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Sea Fortress Suomenlinna
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Sea Fortress Suomenlinna

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Sea Fortress Suomenlinna
4.5
8,304 reviews
#7 of 488 things to do in Helsinki
Military Museums • Historic Sites • Military Bases & Facilities
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00:00 - 23:59
Monday
00:00 - 23:59
Tuesday
00:00 - 23:59
Wednesday
00:00 - 23:59
Thursday
00:00 - 23:59
Friday
00:00 - 23:59
Saturday
00:00 - 23:59
Sunday
00:00 - 23:59
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2-3 hours
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The area
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
1,241 within 5 kms
Cafe Vanille
138
0.1 km€€ - €€€ • Cafe • European • Scandinavian
Viaporin Deli & Cafe
60
32 m€€ - €€€ • Quick Bites • Cafe • European
Cafe Silo
36
58 m€€ - €€€ • Dessert • Cafe • European
Restaurant Suomenlinnan Panimo
167
9.9 m€€ - €€€ • European • Scandinavian • Vegetarian Friendly
Bastion Bistro
110
0.1 km€€ - €€€ • Bar • European • Scandinavian
Cafe Bar Valimo
75
0.3 km€€ - €€€ • Cafe • European • Pub
Linna Bar
10
0.4 km€€ - €€€ • Bar
Café Samovarbar
16
0.5 km€€ - €€€ • Quick Bites • Cafe
Restaurant Lonna
153
0.7 km€€ - €€€ • European • Contemporary • Scandinavian
Adlerfelt
20
0.5 km€€ - €€€ • European • Scandinavian
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Attractions
444 within 10 kms
Haa Gallery
20 mArt Galleries
Suomenlinna Church (Suomenlinnan kirkko)
179
0.2 kmReligious Sites
Military Museum’s Manege
110
0.4 kmMilitary Museums
Suomenlinna Museum
114
0.4 kmSpeciality Museums
Toy Museum Suomenlinna Helsinki
133
0.5 kmSpeciality Museums
Ehrensvärd Museum
14
0.5 kmMilitary Museums • History Museums
Tullimuseo
2
0.5 kmSpeciality Museums
Kaivopuisto
260
1.5 kmParks
Submarine Vesikko
117
0.8 kmMilitary Museums • Speciality Museums
Mannerheim Museum
299
1.7 kmSpeciality Museums • Historic Sites
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See what other travellers are saying
  • Melania_Cruz_Limjoco
    Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates246 contributions
    Top Of My Helsinki To-Do List
    For €2.80 a ferry takes you from Helsinki’s South Harbor to this UNESCO World Heritage site in 15 minutes. Spend the afternoon strolling leisurely as you learn about the capital city’s historic past and then sit in one of its charming cafés to recharge. Take the ferry back just in time to watch the spectacular sunset from the ferry’s outdoor seating area in the upper deck.
    Visited February 2020
    Travelled solo
    Written 28 February 2020
  • Laura
    Helsinki, Finland6 contributions
    A day trip to Suomenlinna as a school assignment
    We had a pleasant day trip to Suomenlinna. This was our school assignment, and we chose to visit the Sea Fortress as a visit&observe task. On the day we visited the attraction, the weather was pretty harsh because it was raining and snowing, which made the air very cold. Because it is winter and we are Finns, we are used to this kind of weather, as it really didn’t bother our experience. We have visited the place also during summer, and it is a wonderful, breathtaking attraction, which we highly recommend to everybody. Because the COVID-19 is still shaking the world and the situations in every country, it was expected that the Sea Fortress would have places fully closed as well. Even despite the COVID-19 situation, we really had a wonderful visit, and we enjoyed the attraction! :))) We recommend every single Finn or a foreign visitor to go and experience Suomenlinna themselves and support the local businesses, as well as the attractions!
    Suomenlinna_official
    Dear ilmolaura, Thank you for your extensive review with useful trips for other visitors and travellers! When visiting the fortress in autumn or winter, it is important to dress in layers and to wear wind- and waterproof clothes, plus comfortable shoes. As you mentioned, you can visit Suomenlinna any time of the year, while the visiting experience then is always different. Suomenlinna is also a destination of historical significance, as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Suomenlinna ferry operates all year round, and you can take it from Helsinki Market Square, opposite the Presidential Palace.. We are able to offer a safe visiting experience within the current COVID-19 situation. Welcome soon again to Suomenlinna to enjoy the atmosphere,sightseeing and perhaps a good cup of coffee or tasty meal! You can check the opening hours for the services in the opening hours calendar on our website. Best regards, Annamaria/ Suomenlinna Tourist Information
    Written 10 December 2020
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited December 2020
    Written 9 December 2020
  • vaibhav k
    Mumbai, India8 contributions
    Distinct
    Visited suomenlina sea fortress situated on island around 15 minutes ride by ferry from market square. I would say it is a must visit for people travelling as a tourist. And imperative for young tourist and children to visit as it has plenty of information regarding various regimes who have ruled Finland and with it's museum it also demonstrates how it has changed over the years. I visited in month of February so it was chilly, windy and peaceful. But pretty much could imagine how beautiful it would be in summers with its numerous cafe fully operational. I had good time, it is very well maintained, clean and beautiful place to visit. Also special mention regarding the architecture and planning for building sea fortress.
    Visited February 2020
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 18 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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4.5
8,304 reviews
Excellent
4,595
Very good
2,872
Average
722
Poor
92
Terrible
23
Jake
Havertown, PA318 contributions
Amazing place to explore
May 2023 • Solo
The Sea Fort was one of my favorite parts of my trip to Helsinki. I really can’t say enough about this little island…. A former military fort turned into a park - complete with a museum, church, beach (although I imagine the water is very cold), bar, overpriced shop, and lots of ground to explore. Wandering around this little island is SO fun. If it’s a beautiful day - go.

If it’s sunny, bring sunblock…. I surprisingly got burnt. Also, bring water because it’s quite expensive in the shop.
Written 22 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Suomenlinna_official
Dear JWJ1981, thank you for your kind review! We are glad to hear you liked visiting Suomenlinna. Suomenlinna is a historical sea fortress that has been part of the defense of three different nations; Sweden, Russia and Finland. As a unique monument of the military architecture of its era, Suomenlinna is also a Unesco world heritage site. Nowadays Suomenlinna is a lively neighborhood of Helsinki and home to some 800 people. The area of the Suomenlinna sea fortress actually consists of eight different islands, though the key sights are located on the three main islands. The best way to see all the sights and explore the islands is to follow the blue route, which can be found from our online guide at guide.suomenlinna.fi. There are also six different museums on the islands, such as the decommissioned submarine Vesikko and the Ehrensvärd museum, which is the house of the founder of the fortress. There are several great cafés and restaurants on the islands where one can take a break while exploring. We hope to see you again soon in Suomenlinna!
Written 23 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Simon A
United Kingdom10 contributions
Great place to stroll and see the view of Helsinki and islands.
Sep 2023 • Couples
Great for a quiet stroll on an autumn summer day like when we visited. We got an early HSL ferry from the market at the port in Helsinki and going early was a really good move… we were almost the only folk there. The coffee shop overlooking the rocks (near the little beach) is a great place to sit out and look out over the sea. Make sure you walk along the sea shore path… it really is beautiful. Fascinating views of the very significant old fortifications and a great 15 minute ferry crossing each way.
Written 18 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Suomenlinna_official
Dear simonaR6723PF, Thank you for your nice review. As you say, if you enjoy a peaceful atmosphere it is a good idea to come to Suomenlinna early in the morning. Other more quiet times are in the evening or in autumn and winter. In summer season (May-September) you can get a private company operated waterbus to get to Suomenlinna from Helsinki Market Square. The waterbuses are usually less crowded. Nice to hear that you liked the atmosphere at Café Piper. This café is open in summer, but next time why not try out also some of the other nice cafés, or a restaurant for tasty food. Many cafés and restaurants stay open in winter too and you can check the daily opening hours on our website. To make the most out of exploring the fortress and to discover the main historical sights, we recommend following the blue route. You can check this route in our online guide. Also, staying on marked routes ensures a safe and responsible visit in which we avoid safety risks and respect the sensitive nature, historical architecture and the privacy of the residents. As you also mention, the sea trip by the ferry takes only about 15 minutes. It is a unique experience on its own and possible in all seasons, as the Suomenlinna ferry operates all year round. We hope to see you again soon! Stop by the Suomenlinna visitor centre next to the ferry pier to get the best tips for your visit.
Written 20 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
paulaann2017
Shaker Heights, OH9 contributions
Worth the trip
Aug 2023 • Family
Ferry ride was easy to manage. Beautiful scenery and interesting history. Had a great lunch at the Panimo Brewery/restaurant.

Written 9 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Suomenlinna_official
Dear paulaann2017, thank you for your review! The public transport ferry ride from the Market square to Suomenlinna is only some 15 minutes. The trip is also a great opportunity to admire views of Helsinki from the sea. To see all the main historical sights, we recommend that you follow the blue route, which can be found from our online guide at guide.suomenlinna.fi. The sea views near the end of the route, on the southernmost Kustaanmiekka island, are especially stunning. Joining a guided tour or visiting the Suomenlinna museum are great ways to delve into the history of the fortress. There are several cafés and restaurants on the islands where one can enjoy great food and delicacies. More information abut the services in Suomenlinna can also be found from our online guide. We hope to see you again soon in Suomenlinna!
Written 10 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Michael S
Leeds, UK12 contributions
Best part of Helsinki
Sep 2023 • Family
An absolutely fabulous half a day out with my daughter. Best attraction in Helsinki . It only cost 6euros return on the 15 min ferry from the market place in Helsinki . No need to book -just pay at the machine at the departure point . Lovely smooth ride across to the island . You can’t get lost because every thing is signposted . You can follow the recommended blue signs around but you can’t get lost . We chose the submarine and military museums which in total cost me 4E and my daughter 7E. Great value . Beautiful walk (take a picnic I suggest as the cafes are pricey) . Stunning views all around . Breathtaking scenery . Lovely views across to Helsinki. We spent 3hours on the island . Absolutely highlight of our 4day break in a lovely country . Free to enter the island. You can join a one hour guided tour on Friday and Saturday or you can pay 5euros to get a digital guide onto your phone . This is an absolute MUST visit place in Finland!
Written 9 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Suomenlinna_official
Dear michaelsV2227CB, thank you for your review! One can get to Suomenlinna easily on the HSL public transport ferry, and the ferry ride is a great opportunity to admire views of Helsinki from the sea. The best way to explore the islands and to see all the main historical sights is to follow the blue route. The blue route can be found from our online guide at guide.suomenlinna.fi. To get to know the sea fortress and its history even more, one can join a guided tour. There are six museums on the islands, including for example the Suomenlinna Toy Museum and the Ehrensvärd museum, which is the house of the founder of the fortress. There are several cafés and restaurants on the islands where one can take a break from exploring. We hope to see you again soon in Suomenlinna! Stop by the Suomenlinna Visitor Centre next to the ferry pier to get the best tips for your visit.
Written 10 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
hunglow
Phuket, Thailand1,580 contributions
not a lot going on.
Sep 2023 • Family
not a lot going on on a. Monday. good for a stroll in a park like setting but it was early quiet when we went. little ferry ride is fun as a harbour tour is the bonus.
Written 7 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Suomenlinna_official
Dear hunglow, thank you for your review. One can get to Suomenlinna easily on a public transport ferry, and the ferry ride is indeed a good opportunity to admire views of Helsinki from the sea. The best way to explore the islands and to see all the main historical sights is to follow the blue route. The blue route takes you through the three main islands, all the way to the impressive King's gate. You can find the blue route from our online guide at guide.suomenlinna.fi. There are six museums and several cafés and restaurants on the islands. Some of these are only open during the summer season, but you can always check their opening hours from our website suomenlinna.fi at the Opening hours and events -page. Welcome again to Suomenlinna!
Written 10 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Danks Knows
Shoalhaven, Australia2,035 contributions
Historical harbour fort
Sep 2023 • Couples
The ferry to Suomenlinna leaves from east side of Market Square in Helsinki. If you have a valid Helsinki day travel ticket you can use that, if not buy a ticket from the ticket machine. The ferry trip over takes about 15 minutes.
Suomenlinna is a fortress that protected the harbour from about the 1740’s.
It takes a few hours to wander the island. There are loads of signs directing you around the island, but get a map from the tourist information building on the island, which is about a kilometre from the ferry terminal.
There are shops, cafes, bars on the island and lots of WC 🚾.
I liked the island, the history is good, at times I thought it looked a little run down, but overall a good way to spend a couple of hours. From the ferry to the far end of the island and back to the ferry, I reckon it is about six kilometres, so bring your walking shoes. Ferries leave every 20 minutes.
Written 6 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Suomenlinna_official
Dear danks44, thank you for your review! The construction of the Suomenlinna sea fortress began in 1748, when Sweden wanted to improve the defense system in its Eastern areas. The best way to start your visit to the fortress is to stop by the Suomenlinna Visitor Centre, located right next to the ferry pier. At the Visitor Centre we are happy to give you tips for your visit and you can also see a free introductory exhibition to Suomenlinna. The area of Suomenlinna actually consists of eight different islands, though the key sights are on the three main islands. You can see the main sights by following the blue route, which can be found from our online guide at guide.suomenlinna.fi. The blue route is 1,5 kilometers long and takes you from the ferry pier, all the way to the King's gate on the southernmost island of Kustaanmiekka. There are six museums and several cafés and restaurants on the islands. We work hard to maintain and restore the fortress, but we thank you for your feedback. Welcome again to Suomenlinna!
Written 10 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Brittany_11_10
Los Angeles, CA1,707 contributions
Seaside strolling
Aug 2023 • Family
Visiting Suomenlinna Fortress was a highlight of our time in Helsinki. The weather was perfect, the ferry ride was smooth (and tickets were only a few euro), and the island was great for strolling around and taking in all the sea views.

There are ruins, cafes, grassy picnic areas, lots of walking paths...it's historical, a UNESCO World Heritage site...

It's definitely worth checking out if you're visiting Helsinki for the first time--or even on a repeat visit.
Written 5 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Suomenlinna_official
Dear Brittany_11_10, thank you for your kind review! One can easily get to the sea fortress all year round on the HSL public transport ferry. The 15-minute ferry trip is also a great way to admire views of Helsinki from the sea. The Suomenlinna sea fortress is a Unesco World Heritage Site as a unique example of the European military architecture of its time. To see the most important historical sights, we recommend that you follow the blue route, which takes you through the three main islands. The oldest parts of the sea fortress are located on the southernmost Kustaanmiekka island, which also has stunning views over the sea and archipelago. Joining a guided tour is a great way to get to know the history of the fortress. The blue route and information on services, museums and sights in Suomenlinna can be found from our online guide at guide.suomenlinna.fi We hope to see you again soon in Suomenlinna!
Written 6 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Andy C
18 contributions
Definitely Worth a Visit!
Sep 2023 • Couples
€6.2 return on the great ferry which shuttles between here and the harbour. Had a great walk around and the sun came out!!

Great military museum (more for the guys it seemed): €7 entrance fee. This included entrance to the submarine(!) which was fab!

Great views to other islands, ferries and a few yachts.

It's a must!
Written 1 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Suomenlinna_official
Dear andycJ7219ZB, thank you for your kind review! The best way to explore the sea fortress is to follow the blue route, which takes you through the three main islands and to all the important historical sights. Towards the end of the route, one can enjoy the sea views from the southern Kustaanmiekka island which are especially stunning. There are six museums in Suomenlinna, including the Military museum and the decommissioned submarine Vesikko. The blue route and more information about sights and services in Suomenlinna can be found from our online guide at guide.suomenlinna.fi. Welcome again to Suomenlinna!
Written 5 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Coryy20
Port of Spain, Trinidad4,834 contributions
Totally amazing with snow
Dec 2022 • Solo
I visited this fortress and island during the winter when it was snow-covered and loved it. Even though I'm from the tropics I just loved it. The island has lots to see and is super beautiful with the snow. I walked from one island to the next and love the history of the island.

Not much was opened at that time but I was happy to see the coffee shop open so I could have warmed up before walking to the next island. It is highly recommended to visit this island once you are in Helsinki. It is only a cheap and short ferry ride away. Enjoy
.
Written 31 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Suomenlinna_official
Dear Coryy20, thank you for your kind review and for visiting Suomenlinna! We are glad to hear you enjoyed your visit to snowy Suomenlinna. The sea fortress is an impressive sight in all four seasons. The area of Suomenlinna consists of eight different islands, but the key sights are located on the three main islands. The best way to see the sights is to follow the blue route. To learn more about the history of the sea fortress, you can join a guided tour or visit the Suomenlinna museum. There are six museums and several cafés and restaurants in Suomenlinna. Some of these services are only open during the summer season. You can always check the opening hours from our website at https://www.suomenlinna.fi/en/opening-hours/. We hope to see you again soon in Suomenlinna!
Written 5 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Matteo R
Milan, Italy29 contributions
Amazing piece of History
Aug 2023 • Couples
A truly incredible sight this fortress, stands on the water and is an amazing piece of history. Would recommend!
Written 25 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Suomenlinna_official
Dear M3209SImatteor, Thank you for your review and for recommending us. We are happy to hear that you found the fortress an interesting destination to visit. To learn more about the rich history of the fortress, you can visit the Suomenlinna Museum that is open all year round or join a guided walk. To make the most out of your visit, follow our blue route which will take you through the main historical sights. Check this route in our online guide. Hope to see you soon again in Suomenlinna! Best regards, Annamaria Suomenlinna Visitor Centre
Written 27 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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SEA FORTRESS SUOMENLINNA: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Sea Fortress Suomenlinna
Sea Fortress Suomenlinna is open:
  • Sun - Sat 00:00 - 23:59
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