- Address: Helsinki, Finland
- Hours: Most attractions open 10am - 6:30pm in Summer, 10am - 4pm in Winter
- Admission: Free. Attractions in the area may have admission fees
Suomenlinna Fortress Tours
An ideal day or half-day trip from Helsinki is to pack a picnic and take the regular ferry to Suomenlinna Fortress. A great deal of Helsinki's history was shaped here - the UNESCO World Heritage Listed fortress was founded by the Swedes in 1748 to protect against the Russians, but following a prolonged attack, Sveaborg was surrendered to the Russians in 1808. The Russians then used it to protect the shipping channels to St. Petersburg. In 1917, after the Russian Revolution, Finland declared independence and took back Suomenlinna, using it for the military until 1973 when it passed over to the citizens of Finland.
Suomenlinna is made up of 8 islands, with 3.7 miles (6 kilometers) of fortress walls, 290 buildings and over 100 guns and cannons. These days there are 6 museums, 9 restaurants and 850 residents. Many locals like to picnic among the fortress ruins with a few drinks - it can get pretty boozy here on summer weekends.
Practical Info
HKL ferries depart every 20 minutes from the passenger quay at the kauppatori. The Helsinki Card is valid for all ferries and attractions at Suomenlinna.
Tours & Tickets
Helsinki Shore Excursion: Private Half-Day City and Suomenlinna Sea Fortress Tour
Get to know Helsinki, the vibrant capital of Finland, on a private 4-hour shore excursion that includes pickup from the cruise port. Take a city tour to see ... Read more
Location: Helsinki, Finland
Duration: 4 hours (approx.)
Private 1-Hour Helsinki Archipelago High-speed Boat Cruise
Enjoy high-speed thrills in the coastal waters of the Helsinki archipelago on this private 1-hour sightseeing boat tour. Pull on your warm protective layers, ... Read more
Location: Helsinki, Finland
Duration: 60 minutes (approx.)
Private Guided Tour of Suomenlinna Sea Fortress
Visit Suomenlinna Sea Fortress on a privately guided tour from central Helsinki. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Suomenlinna is one of the largest sea ... Read more
Location: Helsinki, Finland
Duration: 2 hours (approx.)
Private Half-Day Tour of Helsinki and the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress
Discover the many charms of Finland’s vibrant capital during this private, half-day tour. Over the course of four hours, your guide will give you an in-depth ... Read more
Location: Helsinki, Finland
Duration: 4 hours (approx.)
Helsinki Card
Discover Helsinki independently with the Helsinki Card. The card is a handy, economical way to make the most of your visit in Helsinki. It is a transport ... Read more
Location: Helsinki, Finland
Duration: 1 day (approx.)
Helsinki Sightseeing Canal Cruise
See the sights of Helsinki from the water on a 1.5-hour sightseeing cruise! Relax inside in the lower saloon or out on deck, and admire the beautiful islands ... Read more
Location: Helsinki, Finland
Duration: 90 minutes (approx.)
City Sightseeing Helsinki Hop On Hop Off Tour
See Helsinki, the lively Finnish capital, at your leisure on a City Sightseeing hop-on hop-off tour! With 15 tour stops along the route, passengers can hop-on ... Read more
Location: Helsinki, Finland
Duration: 24 to 48 hrs
Helsinki Sightseeing Bus Tour and Canal Cruise
Make the most of your stay in Helsinki with this comprehensive combination tour including two top tours in the Finnish capital: Helsinki Panorama Sightseeing ... Read more
Location: Helsinki, Finland
Duration: 3 hours (approx.)
Helsinki 48-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour and Canal Cruise
Combine two beautiful and comprehensive sightseeing experiences and enjoy the best of Helsinki on land and at sea. The package includes a 1.5-hour canal ... Read more
Location: Helsinki, Finland
Duration: 3 hours (approx.)
