The island was a popular recreational destination for city dwellers in the early 20th century, when only a few crofters lived there. However, this peaceful island underwent a major change when it was taken over by the Armed Forces in 1939. The crofters had to move away, and the island was closed to outsiders.
The fort was built to defend the port of Rauma
The construction of the Kuuskajaskari Fort began in December 1939 and took a year to complete. The fort was built to defend the port of Rauma. It was equipped with cannons and trenches, and when the Winter War broke out, the Turku Coastal Artillery was placed on the island. The soldiers and their families also moved to Kuuskajaskari at this time.
View from the pier area of the Kuuskajaskari Fort.
The soldiers of Kuuskajaskari Fort never saw actual military action. During the Winter War (November 1939 to March 1940), only one Russian aircraft was shot down north of the island by the island’s artillery.
In 1944, the artillery had to be removed from the island in accordance with the peace treaty. However, the guns were brought back again a few years later, when Kuuskajaskari Fort became a military training facility. At that time, the island's building stock was also developed and this trend continued until the 1960s.
From coastal fortress to tourist destination
The Finnish Armed Forces ceased operations on the island in 1996. Later, the city of Rauma bought the island and opened it to visitors. Due to its fort, the island has associated landscapes that are both locally and nationally valuable. Tourism activities on the island have been developed and the old buildings have been renovated. On the island you can still see the barracks, naval watchtowers, firing canopies and ranges, gun stations, cannons, and trenches. One of the four cannons on the island is still operational.
The defensive fortifications of Kuuskajaskari Fort after the vegetation has been cleared away.
Kuuskajaskari Island is a must-see for both cultural and nature travellers. The island is located in the Bothnian Sea National Park, with its highly biodiverse nature. In addition to the fort, the island landscape has been changed by centuries of post-glacial land uplift. Visitors can experience adventures in the nature-ravaged ruins and trenches of the island, and guided tours and activities are available for all ages.
Read more from the Kuuskajaskari webpages.
The defences of Kuuskajaskari are overgrown with vegetation.
Why and how is this site protected?
Kuuskajaskari is not a protected site.
Visit
Kuuskajaskari can be visited by private boat or by using the waterbuses from the Rauma archipelago route transport in summer. Check out the timetables in Kuuskajaskari's own webpage. (in finnish)
Finnish Heritage Agency’s mapservice
N: 6791118, E: 196876 (ETRS-TM35FIN)