- 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
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 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.)
Private Guided Tour of Suomenlinna Sea Fortress
This private 2-hour guided tour is operated for you and your party only and takes you around Helsinki's top attraction, Suomenlinna Sea Fortress. Suomenlinna ... Read more
Location: Helsinki, Finland
Duration: 2 hours (approx.)
Private 1-Hour Helsinki Archipelago High-speed Boat Cruise
Welcome to an unforgettable adventure. You can experience the Finnish archipelago and satisfy your hunger for speed at the same time! You will visit the most ... Read more
Location: Helsinki, Finland
Duration: 60 minutes (approx.)
Private Half-Day Tour of Helsinki and Suomenlinna Sea Fortress
Helsinki, the vibrant capital of Finland, is full of life and exciting sights! This private 4-hour tour includes a guided city tour of Helsinki and a visit to ... Read more
Location: Helsinki, Finland
Duration: 4 hours (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.)
Helsinki City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
See Helsinki, the lively Finnish capital, at your leisure on a City Sightseeing hop-on hop-off tour. As you travel around the city by open-top double-decker ... Read more
Location: Helsinki, Finland
Duration: 1 day (approx.)
