A guide to Suomenlinna: an old fortress in Helsinki, Finland and my FAVORITE place in the world
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I have been very fortunate to be able to travel as much as I do. I never stop appreciating it. People often ask me where my favorite place is but I have a hard time just giving them one answer. That changed however when I went to Helsinki for my third time (Check out my blog post on seeing Helsinki - ‘Welcome to Helsinki - The Finnish Capital).
Check out my drone video of Helsinki, Finland below!
If I could pick any place where I truly enjoy myself and my time there, and if I could go anywhere in any moment, it would be to Suomenlinna. What is Suomenlinna? It is:
A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Located off the coast of Finland in the capital Helsinki
A group of eight islands that together form a sea fortress
It was initially built by Sweden, but has also been in the hands of Russia and Finland
Still inhabited by local residents
Possesses many historical sites as well as restaurants and cafes
‘Suomenlinna’ translates to ‘Castle of Finland’. The site was also called ‘Sveaborg’ by the Swedes. I think what I really enjoy about being there is that when you are walking along its paths, you don’t feel like you’re in a major city. It feels like the countryside as it’s quiet and peaceful. Then when you have had your dose of nature, you can simply hop onto the ferry and make your way back to Helsinki.
A Brief History
This fortress has had quite the history. It was originally built by Sweden starting in 1748, primarily due to its excellent location in countering the rising Russian maritime threat during that time. The fortress over the next few decades was constructed and became operational, but was never complete. During the Russo-Swedish War from 1788-1790 and Russian pressure in the area thereafter, the fortress of Swedish recruits surrendered Sveaborg to the Russians in 1808.
The Russians further fortified the fortress extensively, including the addition of artillery guns. Following the Russian Revolution in 1917 and subsequent independence of Finland, Suomenlinna was finally turned over to the Finns. Though not so much a fortress anymore, it is home to roughly 900 people. Maybe some day I will be one of them (when I retire)?
How to Get to Suomenlinna
It’s extremely easy to get to Suomenlinna. Here is how you do it:
Once in Helsinki, head towards Market Square (the Waterfront area, most noticeable from the Helsinki SkyWheel)
Purchase a ticket for the ferry (schedule here).
Sail 10 minutes to Suomenlinna.
You’re there! (Download a Map of Suomenlinna here!)
There is no right or wrong route to go once you get to the island(s), but I would recommend taking the ‘blue route’, which is signposted throughout the 8 islands so you can easily find your way around. The Blue Route runs north to south and is approximately 1.5 kilometers long (one way). For more information about a specific place, there are five info boards along the route at:
Russian merchants’ quarter
Church Park
Great Courtyard
Piper’s Park
Kustaanmiekka fortifications