering the nature trail at Myllyharju. It is a popular hiking and jogging trail for the locals and opens a wonderful view to the Gulf of Finland over the idyllic old town. There’s also a hundred-year old, one-of-a-kind observation tower at Kukkumäki. This red, ironmade, art nouveau style tower is as charming as they come and a perfect place for admiring the beautiful sea view.
When you are getting peckish, find your way to one of the lovely restaurants in Loviisa. There are also wonderful places to stay in town as well. As just one example, spend a night at the beautiful Loviisa Campsite next to the beach and begin the next day by the sea.
Feel the warmth of the sun on your skin and the cool crisp sea breeze that flows over it, and then take in the glimmering sea right before you. Laivasilta Pier in Loviisa makes this reality. Enjoy the local dishes at outside eateries, or do a bit of impulse shopping at some small boutiques. Then hop on board to see the sea fortress Svartholm, only half an hour away.
Svartholm Sea Fortress outside Loviisa was built in the 1750s and suffered great damage during the Crimean War. In the 1960s, the Finnish Heritage Agency began to restore the fortress, commonly known as the little sister of Helsinki’s Suomenlinna Sea Fortress.
If you embark on a sea adventure to Svartholm with the kids, bring toy swords with you, as this is the perfect place to play pirates! Svartholm Bistro is a popular stop for the local boaters, so do as they do and stop by for a tasty meal and a bit of relaxed island life before heading back to the mainland. Remember to check the schedules online beforehand!
Two popular annual events organized by the locals allow visitors to enjoy the heart-felt lifestyle of this small town. Loviisa Open Gardens showcases the lovely, beloved gardens of Loviisa twice every summer. To take a look inside the marvelous old carefully and creatively renovated houses of Loviisa, you can attend the The Historical Houses of Loviisa Event in the autumn or The Historical Christmas Homes of Loviisa in December.
The Historical Houses of Loviisa is a traditional Finnish Building and Renovation Event organized during the last weekend of August since 2005, with over 15,000 visitors over the weekend during its best years. The event has its origins in finding ways to support the local construction and renovation tradition, and to this end the local historical over 100-year-old private homes open their doors for the public. You should come, too!
