Loviisa

Introducing Loviisa

Loviisa (Swedish: Lovisa) was named after the Swedish Queen Lovisa Ulrika in 1752, even though there had been a settlement at this harbour site for almost a century before that. Hurriedly fortified by the Swedes when they lost garrison towns (such as Hamina) to the east, Loviisa was finally taken easily by the Russians in 1808.

In the 18th century Loviisa was one of three towns in Finland allowed to engage in foreign trade, and by the 19th century it was a flourishing port and spa town. Loviisa was devastated by fire during the Crimean War (1853-56), so little of the original Old Town remains. These days it's very much a summer resort, when all the attractions are open and boat trips are operating from the marina - skip it out of season.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009