Suomenlinna Sea Fortress
Suomenlinna is a highlight for cultural and nature lovers, and the sea fortress was added to the Unesco World Heritage list in 1991.
Situated on a group of islands off Helsinki, Suomenlinna was built during the Swedish era as a maritime fortress and a base for the Archipelago Fleet.
The Swedes built the castle for protection against Russia, and the fortress was named “Sveaborg” in 1750. The construction took more than 40 years but ended never totally.
Back in the 17th century more people lived here than in Helsinki but was finally conquered after a prolonged assault in 1808 from the Russians. Suomenlinna is at the Unesco World Heritage List as a unique monument of military architecture.
Suomenlinna offers a lot of exciting moments
Today in the Suomenlinna Museum you will find all information, maps and guided tour options. Here you will also find a scale model of Suomenlinna as it looked in 1808 including a video (30 min).
It is recommended to ramble around the various fortifications. Follow the blue signed posted walking path that takes in many of the main attractions including several naval and military-themed museums.
On Suomenlinna Island, you will find a hostel as well as a supermarket, good cafe and classic restaurant. Locals like to go to Suomenlinna for a picnic with and few drinks for viewing the fortress. In fact, it is tradition finding a good spot and watch the enormous Baltic ferries pass through the narrow gap from here.
Getting to Suomenlinna
HKL ferries take you to Suomenlinna from Kauppatori, and it runs three times every hour, and the trip takes 15 minutes.
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Getting there
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Coordinates
- Lattitude: 60.145400
- Longitude: 24.988140
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