Loviisa

Loviisa is a town and municipality in southern Finland, located in the Uusimaa region on the coast of the Gulf of Finland, about 90 kilometers east of Helsinki. The municipality includes the urban center of Loviisa as well as rural areas and an archipelago with numerous islands. It has a coastal character and a maritime economy.

Founded in 1745 as a fortress town to defend the southern coast, Loviisa was established under Swedish rule and later grew around its fortifications and harbor. The town’s name, Lovisa, was the Swedish form of a royal given name, later Finnishized to Loviisa. The historic center is known for its well-preserved wooden houses from the 18th and 19th centuries, and the town retains a distinct maritime architectural character.

Economy and landmarks: The Loviisa Nuclear Power Plant, operated by Fortum, consists of two VVER-440/213 reactors and is a major employer in the region. The Svartholm Fortress, located on an island near the town, is an 18th-century sea fortress maintained as a protected site and popular tourist attraction. The harbour, market square, and wooden-town ambience attract visitors, while tourism and services complement the industrial base. Loviisa serves as a gateway to the archipelago and surrounding nature areas.

Demographics and administration: As of the early 2020s, the population is around 14,000 to 15,000. The municipality combines urban amenities with rural and island communities and participates in regional cooperation within the Uusimaa region. The area experiences a humid continental climate influenced by the Baltic Sea, with cold winters and relatively mild summers.

Transportation: Loviisa is accessible by road and sea, with a local harbour and connections to the regional road network. The town is linked to larger urban centers in the Helsinki metropolitan area and surrounding regions, supporting both commuting and tourism.