Why Go There?
Suomenlinna is a fortress built in 17th century when Finland was a part of Sweden. It was built against Russia, the main threat of Sweden at that time.
It is a UNESCO listed attraction, and the best of all is that it is FREE to land and walk around.
How to Get There?
Suomenlinna is on an island (called Suomenlinna?) and you can go there by public ferry. There are still residents on the island. The ticket cost 5 euros for round trip, or get a day pass for 8 euros.
For more information on transportation in Helsinki, check https://www.hsl.fi/en/tickets-and-fares
Something Useful
When you land at the main quay, there’s a tourist office (free-wifi, free washroom, and free maps!). That will definitely be your first stop. However I noticed I was the only tourist from my ferry who went there. Hmm. Anyways, you will find brochures with the map of Suomenlinna. It’s very useful and it will look like this (see below).
The Blue Route is probably the route you will take. And as public ferry leaves and arrives only from the main quay, you are likely to take the same route back.
To see or download the original map, click here
http://frantic.s3.amazonaws.com/suomenlinna/2014/06/Matkailijankartta_EN.pdf
My Experience
It is pleasant to walk around. Although I can say almost by default all tourists who visit Helsinki will come to this island, there is still a rare tranquility on this island. It’s hard to connect it with the island history of being a fortress.
The Suomenlinna Church is free to visit. I read somewhere that this church was used as a lighthouse first. The interior of this church is basic, and there are free scriptures in many languages you can take.
You will find old houses (it was probably a conference room or library) made from bricks. It looks cute and beautiful. I’m sure you can explore more if you get off from the Blue Route. I was too cold and the weather was not so great on that day. But if you have time, I think it’s just perfect to roam around!
Along the Blue Route, you will also find a few cafes and restaurants. It is very pleasant to walk around, and you probably won’t remember what Suomenlinna is until you see the guns of Kustaanmiekka.
Suppose military history doesn’t interest you (like me), I guess the view still worth the time.
You’ll discover more from the relics. And you’ll definitely learn more through guided tours or from the museums on Suomenlinna.
Final Words
Personally fortress doesn’t attract me. If I can be very honest with you, I came to Suomenlinna because it’s listed on UNESCO (so it’s important) and because it’s free and it’s accessible and I wanted to take ferry! Should you extend a day for this? I’d say yes!
And my highlight of the trip was actually the sea gulls who hitchhiked our ferry! I couldn’t understand what on the ferry attracted them. But it was very fun and exciting!
I hope you’ll enjoy Suomenlinna!
Traveling Mega
