Suomenlinna

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An Island Full of Adventures to be Had

Helsinki is full of islands, and each one has unique activities. The most popular island is Suomenlinna. This island has an interesting history, thanks to its military past. But today there are still homes on the island, and people need to commute to the city by ferry. Thanks to its small beach, beautiful fortress walls, and abundance of museums, there is always an adventure to be had in Suomenlinna.

Entrance to Suomenlinna from the Ferry

Tradition

Visiting Suomenlinna seems to be a tradition among tourists and locals. I have been multiple times a year with friends. Many locals go to take a nice walk and see the see. Tourists go to admire the walls and the cannons. No matter what you're interesting, almost everyone enjoys a visit to the island fortress.

Beach of Suomenlinna

Whenever someone visits the city, I always take them to Suomenlinna. And although in the wintertime it is unbearably cold from the wind, it is always an enjoyable time. But it is constantly busy, people are always visiting the island.

Streets of Suomenlinna

Museums

The island has a variety of museums. The Suomenlinna Museum and the Submarine Vesikko might be the most closely related to the history of the island, there are plenty of other museums. There is the Toy Museum and the Customs Museum as well. Entrance to the island is free, but the museums are not. So if you're not interested in these museums, you can still walk around the island and check out the cannons for free.

Suomenlinna in the Fall

History

This island, which literally translates as the Castle of Finland, was once used for military fortifications. Under Russian rule before Finnish independence, the castle was actually used in war to protect the city, or Russian assets, during the Crimean War. It was the Russians who prompted the expansion of Suomenlinna so that it could accommodate more troops. However, it was the Swedish that began building Suomenlinna when Finland was under Swedish rule.

Shops and Houses of Suomenlinna

Once Finland gained independence, however, the castle stopped being used for military purposes and today is just an enjoyable island to visit. People still live on the island, but not as military personnel, but as private citizens. It is even a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ferry to Suomenlinna

Getting There

Getting to Suomenlinna is very easy, especially if you have a travel card or travel day pass. The ferry to the city is free for pass users and runs about every thirty or so minutes. Otherwise you can buy a ticket at the terminal, which is at kauppatori, the main market square. The ferry runs year around, even when there is ice in the sea. Once on the island, you can wander around and follow a variety of different paths.

Ferry Over the Frozen Sea

Watch Out!

In the summer you can climb down to the rocks to sunbathe or swim in the sea. Pay attention because the rocks get very slippery and you can take a tumble into the sea. And your nice friend helping you back up will also take a tumble too.

The Sea at Suomenlinna

In the wintertime, pay attention to ice when walking up and down the hills. Sometimes it feels like an iceskating rink, so maybe avoid some areas that look especially icy!

Suomenlinna in the Fall