Suomenlinna

Introducing Suomenlinna

Suomenlinna, only a 15-minute ferry ride from Helsinki kauppatori, is a very popular day or half-day trip from the city. Set on a tight cluster of islands, this Unesco World Heritage Site (the 'fortress of Finland') was the scene of a major event in Finnish history when the Russians seized it from the Swedes in 1808.

The fields around Suomenlinna's stone ramparts are a favourite picnicking destination for locals. It's not just a place to visit though - there are many residents, who are wearily accustomed to curious faces peering in their front windows.

Every evening between 5pm and 6pm people gather at Suomenlinna's main quay to wave as the ferries sail through the narrow strait - it's quite a sight.

Last updated: Mar 2, 2009