Suomenlinna Reviews (Helsinki, Finland)

A great day out

Grimsby, England, United Kingdom

September 14, 2011

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Best of IgoUgo Getting to Suomenlinna is extremely easy. From the market square, you can catch a ferry which takes you straight to the fort and brings you back. Tickets cos €7 and that is for a return which also includes entrance to the fort. The €7 does not ...Read more Getting to Suomenlinna is extremely easy. From the market square, you can catch a ferry which takes you straight to the fort and brings you back. Tickets cos €7 and that is for a return which also includes entrance to the fort. The €7 does not include entrance to the 6 museums though as they are added extras once you get there. The ferry trip takes roughly 20 minutes and as the ferry has an open upper deck, you can get some really nice views on the way. The whole fort is made up of 4 islands, 2 of which are accessible to tourists.

As you get off the ferry, there is quite a large map so that you can decide which route you would like to take. You are free to walk around the island though and do not have to follow any specific walking route which is exactly what I did. Scattered all over the island are signposts so that if you do manage to get lost, you can be easily pointed back in the right direction. As the fort is quite large, I was happy to see that there was 9 sets of toilets scattered around.

Most of the main island is a large plot of land without much to do or actually see and I think this took away a few of my ideas about what a fort would/ should look like. I wanted the whole fort to look a bit more exciting and old. However, in certain places, there are old guns which were once used, a church and a big courtyard. These things added to the history of the fort and made it so we weren’t just going for a nice walk somewhere. The fort has some old, underground tunnels which I loved going down. There isn’t actually anything in them to do or see but I thought they were really interesting, mainly because they were so different from the rest of the fort.

There are 6 museums in various locations on the islands. As I said before, these are not included in the entrance/ ferry fee but you can get into them all free with a Helsinki Card if you have one. Neither me nor my sister had these so we just decided to not go into any of the museums while we were there. Some of the museums do have gift shops though which you can get into free of charge as they are situated in a different area or right next door. The gift shops we went into were extremely expensive and only really sold a lot of glass or arts and crafts. I think the gifts available to buy could have been better and if there had been a wider range of things, I may have actually bought something.

Places like this fort seem to be a place for people to go and sunbathe. While walking around, we saw so many people sprawled out wearing next to nothing taking advantage of the boiling sun. Many of the people seemed to be locals so maybe the €7 is a good price to pay for somewhere peaceful to sunbathe. The fort also has a mini beach and place to swim surrounded by rocks. This little beach was packed full of adults and children looking like they were having amazing fun and I wish I had known beforehand as I would have been doing exactly the same thing.

The fort is home to 12 different restaurants which sell a wide variety of foods. We chose to eat at Pizzeria Nikolai just because it was closest to where we were at the time. Compared to some restaurants we had gone to in Helsinki, this was extremely reasonably priced. I had a ham and pineapple pizza which cost 11,00. The pizza was stone baked but there was not much cheese and instead, was overloaded with ham. I actually took some of it off because there was so much. However, putting that aside, the pizza was lovely. My sister had a vegetarian pizza which consisted of mushrooms, peppers, olives and blue cheese which cost the same as mine but also looked a lot better!

Overall, Suomenlinna was a really nice day out. The islands are a lovely place to walk around for the day, take in the views and catch some sun while learning a bit about the history of the fort. With great food as well, I’m surprised more isn’t charged to get there with the entrance fee but I guess most of the money is made through the other museums. Highly recommended if you’re ever in Helsinki. Close

From journal Helsinki Part 2

Fortress of Solitude

by MojoGoes

New York, New York

November 7, 2008

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Best of IgoUgo 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. ...Read more 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. Close

From journal To Helsinki and Back

Suomenlinna

by Joy S

Manchester, England, United Kingdom

July 6, 2007

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Best of IgoUgo 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 ...Read more 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. Close

From journal 5 Days in Helsinki

Suomenlinna

by DanaNZ

Auckland, New Zealand

July 13, 2005

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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 ...Read more

From journal Helsinki in Summer

Suomenlinna

by seethesun

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

May 17, 2005

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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 ...Read more

From journal Wintry Days in Helsinki

Suomenlinna Sea Fortress

by jg_heidelberg

Heidelberg, Germany

April 29, 2005

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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 ...Read more

From journal Helsinki is one of my favorite desinations

Suomenlinna (Sveaborg)

by akakd

, Arizona

August 26, 2001

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We took a water taxi from Market Square to spend the day at Suomenlinna Fortress. The Fortress was built in 1748 to protect Finland from invasion. Cannons & bunkers still dot the landscape. A military force is still present on the island. The ...Read more

From journal Helsinki Hospitality

Suomenlinna (Sveaborg)

by katja_b

Helsinki, Finland

July 18, 2001

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Best of IgoUgo Suomenlinna is one of the favourite outing spots for locals. It makes an excellent afternoon outing - in summer the connecting ferry is packed with jolly people and picnic baskets. It is a world heritage site, having just celebrated its 250th ...Read more Suomenlinna is one of the favourite outing spots for locals. It makes an excellent afternoon outing - in summer the connecting ferry is packed with jolly people and picnic baskets. It is a world heritage site, having just celebrated its 250th anniversary, but 900 people live there, too, and 350 people work there daily.

The ferry leaves about every 20 to 30 min from the far end of the market square, public transport tickets are valid. It is best to buy them well beforehand at the kiosk or at any R-kiosk 10 mk a piece, more convenient than trying to buy one aboard. I find I always have to run to catch the ferry!

The fortress consists of a number of islans, each with its very own character. The island with the port is like a little historic town: a shop, charming villas, a church (yes, summer weddings and horse-drawn carts) as well as a gallery, brewery and the sorts.

There is a small Naval Academy on a little island off this one, but that's off limits.

The next island is monumental, historic, full of granite grey walls, monuments and stone buildings. Here there are also artesan workshops, museums and a couple of villas tucked away on the more sheltered side. There is also a shipyard (last time the basin was dry), and a little harbour beyond there - apparently they have a sauna there, in addition to the little pub. But cross the island and suddenly over the ridge you will see the Baltic, glinting blue, possibly windy, and below lovely smooth inviting rocks for sitting down and watching seagulls soar on the wind. (now, who has the bottle opener?) There are tunnels in the walls, some of them large and open, but one which is narrow and absolutely dark...

The last island is the starkest of all, with just cannons and the bastion walls but a lovely spot in the middle, and also in one grey granite construction a nice bar and a pizza place (!).

This is the low-budget approach to Suomenlinna, surely you can dine here well enough, but our economy walks are based on the invigorating effect of fresh air and picnic supplies.

It can get windy, it is an island out as sea, so bring something windproof, but there are also nice sheltered spots for the enjoyment of all. If you are brave enough, bring a swim suit, there is a little swimming beach, too.

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From journal Summer in Helsinki

Suomenlinna (Sveaborg)

by Koljan

St.Petersburg, Russia

July 23, 2000

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It's an old Finnish fortress, built by Russians to protect Finland (at this moment Russia's province) from Sweden. Ouf. It's a little bit complicated. But, don't worry. It'll be unforgettable impression from your trip to Helsinki. You can troll ...Read more

From journal Helsinki - Skandinavian Venice

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