[2025 Helsinki Attraction] Travel Guide for Fortress of Suomenlinna (Updated Jul)

Suomenlinna is a must-visit tourist attraction in Helsinki. Built over 200 years ago, it is one of the largest sea fortresses in the world. The weather was exceptionally beautiful that day, and under the blue sky and white clouds, Suomenlinna looked even more stunning. In addition to its history and fortifications, there are seaside areas where visitors can take leisurely walks, making it a very relaxing place. It is conveniently accessible by a ferry ride of about 20 minutes, making it a great nearby getaway from the city. On the southern side of the fortress, there are some snack shops where visitors can buy ice cream and soft drinks at reasonable prices. 🕰️ Opening Hours: 10:30 AM - 5:00 PM 🏖️ Environment/Facilities: Good 💰 Average Cost: HKD 0-100

The Fortress of Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is an impressive sea fortress located on a group of islands off the coast of Helsinki, Finland. Built in the 18th century, it played a crucial role in the defense of the region during various conflicts. Today, Suomenlinna is a popular tourist destination, offering visitors a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. You can explore its well-preserved fortifications, museums, and charming walking paths. The stunning views of the Helsinki archipelago make it an ideal spot for a leisurely day trip, accessible by a short ferry ride. #100WaysOfTravel #historicallandmarks #instatravel #localguides #finland

Suomenlinna, located off the coast of Helsinki, the capital of Finland, is one of the largest maritime fortresses in the world. Built in 1748 when Finland was still part of the Kingdom of Sweden, Suomenlinna consists of eight islands, over 200 buildings, and 6 kilometers of defensive walls. Its design was heavily influenced by the renowned military engineer Vauban and employs the principles of a star-shaped fortress. The fortress was constructed to defend against the expansion of the Russian Empire and has witnessed numerous wars and occupations throughout history, including its capture by Russia in 1808, after which it served as a Russian naval base for the next 110 years. After Finland gained independence in 1918, the fortress was renamed Suomenlinna. Today, Suomenlinna is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Finland's most popular tourist attractions. Visitors can explore various parts of the fortress, including the castle fortifications, tunnels, the 250-ton Vesikko submarine, the Ehrensvärd Museum, and the Toy and Doll Museum. The best time to visit is during the summer (June to August) when the weather is warm, making it ideal for outdoor activities and various summer events and performances. 📍Address: Suomenlinna, 00190 Helsinki, Finland You can reach Suomenlinna by taking the HSL ferry from Helsinki's Market Square, which takes about 15-20 minutes. 🕰️Opening Hours: Suomenlinna is open year-round. The main attractions are open from May 1 to September 30: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM October 1 to April 30: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. 💰Cost: Entry to Suomenlinna itself is free, but some museums and exhibitions require tickets. 🗓️Itinerary: In the morning, take the ferry from Helsinki's Market Square to Suomenlinna, visit the fortress and museums, and return to Helsinki in the afternoon to tour Helsinki Cathedral and Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral.

A stunning scenery with great history. This island is included in UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a must place to visit in Finland. Atleast one hour to roam the island is enough...#fallingforfall

#CelebrateWithTrip Tervetuloa to the jewel of Helsinki 🇫🇮; #suomenlinna! this place has served as a sea fortress to 3 realms-Sweden, Russia & Finland masa zaman doluu. maka, the area is very huge (please mind that it was built on 6 interconnected islands), houses nice buildings & fortress walls-especially those made from stones yang cantik tuh, rusty cannon remains & definitely a perfect outdoor spot sebab ada great courtyard & small beach #suomenlinna is only 15mins away by waterbus or ferry from the Helsinki Market Square. so u just have to pay around €5 kot for return tix. be early, explore the fortress & enjoy!! every place is worth a click #finland

It takes about 20 minutes by ferry from Helsinki Port. If you reserve a ferry ticket through Trip.com and go to the designated location with plenty of time, you can also see the market near the port. The waiting line is short, so you don't have to wait in line in advance. When you arrive at the central island, it takes about 3-4 hours to go around the entire island, whether you go left or right. If you climb the rock near the beach, you can see a more beautiful view. On the way back to Helsinki from the island, you can see Helsinki Cathedral and Uspenski Cathedral at a glance. #World UNESCO #UNESCO #Finland

Suomenlinna Island is located about 15 minutes away from the port of Helsinki by ferry. It is a fortress made up of about six islands. The historic fortress, built by a king to counter Russia at the time, remains beautifully. It was registered as a World Heritage Site due to its advanced architectural techniques and history. I would like to introduce a day spent on this island. ① Travel by ferry from Helsinki (photos 2 & 7) The ferry ride takes 15 minutes and costs about 500 yen one way. It is recommended to sit near the back deck on the way there. You can enjoy the cityscape of Helsinki receding into the distance. You can see the Ferris wheel 🎡 at Helsinki Cathedral, which is romantic! ② Suomenlinna Church (photo 5) A representative church on the island, it is relatively small. Its calm atmosphere soothes the hearts of people. It is stylish with its pure white silhouette and light blue roof. It's near the ferry terminal, so I think it's one of the spots that everyone must visit. It's a famous wedding spot in Helsinki! ③ Salmon Pink Gate (1st photo) A photogenic and cute gate. This is closer to the ferry terminal than the Suomenlinna Association. It's such a stylish and cute gate that you'll want to take a photo. It's a brewery converted from a Russian barracks, and apparently there's a restaurant there, so be sure to check it out too! ④ Suomenlinna Museum A museum in the center of the island that you can visit for about 1,400 yen. As the name suggests, it's a museum where you can feel the history of the Suomenlinna Fortress, and there are many photos and exhibits. It also doubles as a visitor center, so I recommend you stop by. ⑤ Relax on the grass and beach (photos 3&4&6) The island is quite large, and there are promenades all over the place. The main island where the Suomenlinna Association is located is quite large, and there are beaches and grass in the back. It's perfect for a relaxing holiday, and you can enjoy a picnic. There were actually a few people spreading out sheets and having a picnic. It was a little chilly in spring, so the best time to come is around June. There seem to be a few other restaurants and cafes, so please stop by. Have a peaceful trip 😉 ✈︎---------------------------------------------✈︎ 📍: Suomenlinna Fortress, Helsinki 📸: Canon EOS 5D Mark Ⅳ ✈︎---------------------------------------------✈︎ #Overseas Travel Guide #Europe Guide #Finland #Finland Travel #Helsinki #Helsinki Tourism #Suomenlinna

#summervacay Suomenlinna Sea Fortress in the summer is absolutely stunning! I highly recommend taking the ferry to get there, and the best part is that it's included in your HSL pass, making it super convenient. You can also opt for a cruise, which costs about 8.5 Euros round trip and takes you to slightly more distant islands. Once on Suomenlinna, there are several museums you can explore, and most are covered by the Helsinki Card (or similar tourist passes). One museum that isn't included, and I personally found to be of lower value, is the Toy Museum. It seems to be a private collection housed in someone's home, with a cafe on one side and their toy collection on the other. I felt the entrance fee wasn't quite worth it for what you get. Despite that one minor point, the overall experience of Suomenlinna, especially on a beautiful summer day, is incredibly rewarding! #Suomenlinna #Finland #Helsinki #SummerTravel #Ferry #HSLPass #Museums

In the late 18th century, Finland, under Swedish rule, built a fortress on this island in preparation for attacks from Russia. Not only is the interior of the building, which is registered as a World Heritage Site, magnificent, but the island's rich nature is sure to soothe you. Beautiful green trees and grasslands, sunlight filtering through the trees, and blue sea and sky. It's a place that even feels divine, and the air was very clean. The island is small enough to walk around, making it perfect for a 3-4 hour tour. There are also stylish cafes and supermarkets, so you can tour without any trouble. 🚢Transportation: About 15 minutes from the city center by water bus (transportation passes can be used) 💰Price per person: Free #AbsolutelyFreeTrip

#cityplaybook Just a 15-minute ferry ride from Helsinki, Suomenlinna (also called Sveaborg) is a laid-back island fortress that feels like stepping into another world. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is packed with cool old tunnels, stone walls, cannons, and grassy hills perfect for a picnic or lazy stroll. You’ll find cozy cafés, museums, and even a beach if the weather’s right. It’s great for history lovers, families, or anyone looking for a peaceful day away from the city buzz. Bring your walking shoes and camera—it’s a super easy and fun getaway that’s full of charm.

This is a place I personally recommend you to visit when you are in Helsinki. ⚓️Location: Suomenlinna Fortress 📍Location: 00190 Helsinki, Finland 🛳️Access: 15 minutes by ferry from Helsinki Market Square Suomenlinna is an island built over 40 years as a fortress against Russia when Finland was under Swedish rule. It was occupied by Russian troops in 1809, so it was a Russian fortress for over 100 years. In 1917, Finland gained independence with the Russian Revolution, and it seems that the name was changed to Suomenlinna, which means "Finnish Castle". It is a peaceful and calm island that is worthy of being called a symbol of peace in Finland, but there are cannons, submarines, and stone walls that remind us of the past. People are having picnics and children are playing here, so it seems like a place that locals often visit 🍃 There was also a cafe ☕️ It's windy and very cold in the winter, so please take more precautions against the cold than if you were to go sightseeing in the city! Please come and experience the history of Finland! #Finland #Helsinki #Suomenlinna #suomenlinna #helsinki #Let's go abroad

15 minutes by ferry from Helsinki, Finland! An island full of nature.

#MarchGoodPlaces2025 Helsinki, Finland is a world-famous tourist resort city. Every day, thousands of tourists come here for sightseeing and vacation. There are many attractions in Helsinki. This time I will introduce a very famous local attraction: Suomenlinna. Suomenlinna Fortress is one of the top tourist attractions in Helsinki. This UNESCO-designated historic site dates back to 1748. Although Suomenlinna is no longer an active military base, it still has many museums, shops and restaurants, as well as a hotel, and there are about 800 permanent residents who rent apartments on the island. To reach the fortress, take a 15-minute ferry ride from Market Square.

Just a 15-minute ferry ride from Helsinki, but it felt like stepping into a different world. Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a mix of history, nature, and pure summer relaxation—the kind of place where time slows down, and you can just wander with no rush. 🚢 The Journey Begins Taking the ferry from Kauppatori, the sea breeze hit immediately, and the view of Helsinki from the water was worth the ride alone. As soon as I arrived, I could feel the island’s old-world charm—cobblestone paths, colorful wooden houses, and stone fortresses blending into the landscape. 🏰 History & Hidden Tunnels Suomenlinna is more than just a pretty island—it’s a historic sea fortress built in the 1700s. I explored the old walls, climbed up to viewpoints, and even walked through some of the dark stone tunnels (a little eerie but fun). The King’s Gate and the old cannons reminded me of its military past, but now it’s all peaceful, just locals and visitors enjoying the summer day. 🌿 Picnic Spots & Ocean Views The best part? Just finding a quiet spot by the sea. I sat on the rocks, listening to the waves and watching boats pass by. Suomenlinna has plenty of cozy cafés and bakeries, but I brought my own picnic—fresh berries, rye bread, and Finnish cheese—the perfect way to soak in the summer vibes. 🌅 Slow Walks & Sunset Ferry Back After a few hours of walking, exploring, and just sitting by the water, it was time to head back. The ferry ride at sunset was stunning—the Helsinki skyline glowing in the soft evening light, the sea calm and endless. ✨ Final Thoughts Suomenlinna isn’t just a historic site; it’s a place to escape, breathe, and enjoy Finland’s best summer moments.Whether you're into history, photography, or just want a peaceful day by the sea, it’s one of the easiest and most beautiful getaways from Helsinki. #Suomenlinna #Helsinki #FinlandSummer #IslandEscape #SeaFortress 4o #travel#museums#citydaytours

#getgoing2025 Suomenlinna Fortress Suomenlinna Fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage site located on a group of islands just off the coast of Helsinki. Built in the 18th century as a maritime fortress, it represents a significant part of Finland's history. Visitors can explore its impressive fortifications, museums, and beautiful parks while enjoying panoramic views of the sea. The fortress is home to several historical buildings, including the King's Gate and the Great Courtyard, which provide insight into its military past. Suomenlinna is also a popular spot for picnics and leisurely walks. Accessible by ferry from Helsinki, it offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it an essential day trip destination.

#getgoing2025 Sea Fortress Suomenlinna: A Maritime Treasure Located on a cluster of islands near Helsinki, Finland, Suomenlinna is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Finland’s most iconic landmarks. Built in 1748 by Sweden, it served as a military fortress and naval base, later falling under Russian and Finnish control. Key Features 1. Historical Fortifications • Explore bastions, tunnels, and artillery reflecting 18th-century military architecture. 2. Suomenlinna Museum • Learn about the fortress’s history and its role in European conflicts. 3. Vesikko Submarine • A relic of Finland’s WWII-era naval fleet, now open to visitors. 4. Scenic Walks and Views • Enjoy coastal trails, lush landscapes, and views of Helsinki’s skyline. Tips for Visiting • Take the Ferry: Accessible year-round from Helsinki’s Market Square. • Wear Comfortable Shoes: The cobblestone paths and large area require walking. • Plan for All Seasons: Summer is vibrant, while winter offers a peaceful charm. Suomenlinna is a perfect blend of history, nature, and stunning seascapes.

wonderful weather and scenery in fortress of Suomenlinna at Helsinki !

#Special hotel accommodation event Suomenlinna Fortress, symbolizing Finland's turbulent history I was a little surprised that Finland, which seemed so peaceful, had such a history Suomenlinna is really quiet and peaceful. When I see the traces of shell marks here and there, I feel a little reverent.

Suomenlinna or Sveaborg (Swedish) , is a sea fortress composed of eight islands , of which six have been fortified, it is about 4km southeast of the city centre of Helsinki , the capital of Finland . Suomenlinna is popular with tourists and locals , who enjoy it as a picturesque picnic site . Originally named Sveaborg (Castle of the Swedes) , or Viapori as referred to by Finnish speaking Finns , it was renamed Suomenlinna (Castle of Finland ) in 1918 for patriotic and nationalistic reasons , though it is still known by its original name in Sweden and by Swedish speaking Finns . Due to its strategic geographical location , it sometimes use to be known as the Gibraltar of the North. Suomenlinna became a UNESCO world heritage site in 1991. The Swedish crown commenced the construction of the fortress in 1748 as protection against Russian expansionism . During the Finnish war , Sweeen surrendered the fortress to Russia , on the 3rd of May 1808, paving the way for the occupation of Finland by Russian forces in 1809 , the islands were then used as a base for the Russian Baltic fleet in World War 1 . Russian forces left after Finland declared its full independence in 1917, Finland then managed Suomenlinna through its Defence Department until turning most of it over to civilian control in 1973. There is a ferry service to Suomenlinna which runs 1-4 times per hour from the morning till night throughout the year and the journey takes approximately 15mins . The ferry departs from the east side of the Market Square opposite the Presidential Palace , and arrives and departs from the main Pier of Iso Mustasaari Island , on the north shore of Suomenlinna. There are ticket machines to purchase tickets in the departure Pier . There is plenty to do on Suomenlinna including several Museums , Toy Museum , Custom Museum and Military , including the Submarine Vesikko . And also several Bars and Restaurants and gift shop . I spent a whole day there exploring and had a great time before getting the ferry back to Helsinki and my Hotel. And it’s definitely worth a visit ! 👍🏼

A city walk in Helsinki can be a delightful experience. You might start at the central train station, an architectural gem by Eliel Saarinen. From there, head to the nearby Senate Square to admire the impressive Helsinki Cathedral. Stroll down Aleksanterinkatu for shopping and cafes, then visit the Esplanadi park for a break. You could explore the Design District, home to unique boutiques and galleries. Don't miss the Market Square (Kauppatori) for local food and crafts. For a more historical touch, walk to the Fortress of Suomenlinna, which requires a short ferry ride but offers a scenic view and rich history. Helsinki also has beautiful seaside promenades and parks like the Sibelius Park, where you can see the Sibelius Monument. If you have time, visit the Temppeliaukio Church, built into rock, for its unique architecture. #summerdestinations #helsinki

#naturalbeauty Suomenlinna, a 18th century sea fortress in Helsinki, Finland, consisting of several defensive and utilitarian buildings that blend the architecture and functionality of the fortress within the surrounding stunning landscape. This huge fortress has a total of six kilometres of defensive walls still standing and these walls surround numerous walking trails and parks, several restaurants and cafes, a playground, a theatre, an art gallery and six museums. I enjoyed my walk along the nicely laid trails while admiring this beautiful nature.

#wheretogo Helsinki is one of the most sustainable cities in the world with many parks, green spaces and fresh air. it has a population of over 1.5millions , the place usually crowded . well spend a day walking through the Helsinki to see a lot of natural park, river and some attractions place to visit . also you may take a horse ride to visit city in style . place to visit in Helsinki:- 📍Suomenlinna 📍Helsinki Cathedral 📍Temppeliaukion Church 📍delicious food 📍horse ride , etc. wondering day and well spend in Helsinki. recommended 👍🏻 #awesomepic #couplestrip #tripmoments

#travel #finland #Suomenlinna You can take a boat to the island at the pier next to the market. Remember to go on a sunny day. The scenery is beautiful. There are also museums to visit on the island.

Beautiful Place

Suomenlinna is an island located in Helsinki, Finland. We traveled to the island by ferry from the port in Helsinki. The ticket price to the island is 8 euros. - Suomenlinna used to be a fortress of Finland. In the 18th century, the area on the island is a beautiful nature worth visiting. There are hundreds of years old cannons on the island. And there is a wall covering the entire area of ​​​​6 islands together. - On the island there is also a nature trail with King gate bridge and Suomenlinna Museum, which is about Finnish military and maritime. On the island there are also bars and restaurants by the sea. #TravelEurope #vlogTravel