The fortifications were named in honor of the Russian Empress Anna Ioannovna.
The defensive design utilized the natural rocky terrain of the island to reinforce the man-made ramparts.
Despite their age, the fortifications have never been subjected to a major siege or direct military engagement.
The site features a series of brick-lined tunnels and powder cellars that remain partially accessible.
The layout follows the 'bastion system' architecture, which was the standard for European military engineering during the mid-1700s.
The Annenkrone, or St. Anne's Fortifications, is a complex of 18th-century earthen bastions located on Tverdysh Island in Vyborg. Constructed between 1740 and 1755, the site was designed to defend the city from the west following the Treaty of Nystad. It consists of four main bastions connected by curtain walls, forming a continuous defensive line. The site remains largely unrenovated, retaining its original topography of high grass-covered ramparts and deep trenches. It served as a military barracks area until the mid-20th century. The fortifications are separated from Vyborg Castle by the narrow strait of the Vyborg Bay. Visitors can traverse the top of the ramparts to view the surrounding water and the Vyborg Castle skyline.
The highest point of the westernmost bastion, providing a panoramic view back toward Vyborg Castle and the Old Town.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes as the terrain consists of uneven grass, loose gravel, and steep inclines.
Bring mosquito repellent, as the grassy ramparts and proximity to the strait result in high insect activity during summer.
Visit the site in conjunction with the nearby Vyborg Castle, as they are separated only by a bridge.
Do not attempt to enter sealed off or collapsed underground brick bunkers, as they are structurally unstable and prone to flooding.
