The history of Pirttisaari island as a place for authorities goes back to the 18th century, when pilots started operating from the island guiding ships into the harbours along the coast. Since the early 1900’s, the island has also housed activities from the Coast Guard. The military begun permanent operations on the island in the 1930’s.
Pirttisaari Coastal Artillery battery consisted of late 19th century French Canet 152 mm cannons, which were later modernized by Finnish defense company Tampella. The modernization included adding of a fortified roof to the earlier open placements. As the Coastal Artillery little by little became obsolete with the apperance of mobile solutions and rocket launchers, the oldest turrets were decommissioned starting from the 1980’s.
Pirttisaari continued to remain an important drill ground for Coastal Artillery and Coastal Jaeger troops, and it still housed a hydrophone station long into the 21st century. However, the military finally left around 2005 and the last authorities to be permanently placed at Pirttisaari, the Coast Guard, pulled out in the early 2010’s. In the coming years the former military and Coast Guard areas were transferred to the Uusimaa region recreational association, the National Forestry Administration and partly to private ownership (including the former barracks buildings, now owned by a company called Euroworks). The end of over 200 years of administrative authority came to an end in 2015, when Pirttisaari island was in itse entirety opened to the public, with the former military and Coast Guard areas now functioning as a recreational area.
Guided visits to Pirttisaari
Finnish Gulf Travels arranges guided visits to the old Sea Fortress hosted by Chief Petty Officer (res.) Kristian Meurman, who served in the Coastal Artillery during his military conscript service. After his service, CPO Meurman has been an active member of the Suomenlinna Coastal Artillery Guild, that works to preserve the legacy of the stationary coastal artillery along the Gulf of Finland. As an active Navy reservist, Chief Meurman also has a long experience as a drill instructor and supervisor for the National Defence Training Association and the Finnish Defence Forces. He was promoted to the rank of Chief Petty Officer in 2024. He currently serves as the Communications Officer of the Interallied Confederation for Reserve Non-commissioned Officers – CISOR.
During the visits you are able to enter the 152 mm gun placements, complete with the decommissioned cannons in place!
| Type of tour | Walking tour with boat transit from the mainland |
| Distance | Walking distance approx. 4 km (2,5 mi). Transit from mainland approx. 10 nautical miles. |
| Duration | 2 hours walking tour (with breaks) + transit 2 x 30 minutes = 3 hours total for 1-5 persons 2 hours walking tour (with breaks) + transit 2 x 45 minutes = 3,5 hours total for 6-12 persons |
| Level of difficulty | Moderate. Must be able to walk on partly uneven terrain. Must be able to enter and exit the vessel (when assisted.) Must be able to step up and/or down a few steps (when assisted). This tour is not suitable for small children or persons with disabilities who are not able to walk for 1,5 hours. |
| Available services | Dry toilets available at Pirttisaari. Possibility to fill water bottles available on mainland before departure. NB! No drinking water available at the island. Disposable rain ponchos are available for purchase at the boat. Refillable water bottles available for purchase at the boat. |
| Necessary equipment | Please notice this is an outdoor walking tour. Dress according to the weather. Wear shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrains. The weather can be cold, windy and rainy. The roads and paths are predominantly sand or gravel. Umbrellas are not recommended due to wind circumstances, rather use a rain coat or poncho. Bring a water bottle with you (or buy a refillable one from us, please inform of need in advance). |
| Price | 249 € / 1-5 persons 439 € / 6-12 persons The price is for the whole group regardless of the number of persons onboard. Up to 5 persons fit in our smaller (and faster) boat. Groups of 6 or more passengers will be transported with our bigger boat. The maximum group size is 12 persons. Children with the exception of infants count as one person. VAT is included in all prices. |
NB! All visits to the former defence strucutres is strictly at your own risk. Finnish Gulf Travels can not be held liable for any damage or injury.
Decommissioned around 2005.