From Helsinki to Suomenlinna
If you’re planning a trip to Helsinki in Finland, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Suomenlinna Island. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a true gem and a must-see destination for anyone visiting the city.
You can reach Suomenlinna Island with a short ferry ride from the city center, making it easily accessible for everyone. Once you arrive on the island, you’ll immediately be transported back to the 18th century, when the island was built as a fortress to protect Helsinki from enemy attacks.
How to get to Suomenlinna Island
Suomenlinna is accessible only by water. A ferry service runs from Market Square (Kauppatori) to Suomenlinna daily. During summer and autumn, a water bus service to Suomenlinna is also available.
You can find the timetables in Suomenlinna online – LINK.
The Suomenlinna ferry accepts all HSL tickets. At its cheapest, the ride cost is that of a single ticket. The price of a single ticket is 3.5 €. You can buy tickets from machines at the Market Square and Katajanokka terminals.
The journey to Suomenlinna takes approximately 15 minutes.
You can visit the island all year round. While visiting, make sure to be respectful as people are living there.
How much does Suomenlinna cost?
There is no entrance fee to the fortress. You can waddle around the island for free. You only pay for the ferry there and back. We had a day ticket, so we had no additional fees.
Only if you decide to visit Suomenlinna Museum do you pay the entrance fee, which starts at 8 € for adults. See more here LINK.
A little bit of history about Suomenlinna Island
The island’s history is fascinating, and visitors can learn more about it by visiting the Suomenlinna Museum or taking a guided tour of the fortress.
But there’s more to Suomenlinna than just its history.
- Suomenlinna Island, also known as Sveaborg, is a historic sea fortress.
- The construction began in 1748, when Finland was under Swedish rule, in response to Russian expansion in the Baltic Sea. The island’s strategic location made it an important stronghold for defending the region.
- The fortress was designed by Swedish architect Augustin Ehrensvärd, who created an elaborate system of fortifications, walls, and tunnels to protect the island. The construction involved the labor of thousands of soldiers and laborers.
- Over the years, Suomenlinna played an important role in several conflicts, including the Russo-Swedish War and the Crimean War.
- In the 1800s, the fortress was expanded and modernized to keep up with advances in military technology.
- In 1918, Finland gained independence from Russia, and Suomenlinna became a part of the new Finnish state.
- During World War II, the fortress was used as a base for the Finnish navy, and the Soviet Union heavily bombed it.
- Today, it is a popular tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Waddling around Suomenlinna Island
We also enjoyed the boat ride there, even though it was freezing, and the wind didn’t make it any easier. Nevertheless, the views and small islands we passed were amazing.
We first waddled right toward the Naval Academy. It is a prestigious military academy founded in 1819. It is one of the oldest and most respected military schools in the country. The academy’s mission is to train future officers for the Finnish navy, and its rigorous curriculum includes courses in naval strategy, leadership, and military technology. The academy also strongly emphasizes physical fitness and practical training, with students spending a significant amount of time at sea on training ships. We enjoyed waddling around and the architecture.
One of the highlights of Suomenlinna is its network of underground tunnels. Soldiers used these tunnels to move around the island during wartime, and now they provide a unique and eerie experience for visitors. You can explore the tunnels by yourself or take a guided tour to learn more about their history and significance.
The island is also famous for picnics, walks, and bike rides. The scenery is breathtaking, with stunning views of the sea and the surrounding islands. Be sure to bring a camera to capture the beauty of the island and its many hidden corners.
If you’re feeling hungry after all that exploring, Suomenlinna has several restaurants and cafes where you can grab a bite. The island is known for its fresh seafood, so try some local specialties, like smoked salmon or herring. The island’s cafes also serve delicious pastries and coffee, making them the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the scenery. We simply enjoyed our waddle around.
The Suomenlinna Fortress
The Suomenlinna Fortress is a historic sea fortress built in the 18th century as a response to Russian expansion in the Baltic Sea. At one point, it is the shape of a star, which reminds us of Kastellet in Denmark. It is a nice hike toward it with magnificent views.
If you’re visiting Suomenlinna during the summer, check the schedule for the island’s many events and festivals. The island hosts various events throughout the year, including concerts, theater performances, and a medieval fair.
Another fun activity on Suomenlinna is visiting the Toy Museum. This small museum is located in one of the old barracks on the island and features a collection of antique toys from the 19th and 20th centuries. It’s a charming and unique museum that will delight you regardless of age. Unfortunately, we could not visit for time reasons, and I look old; they would put me on display 😅.
Overall, Suomenlinna Island is a fantastic destination for anyone visiting Helsinki. We explored it only a little within the 10 hours we were in Helsinki. So if you’re planning a trip to Helsinki, be sure to add Suomenlinna to your itinerary. You won’t regret it!
Enjoy your waddle at Suomenlinna Island!
