Everything you need to know about Suomenlinna Sea Fortress
Introduction:
“Suomenlinna” – the sea fortress also known as the “Castle of Finland” is situated in Helsinki, Finland and founded in 1748. Formerly it was used as military base or prison but now it is considered as a World Heritage Site recognized by UNESCO since 1991.Initially it was named as Sveaborg and was renamed on the occasion of Finish independence in 1917.It is an archipelago of 80 hectares counting 8 rock islands which is few miles away from Helsinki Coast. The main 5 of them are interconnected by bridges which is indistinguishable through bare eyesSuomenlinna was built on top of six islands which are Kustaanmiekka, Susisaari, Iso-Mustasaari, Pikku-Mustasaari, Länsi-Mustasaari, and Långören.It has been administrated by civilians since 1973.
History
Suomenlinna sea fortress is mainly an unique monument of European military architechture wraped– in the course of history in which it has served in defense of three realms – Sweden, Russia and Finland. It has a history which is important to Finns.
Suomenlinna sea fortress was built in the 18th century. Originally constructed by Sweden in 1748, it was known as Sveaborg. The fortress served as a strategic defense against Russian expansion, but in 1808, Finland was ceded to Russia, leading to the fortress being renamed Suomenlinna or Viapori or “the castle of finland”. Ironically there is no castle here, but I guess it’s a symbol of Finnish independence and strength. Over the years, Suomenlinna has witnessed various conflicts and changes in ownership but finally now it in Finland’s ownership. Today, it stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, blending military history with cultural significance, offering visitors a glimpse into its rich past through well-preserved structures, museums, and scenic surroundings.
Personal Experience
My first visit in Suomenlinna Island was in January,2023. It’s a really mesmerizing place and the perfect spot to realize that sunsets are not just amazing but they are one of the best things of nature. The sky was in mixture of purple,red,yellow and the goldness of sun. The place is the best combination of land and water. It has a old architectural vibe and leads you to a warzone time. I felt like I’m in a war era. I loved the place and its magnetic attraction lead me to visit it again in May 2023 and then my visit to Suomenlinna never stopped till now.
How and when to get there? What amount of time do you need?
As Suomenlinna fortress is an island, the only way you can access it is overseas. A ferry service runs from the Market Square of Helsinki throughout the year to Suomenlinna. The ferry departs every 30 minutes and it takes 15–20 minutes to reach.So don’t worry as it only takes 15minutes to reach.It’s a residential area with 800 people and has 400 locals working on it so it’s really accessible and boats run from early morning until around 2 am in the summer months. The journey offers majestic view of Helsinki and the surroundings from sea. You will need approximately 2 to 3 hours for getting a basic tour but honestly the time varies from person to person and their perceptions.
Costing
There is no entrance fee to the fortress. Visitors only have to pay for the crossing to Suomenlinna and back.The ferry ticket does not include entrance to the museums on the island; each museum has its own separate entrance charge.
The charge needed from the way back to island differs in times but if I give a approximate idea then Tickets each way are 2.80 Euros with the HSL ferry but you can purchase a Suomenlinna ticket for 5 Euros return which allows you 12 hours on Suomenlinna fortress.
Places to visit
- Jetty Barracks
- Suomenlinna Church
- Prisoner of war camp memorial and The Casino Park
- Suomenlinna Museum
- Dry dock
- Great Courtyard
- Suomenlinna Beach
- Bastion Zander and artillery of Kustaanmiekka
- King’s Gate
How to explore
- Take a guided Tour
- Sit and Relax
- Fishing
- Walking trail
- Explore the history by visiting museum
- Taking photos as a memory
Do People live there?
YES! People do live there. Isn’t it amazing? Suomenlinna is home to around 800 residents and 400-500 people work in the fortress all year round.
Can You stay there?
You can absolutely extend your stay their by booking a hostel named Hostel Suomenlinna. their which is open from May to September.
Things to know before visiting
- Be careful during walking as the road are uneven,steep and so on.
- Make sure to wear comfortable shoes otherwise you will face a lot of trouble during visiting
- Following the “Blue route” to explore Main sight easily
- Cafes and restaurants exists there so you don’t have to worry for food and refreshments
- As Suomenlinna is an island, although it may feel warm on the mainland the breezes here can make you chilly so Prepare for all weather
- If you have an international SIM you will get no phone signal and can get Wi-Fi from visitor centre in their café. But you have a local Finnish SIM then there will be no Network Issue
- There are souvenir shops on the island and you can buy postcards, magnets Moomin mugs and other things for your loved ones or as a memory in the visitor centre.
