Loviisa receives 25,000 sqm nature area as donation

Private landowner Nils Artlöve has donated a 25,000 square metre property on the shore of Loviisanlahti bay to the city of Loviisa, Yle reports.

The land, named Sydvestsol, includes an island, water area, and forested land, totalling 9,000 sqm of land and 15,600 sqm of water. The city council approved the donation on 18 May, and the deed was signed on 7 July at Loviisa town hall.

Artlöve, who was born in Loviisa but moved to Sweden in his late teens, said he wanted to “give something back” to the city where he grew up. The area holds strong personal memories for him, as he often visited it as a child.

The city plans to develop the property for public recreation. The island, Bergholmen, is accessible on foot during low tide and will be slightly improved for visitors. The forested area on the mainland will also be adapted for recreational use.

The donation significantly expands Loviisa’s network of outdoor recreation areas.