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Suomenlinna

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Koljan
Koljan
First Reviewer
4 out of 5
Avg. Member Rating
8
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Editor Pick

Fortress of Solitude

  • November 7, 2008
  • Rated 4 of 5 by MojoGoes from New York, New York
Fortress of Solitude

The Suomenlinna is one of the most popular attractions in Helsinki, though technically, I suppose it is not actually in Helsinki. A few companies run ferry service to and from the island fortress and ferries leave virtually constantly all day long. Find a boat that suits your time and enjoy a cup of tea, coffee, or beer as you pull out into the harbor. The boat is the only fee you need to pay to see the islands. Some of the indoor sights (museums and such) require a nominal fee for admittance, but strolling the grounds is free.
The boat trip takes about 15 minutes and is a calm trip, albeit a cool one outside of the summer months. You are treated to great views of waterfront Helsinki and the small islands that you pass on the way out. You are first greeted to Suomenlinna by an old WWII-era submarine in drydock. As you turn in towards the dock, the old walls of the fortress hem you in and the occasional bridge passes overhead. As you disembark, orient yourself inside the visitors center and pick up a map in the language of your choice.
Allow yourself at least two hours to walk around. If it's a nice day, there are plenty of photo ops (and there's a brewery on one of the islands).
Construction of the sea fortress was started in the 18th century and was occupied by both the Swedes and the Russians during its eventful history. The battlements vary in their longevity, some lasting since cannon bombardments by wooden ships, some only since their bolstering for WWII. Huge guns still sit, staring imposingly out to see and, oddly, back at the city. Be sure to wear good, supportive shoes or boots. The ground can get mucky and is uneven in parts. The bunkers and gun emplacements have been built into the rocks and dug up out of and then covered in grass. Some of the entrances are decidedly hobbit-like.
The islands are still in use by the navy for cadet-training so upkeep is ongoing and tractors and gardening equipment are constantly on the go. The museums tell the history of the fortress and provide some really cool stories about the battles between the Finns, Swedes, and Russians, and include artifacts (swords, uniforms, artillery shells) and models. One museum was the commanding officer's house and is still filled with a hodge-podge of furniture and art.
After walking around in the fresh air for a while, I recommend stopping by the brewery. Along with a few restaurants and cafes, it's a great way to recharge before heading back to the dock and the ferry to the mainland. The arched roof of the brewpub adequately invokes antiquity and pilsner and pale ale are actually excellent beers.
If you were bringing kids along, this would be a great day trip, allowing plenty of room for children to run around and tire themselves out. There are guided tours though they are not completely necessary. It is fun to wander and to happen upon some of the tunnels and batteries on your own. Regardless, this is a great way to spend a nice day in Helsinki, though I imagine it could be a bit bleak in the winter, so dress accordingly.

From journal To Helsinki and Back

Editor Pick

Suomenlinna

  • July 6, 2007
  • Rated 4 of 5 by Joy S from Manchester, United Kingdom
Suomenlinna

The ferry to Suomenlinna leaves from Market Square. It goes frequently - about every 20 minutes and it takes 15 minutes to get there.

Suomenlinna is a historically significant fortress, not only a major military monument worthy of the UNESCO World Heritage list, but also home to 900 Finns who live in the renovated barracks. It was built during Swedish rule in the 18th century and is on an island at the entrance to Helsinki harbour. The fortification became a strategic military shipyard with one of the biggest dry docks in the world. The Russians successfully attacked it in 1808.

The architecture is great but there are also plenty of other things to do. There are seven museums, a number of galleries, restaurants, cafes, parks, beaches, and nature areas. Guided walking tours are offered and especially in summer events like exhibitions, jazz shows, and theatrical performances take place.

The ramparts are covered in grasses and bright yellow flowers - our son loved climbing on the cannons. It is a great place to spend the day with a family.

The visitors centre is at C74 in the middle of the fortress. They have maps and details of any special events.

Wear sturdy shoes when you visit - the paths are quite rough, some areas are cobbled and with flip-flops or sandals it can be difficult to walk. Try and avoid bringing strollers if you have young children - unless you have a heavy duty rugged version they are a nightmare to push.

We had lunch at a great cafe/restaurant right by the dry docks. Cafe Vaiko is inside what looks like a former bunker - the roof is covered with grass and it is a bit alternative. They sell delicious soup and have locally brewed beer on the menu. There are only a small number of tables, but the atmosphere is cosy and atmospheric.

You can also tour the submarine Vesikko during your visit here. It was built in 1933 and was used in World War II against the Russians. It is the only Finnish submarine not to have been scrapped after the war. It costs 4 euros to go inside. It is small, narrow, and fascinating. We have never been on a submarine before - it is hard to imagine how a whole crew could have operated and slept here. The cramped bunks over the torpedoes emphasise this. Our son was intrigued by the whole experience.

One of the best areas on Suomenlinna in our opinion is Kings Gate. There are ramparts and bastions around the gate and a lovely view of the water. Children (and adults) will have a great time exploring the embankments and passages, running through the tunnels, and climbing on the huge cannons.

We spent about 3.5 hours altogether on the island - including lunch. We used all this time to just wander, explore and enjoy being outdoors. We did not visit any of the museums.

From journal 5 Days in Helsinki

Suomenlinna

  • July 13, 2005
  • Rated 5 of 5 by DanaNZ from Auckland, New Zealand
Suomenlinna

Suomenlinna is an old sea fortress originally built by the ruling Swedish in the 1600s. It costs 5€ round-trip to get a ferry to the island it’s on.

The day I visited Suomenlinna, the weather was warm and sunny. People were lying on the rocks and swimming in the sea. We walked from the point where the ferry first landed on the island to the King's Gate, where the king used to arrive from. On either side of the gate are inscriptions from the different Swedish kings that visited the fortress.

Suomenlinna is surprisingly large and very well maintained. There are several museums on the island that cost an extra 3€ or so to enter. There is also a youth hostel, which I didn't stay at, but am tempted to next time. However, I did go on a beautiful day, and I imagine it could get quite cold at Suomenlinna when it’s windy.

From journal Helsinki in Summer

Suomenlinna

  • May 17, 2005
  • Rated 3 of 5 by seethesun from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Suomenlinna

A short 20-minute ferry ride from Helsinki’s Market Square brings you to one of UNESCO’s most charming World Heritage sites in this part of the world. It is a very popular picnic spot for locals in summer, where crowds of merry-making Finns come with their picnic baskets. There are English-speaking guided tours around the island, which needs to be arranged at some local travel agents, but it is not necessary to follow one. Take your time to explore the fortresses and monuments. The island is chilly and windier than the mainland, so if you’re visiting in the winter, wear warmer clothing, and bring along a thermos flask of hot coffee.

From journal Wintry Days in Helsinki

Suomenlinna Sea Fortress

  • April 29, 2005
  • Rated 5 of 5 by jg_heidelberg from Heidelberg, Germany
Suomenlinna Sea Fortress

A beautiful 10-minute ride from the Helsinki Harbor finds you in Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The island has several museums and restaurants. Fun for the whole family.

Transportation information--use public ferry; it is much cheaper and more frequent than private companies. Get a daily tourist card.

From journal Helsinki is one of my favorite desinations

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