About Suomenlinna
Suomenlinna Maritime Fortress was built at the end of the 18th century by the Swedish army. Over the years, the fortress has served three sovereign nations: Sweden, the Russian Empire & now, Finland. Suomenlinna was built across 6 separate islands at the entrance to Helsinki harbor. It consists of 200 buildings, 3.7 miles (6km) of defensive walls and more than 100 cannons.
Finland gained its independence in 1917 and renamed the islands to Suomenlinna (translating to Fortress of Finland). After World War II, there was a decline in military need for the fortress so in the seventies they began renovating buildings to serve as apartments, work spaces and museums. Suomenlinna is a World Heritage Site and one of Helsinki’s most visited attractions. Today, around 800 people call Suomenlinna home so keep this in mind to avoid residential areas when visiting.
Getting There
To get to Suomenlinna, you need to catch the ferry from Market Square. We recommend downloading the HSL mobile app while visiting Helsinki, as you can purchase Tram, Metro, Bus & Ferry tickets directly on your phone. If you have a My Helsinki Card, that includes transportation to Suomenlinna as well.
The journey takes 15 minutes and offers scenic views of Helsinki while you depart the city. There is indoor seating, as well as an outdoor space to stand. Depending on the season, the ferry runs multiple times per day. A single ticket costs €3.10 or a day pass costs €9 – for more information check out: HSL Ferry.
The Blue Route
It’s very easy to explore the major sights of Suomenlinna Maritime Fortress if you follow signs for the blue route. The route starts at the Main Quay where the ferry from Helsinki drops you off. The first thing you’ll come across following this route is a row of colorful houses. These were originally used as housing by the military generals and workers who called the island home. Today, a few of them are small cafes. We recommend checking out Cafe Silo in the yellow house or Cafe Vanille in the pink house if you need a quick snack before beginning your journey!
Suomenlinna Church
Suomenlinna church is one of the only Lighthouses/Church combos in the world ! It’s still a functioning lighthouse and can be seen from the city at night. The beacon flashes 4 consecutive times which in morse code represents the letter H, for Helsinki. The construction of the church you see today began in 1849. It was first a Russian Orthodox church but received a makeover in 1917 when Finland gained independence and it became a Lutheran church.
We were particularly impressed by the large chains surrounding the Church. They were once used between two ships to blockade other ships from entering the harbor!
Suomenlinna Museum
On the Blue Route, you come across Suomenlinna Museum, where you can learn about the history of the fortress. It costs €8 to enter, but is free with a My Helsinki card. If you don’t feel like visiting the Museum, this is a great place to stop, use the restroom, grab a snack or even browse the gift shop.
Slightly off the Blue Route, behind Suomenlinna Museum, you will also find a Military Museum, which focuses on the country’s military history. It’s €7 to visit this museum.
Great Courtyard
As you continue on, your next stop will be at The Great Courtyard. This was the administrative center of the Fortress. Near the courtyard, there are some stone tunnels you can explore if you’re feeling adventurous. At the center of the courtyard is Augustin Ehrensvärd’s tomb, the Swedish military officer and architect behind Suomenlinna Fortress.
Suomenlinna Beach
A little ways down the blue route from the courtyard you’ll find a small beach with stairs leading down to the sea. Suomenlinna Beach is a swim spot in the Summer for locals and offers lovely views.
Kustaanmiekka Embankment
We (unknowingly) wandered off the Blue Route after seeing the beach and continued up the stairs to Kustaanmiekka Embankment – which we recommend as an added stop while visiting Suomenlinna. This part of the fort was built by the Russians. Taller embankments around the shore were created as a place for cannons. Hidden below were glass covered buildings and hidden tunnels, so soldiers could move without being seen. From the unknowing eye traveling by boat to Suomenlinna – you wouldn’t see much but hilly grass! Due to erosion, be sure to stick to the paths and avoid walking over the hidden rooms.
King’s Gate
One of the final stops on the Blue Route is the King’s Gate, which was used as entrance to the fortress. The gate was built in the location where King Adolf Frederick of Sweden docked his boat to oversee the construction of Suomenlinna.
If you’re visiting in the Summertime, you can catch a ferry back to Helsinki from King’s Gate Quay. (Or if you’re lucky like us and visiting in the off season – you can back track to the Main Quay to catch a ferry).
Is Suomenlinna worth a visit?
Suomenlinna is one of Helsinki’s top attractions for good reason! Its unique history, paired with some quiet time in nature makes it an excellent stop while visiting Finland. We didn’t know much about what to expect when we spent the morning at Suomenlinna Maritime Fortress but would recommend it to anyone visiting Helsinki!
