Castle ruins under a bridge

The castle ruins were returned to Swedish control in 1721. Plans were drawn up to repair the castle but these were never seen through. When in 1809 Finland became a part of Russia Kajaani Castle lost all of its military significance.

The island where the castle stands, remained a natural place for crossing the river. The first wooden bridge on top of the ruins was built in 1845. By the 1880s the dilapidated state of the castle ruins had become a source for concern. During the first stage of repairs (1890 - 1892) the walls were built up with stone and brick.

With increasing motor traffic the present-day concrete bridge was begun in 1936. Its pillars were placed directly onto the castle ruins. The castle ruins were completely excavated and its walls were repaired and rebuilt. In all some two thousand metal artefacts were found. The river scenery was profoundly altered when hydroelectric power stations were built in 1917 and 1943.

The latest major restoration project of the castle is being undertaken during the period 2003 - 2007 and is financed by the Kainuu Employment and Economic Development Centre together with the National Board of Antiquities. The City of Kajaani has built a footbridge from the riverbank to the castle.