Ulko-Tammio by boat – a Continuation War fortress in an outer archipelago national park

A guard detachment was stationed on Ulko-Tammio in summer 1939. After the Winter War the border moved, and the island became an outpost on the new eastern border. The actual fortification work began on 15 June 1941, just ten days before the outbreak of the Continuation War, and at its strongest, in September 1944, the fortress had 370 men.

In July 1942, the fortress's heavy gun took part in the Battle of Someri, and a memorial plaque to the battle was unveiled on the island on its 30th anniversary in July 1972. After the armistice, the fortress's guns were moved elsewhere on the orders of the Control Commission. The Kotka coastal artillery battalion has since returned a 152-millimetre Canet coastal gun to a former gun position, and its details are given on an information board.

In the middle of the island there is a tunnel cut into the rock, which was left unfinished during the war. The war history trail runs to the northern parts of the island, past restored guns, information boards about the war years and the tunnel. The island has lush herb-rich woodland, and in the middle of the island there is an observation tower with views across the national park all the way to Suursaari.

Visit Kotka-Hamina declared Ulko-Tammio a phone-free island for summer 2023, and the idea is to keep your phone in your pocket and focus on nature. Taking part is voluntary, and the island has a working mobile network. Ulko-Tammio suits a day that combines outer archipelago nature and military history.

The trip suits those interested in military history and nature, hikers and anyone who wants to experience an outer archipelago national park. Of our destinations from Kotka, this is the longest journey, so set aside a full day for the trip.

The island has several covered campfire and barbecue shelters, a camping area and an open wilderness hut. There is a dry toilet on the island, and water from the well in the central part of the island must be boiled before drinking. No food is available in the national park and there are no waste bins, so bring food and drinking water with you and take your rubbish away.

Under the national park's regulations, fires may only be made at designated sites, and camping is only permitted in marked camping areas. Only use firewood that has been brought to the site. When a wildfire warning is in force, fires may only be made in cooking shelters with a chimney. Keep pets on a lead.

In the Eastern Gulf of Finland National Park, landing is prohibited on some islands during the nesting season or all year round; for example, landing on Ulko-Tammionluoto is prohibited from 1 April to 15 August. Movement is also restricted in military protection areas, and the border zone that begins about three nautical miles from Ulko-Tammio has its own restrictions. Check the latest restrictions on movement on Luontoon.fi if you plan to stop at other islands on the way.

Agree on refuelling with the boat owner before you set off.