A small Gulf of Finland town with a largely intact old town of 18th and 19th-century wooden houses, the Laivasilta harbour area and, in summer, boat trips to the Svartholma sea fortress (about EUR 15 return, about $17 USD, per older guides; confirm). Some cafes and shops close in winter.
Loviisa is a small Gulf of Finland town about 90 km east of Helsinki, in the Uusimaa region, and its old town is among the best-preserved wooden quarters on the southern coast. The simplest route is a direct regional bus from the Kamppi bus terminal, operated by OnniBus and Matkahuolto, taking about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 35 minutes each way. Tickets can be bought at onnibus.com or matkahuolto.fi. Driving along E18 and Highway 7 takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. In July and August the historic steamer M/S J.L. Runeberg also sails from Helsinki to Loviisa, with fares and season details given under the Porvoo entry. The old town consists of 18th and 19th-century wooden houses on quiet streets, and the Laivasilta harbour area is the natural place to start. In summer, boat trips run to the Svartholma sea fortress, priced at about EUR 15 return according to older guides, so the current fare should be confirmed before relying on it. A day trip could begin with a morning bus, a slow walk through the old town lanes, and a coffee near the harbour. Lunch fits at a cafe or restaurant in the centre or by the water. The afternoon can be used for the harbour, the boat trip to Svartholma where scheduled, or simply further wandering before the return bus. Visitors should allow about four hours in town. June to August is the best period, because cafes, shops and boat services are fully open. Some cafes and shops close in winter, so reduced hours should be expected outside summer. The myhelsinki.fi page on Loviisa day trips offers an overview, and the local tourist office can confirm seasonal opening times and boat departures.
| Distance | About 90 km east of Helsinki |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 35 minutes each way by bus |
| Getting there | Bus: Direct regional bus from Helsinki bus station (Kamppi) to Loviisa; OnniBus and Matkahuolto operate the route (onnibus.com, matkahuolto.fi) |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Loviisa Old Town, 07900 Loviisa, Finland |
How to get there
- Bus: Kamppi bus terminal to Loviisa, about 1 h 15 min-1 h 35 min
- Car: about 1 hour 15 minutes via E18/Highway 7
- Boat: M/S J.L. Runeberg also sails Helsinki-Loviisa in July-August (see Porvoo for 2026 fares and season)
Location
Loviisa Old Town, 07900 Loviisa, Finland
60.4583, 26.2333 View on map
Highlights
- Largely intact old town of 18th and 19th-century wooden houses
- Laivasilta harbour area
- Summer boat trips to the Svartholma sea fortress
- Quiet streets with small cafes
Tips for visiting
- Take the direct Kamppi bus, about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 35 minutes.
- Confirm the Svartholma boat fare and schedule, as older guides quote about EUR 15 return.
- Visit June to August when cafes and boats operate.
- Check return bus times before the afternoon.
- Expect reduced services in winter.
When to visit
June to August, when cafes, shops and boat trips are operating.
Accessibility
Old town streets can be uneven and cobbled in places. The harbour area is generally flatter.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How do visitors get to Loviisa from Helsinki?
A direct bus from Kamppi takes about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 35 minutes. Driving takes about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Is there a boat from Helsinki to Loviisa?
The M/S J.L. Runeberg sails in July and August. Fares and season details are listed under the Porvoo entry.
What is there to do in winter?
The old town can still be walked, but some cafes and shops close, so options are limited.