Suomenlinna, originally called Viapori in Finnish, was founded in 1748 on a cluster of islands off coast of Helsinki. Its construction began in the 18th century when Finland was still part of the Kingdom of Sweden. In 1808, Viapori was transferred under the rule of the Russian Imperial Government. With Finland’s independence in 1917, Viapori was taken over by the newly founded Finnish government in 1918 and renamed Suomenlinna (‘Castle of Finland’). It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Helsinki Sightseeing canal cruise is a great way to see the beautiful shoreline of Helsinki including the historic Suomenlinna fortress. It has daily departure from Market Square in summer (May 1 – Sep 30). The tour is free with Helsinki Card. https://www.stromma.fi/en/helsinki/sightseeing/sightseeing-by-boat/beautiful-canal-route/
Suomenlinna is accessible only by water. HSL ferry service runs from Market Square to Suomenlinna throughout the year, it is free with Helsinki Card. In summer, JT Line water bus service is also available.
HSL ferry schedule: https://www.reittiopas.fi/linjat/HSL:1019/aikataulu/HSL:1019:0:01
JT Line Water Bus schedule: https://jt-line.fi/eng/suomenlinna-vallisaari-lonna/timetable-suomenlinna
I took the JT Line Water Bus as it has a boat ready for departure when I arrived. The round trip ticket to Suomenlinna costs 7 euros per adult. You can also buy an island hopping ticket which allows you to stop off at all three island destinations (Suomenlinna, Vallisaari and Lonna) during the same day for 8 euros.
Yay, we are ready for departure to Suomenlinna!
Helsinki Cathedral as seen from the sea.
Uspenki Church and the Ferris wheel.
Viking line has regular cruise connecting Helsinki with Tallinn.
The journey took around 15 to 20 minutes.
We are here at Suomenlinna.
Guided walking tour of Suomenlinna is available for 11 euros per adult and 4 euros for children (7-12 years). Tickets can be bought in Suomenlinna Centre or you can purchase it in advance online. In summer, guided tours are given in 5 languages: Finnish, Swedish, English, Russian and Chinese. During winter, tours are available on on weekends, and the languages are English and Russian.
Souvenir shop at Suomenlinna Centre.
The JT Line water bus stops at Artillery Bay Quay while the HSL ferry stops at the Main quay.
Timetable of JT Line Water Bus. The water bus also makes an additional stop at the King’s Gate.
The main sights are situated along the blue route which runs across the fortress (see map above). Actually it will be most ideal to arrive at Main quay by HSL ferry, follow the blue route and head south to the King’s Gate, then take the water bus from King’s Gate quay and return to Helsinki. Suomenlinna one way ticket is 4.5 euros for the water bus.
I began my tour towards the south part of the island which is King’s Gate direction. This is the bridge which links Iso Mustasaari and the main island, Susisaari.
Another souvenir kiosk.
A tunnel leading to the Great Courtyard.
This is the Great Courtyard. The Great Courtyard was completed in the 1760s and served as the main square. It was badly damaged in the Crimean war in 1855. The tomb of Ehrensvard can be found in the square.
These are some of the houses where the residents of the island reside. Today Suomenlinna is not only one the main attractions in Finland, it is also a lively community of some 800 residents.
The flowers were blooming all over the island.
Kustaanmiekka is another key sight at Suomenlinna. It offers a view of the original bastion fortress as well as the late 19th century Russian defense line, complete with sand banks and artillery emplacements.
The enemy is in sight! Fire!
View of the sea from the Fortress.
Walking around Kustaanmiekka.
Structures of the gun powder magazines. As the visitors’ walking and weather condition have caused the ground to crack and it leaks water into the sand layers of the ramparts, damaging their structure, the gun powder magazines is now fenced to prevent further erosions.
Summer terrace.
There are plenty of grassy picnic spots here.
The toilets are hidden under the hills in this area.
The fortress wall.
The monumental King’s Gate was built between 1753 and 1754 as a ceremonial gateway to the fortress.
The gate is built on the site where a ship carrying King Adolf Frederick of Sweden was anchored while he inspected the construction of the fortress in 1752.
Heading back to Artillery Bay quay.
Ballast room.
Suomenlinna Church was built to serve as a Russian Orthodox garrison church.
In the 1920s, during the early days of Finnish independence, it was converted into a Lutheran place of worship. A lighthouse, serving both air and sea traffic, continues to operate in the steeple to this day.
Interior of Suomenlinna Church.
I took a water bus back to Helsinki from the Artillery Bay quay.
Vesikko is a Finnish submarine, built in the 1930s, that served in the World War II. Fully restored, it is now one of the six museums in Suomenlinna.
King’s Gate quay where the water bus also made a stop.
This is the Central Railway Station. It’s time to leave Helsinki and take a train to St. Petersburg.
I’m taking the Allegro train which has four departures per day, check its timetable here. You can purchase the tickets earliest by 60 days before the journey.
The train tickets price is 118 euros for 2 adults and free for one child (without a seat) below the age of 6 in the company of an adult.
Goodbye, Helsinki.
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