The Sustainable Fortresses project is helping to develop the Hamina fortifications.

Hamina and Kotka are known for their historic fortresses. Both cities want to develop the use of the fortress areas for both residents and tourists. At the beginning of the year, the cities started the Sustainable Fortresses project to develop inspirations together with Cursor Oy.

The aim is to open the long-closed, 200-year-old Kyminlinna Castle in Kotka in a controlled manner for recreational and tourist use and to develop the services of the Hamina Fortress, built in the 1700th century, to make them more diverse. In practice, this means new opportunities for outdoor activities, events and experiencing the history of the fortresses. At the same time, the safety of the fortress areas and their preservation for future generations are ensured.

The fortresses are developed together with experts, companies and other actors. The Kyminlinna development plan is being prepared by FlowHouse Oy and Alusta Consulting Oy.

In Hamina, Projoplan Oy (fortress master plan), Faunatica Oy (care and use plan) and CasaCo Oy (repair and maintenance plan) are involved in the development work.

The plans are made in accordance with the principles of sustainable development: preserving the cultural and historical value of the fortresses, taking into account the environment and the needs of the users of the areas. Several studies are being prepared on the current state of the fortresses and their future possibilities.

In autumn 2026, workshops will be organized to develop the fortifications, inviting local residents, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders. By participating, you can influence how the areas develop.

International networks are also utilized in the development work. For example, representatives from Kotka and Hamina participated in the EFFORTS congress held in Belgium in June 2026, in the city of Diest, Belgium, where the development of fortifications, financing and cooperation models were discussed. International examples have provided valuable lessons, among other things, on the reuse of areas, the role of events and the importance of partnerships.

The development of the fortifications will be carried out through the measures of the Sustainable Fortresses project. The project is implemented by Cursor Oy and is funded by the European Rural Development Fund through the Southeast Finland Vitality Centre. The work will be completed in early 2027.