Suomenlinna

Suomenlinna is a sprawling 18th-century sea fortress built across a cluster of islands guarding Helsinki, raised by the Swedes, held by the Russians, and now a UNESCO site and a lived-in neighbourhood. A short public ferry brings you to ramparts, tunnels, a dry dock and grassy bastions looking out to the Baltic.

Background

The fortress spreads over eight islands about 4 kilometres southeast of central Helsinki, six of them fortified, with a total land area of 80 hectares. Five islands are linked by bridges or a sandbar, while Särkkä, Lonna and Pormestarinluodot stand apart. Building started in 1748 under the Swedish Crown, with Augustin Ehrensvärd in overall charge, and the plan followed the star fort principles of the French engineer Vauban, adapted to a group of rocky islands. The original name was Sveaborg, Viapori in Finnish, and in 1918 it became Suomenlinna. Addresses use a letter for each island, so C 83 means house 83 on Iso-Mustasaari. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.

Source: Wikipedia, "Suomenlinna"

What to look for

• The bastions and ramparts - the great stone fortifications along the seaward shore.
• The King's Gate - the ceremonial sea gate, the symbol of the fortress.
• Cannons and tunnels - the batteries and passages of the old defences.
• A living island - homes, cafes, museums and a submarine on show among the walls.

When to go

Summer for green ramparts, picnics and full museums; year-round the ferry runs and the walls are atmospheric in mist and snow. Early or late in the day avoids the midday ferry crowds.

Practical notes

It is spread over several islands and takes real walking, so wear good shoes and allow time. Many people are also residents, so it is a neighbourhood as well as a monument. The seaward walls are exposed and windy, so dress for the Baltic.

Nearby

Helsinki Market Square and the cathedral are across the water; the Loyly seaside sauna is on the mainland shore.

Key facts