Menu
Suomenlinna island - Finland

Suomenlinna sea fortress

View Photos

Unique historical monument

The Suomenlinna sea fortress (Fortress of Finland) is located on a small cluster of inhabited islands just off the Helsinki coast. Built in the 1700s by the Swedish military, who called it Sveaborg, this UNESECO World Heritage site has played a key role in many turning points in Finland’s history, from its rule under the Swedish Crown to its occupation by Russia from the early 1800s until Finnish independence in 1918.

Today it is among the world’s largest maritime fortresses and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Finland. It's easy to spend a half day here, with six musuems in all--including the main Suomenlinna Museum with its fascinating historical exhibits and the last surviving Finnish submarine. There are numerous cafes and restaurants, a variety of old bunkers, fortified walls and tunnels to explore and trails that link the main attractions on the islands. On nice summer days, visitors often find many locals sunbathing and enjoying a picnic on the rocky coastline.

Suomenlinna is accessible by ferry year-round, though many of the museums are only open in summer.

View Finland
View fullscreen

View attractions close by Suomenlinna sea fortress

Tours including Suomenlinna sea fortress

You could experience Suomenlinna sea fortress through any one of these tours below.

Norway, Sweden, 2 more …
Guided Groups
12 days / 11 nights
May - Sep

Highlights of Scandinavia & Finland Cruise

Finland, Sweden, Denmark & Norway

5924EUR

Eur

View map
Norway, Sweden, 2 more …
Best seller
Independent Tours
12 days / 11 nights
Oct - Apr

Best of Scandinavia & Finland Cruise - Winter

Train & Cruise

2919EUR

Eur

View map
Best seller
12 days / 11 nights
Oct - Apr
Close map view
Norway, Sweden, 2 more …
Self-drive
14 days / 13 nights
May - Sep

Scandinavian Road Trip & Finland Cruise

3419EUR

3179EUR

Eur

View map
Norway, Sweden, 3 more …
Independent Tours
14 days / 13 nights
May - Sep

Best of Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland & Estonia in 14 Days

3771EUR

Eur

View map
We are here to help

Whether you have a single question or a special request, we're here for you.

here to help