Svartholma by boat – Suomenlinna's sister fortress off Loviisa

Construction of Svartholma began in 1748 to plans by Augustin Ehrensvärd, the same year as Suomenlinna, and the fortress was part of Sweden's new line of defence on its eastern border. Most of the work was completed in the 1750s, and Svartholma is Suomenlinna's sister fortress.

Svartholma's Swedish era ended during the Finnish War in 1808, when the fortress surrendered to the Russians almost without resistance. Under Russian rule, Svartholma lost its importance as a border fortress and was used as a prison and a labour colony.

The fortress was emptied ahead of the Crimean War, and in July 1855 a British naval squadron blew up its fortifications. Clearing of the ruins began in the 1930s, and from the 1960s onwards the Finnish Heritage Agency restored the fortress over a period of about 30 years. The restoration was completed in 1998, the fortress's 250th anniversary year. Today the island is managed by Metsähallitus, and the City of Loviisa is responsible for activities and services on the island.

The fortress's free exhibition tells the story of the island, and you can explore the island on the City of Loviisa's self-guided walking tour. Svartholma suits a day trip for the whole family that combines a boat journey, a walk around the fortress and a picnic or restaurant break.

The trip suits people interested in history and fortresses, as well as families. It is a long way from Porvoo to Svartholma, so set aside a full day for the trip.

Svartholma's guest jetties are on the island's east shore, and they are free of charge for boaters. The two jetties have a total of about 70 berths, and you moor to a buoy or a boom or alongside. There is a drinking water point next to the guest jetty. The log jetty at the fortress's main gate is reserved for scheduled boat services.

In summer a connecting ferry also runs to the island from Laivasilta in Loviisa. The summer restaurant's menu and opening hours are on the restaurant's Facebook and Instagram pages, so check the current opening hours before you set off.

The paths around the island are easy to walk, and the terrain is mostly flat. However, the paths are in their natural state and there are high steps along the walkways, so the site is not well suited to people with reduced mobility.

The island has the Svartholma summer restaurant, and the fortress has a free exhibition about the island's soldiers, prisoners and travellers. The exhibition is on the first floor, up a flight of stairs, and the building has no lift. A map and QR codes for the self-guided walking tour are available on the Ihana Loviisa website. Check the restaurant's opening hours on the Ihana Loviisa website or the restaurant's social media channels.

Fires may only be made at the marked campfire sites, and making fires is prohibited while a wildfire warning is in force. Firewood is provided, but you may have to chop it yourself. Take your rubbish with you and do not burn it.

The Laivasilta guest harbour in Loviisa has a fuel station, but agree on refuelling with the boat's owner before you set off.

Camping on Svartholma is only allowed in the marked camping area. Bring a rubbish bag and take your rubbish off the island.

Moor the boat for the night according to the jetty's instructions.