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All 198 Helsinki Attractions »

Fortress of Suomenlinna

Suomenlinna Island, Helsinki, Finland
+358 (0)9 684 1880
Ranked #3 of 120 attractions in Helsinki
4.5 of 5 stars 264 Reviews
Type: Historic Sites, Military Bases/ Facilities, Castles, Military Museums
Traveler Description: Suomenlinna Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, Helsinki This is one of the reasons why a few hundred years ago the capital of Finland was transferred from... more »
Useful Information: Bathroom facilities, Activities for older children
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264 reviews from our community

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Date Rating
Rye, NY
Senior Contributor
45 reviews 45 reviews
Reviews in 20 cities Reviews in 20 cities
29 helpful votes 29 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 25, 2012 NEW

Although I had read about the fortress and even seen a video, I was still surprised by the size and complexity of the site. We visited on a beautiful day, so we were able to walk around and enjoy the views as well as learn about the fort, itself. Be sure to start at the Suomenlinna Museum and view the... More

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Wyandotte, Michigan
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 22, 2012 NEW
1
person found this review helpful

Not only is the ferry ride itself worth going for all in itself, Suomenlinna is just a great visit. you could see it in 4 hours or make it an all day trip depending on how detailed you want to be. But it's charming, interesting, beautiful--a really good day. Bringing a small picnic would complete the day although there are... More

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Lieto, Finland
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed May 18, 2012

A fortress built on islands. The Suomenlinna Fortress has never really seen any real action so historically it is quite uninteresting and most of the stories are attached to the time when the fortress was built. There are ordinary people living in these islands all year around and there are some museums, but the most interesting sight is the old... More

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Australia NSW
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 18, 2012

Make sure you put the whole day for this outing AMAZING More

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See 3 more reviews by RITAMAYAustraliaNSW for Helsinki
Southlake, Texas
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 17, 2012

Used my Helsinki transport pass to cross over from the old harbor market area to Suomenlinna. We had a quick drink on the terrace at the restaurant and bar, just at the landing. Then we did a quick walk through the island with a stop at the "Vesikko", a 1930s era U-Boat that was designed for coastal patrol. Plan on... More

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See 6 more reviews by yrlesru for Helsinki
Senior Contributor
30 reviews 30 reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 13, 2012

Military base of Russians and then Swedes. Good to see the underground bunkers and guns. Now mostly a picnic spot - as my collegue said "most of the Finns were born here :)" More

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See 4 more reviews by Smrti for Helsinki
Iowa
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 11, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

In April this was a great lonely mysterious place to wander through. Very few visitors and apparently most of the residents were tucked away in their houses on the island. I imagine it's much more bustling in the summer. But what a wonderful place to escape to and wander around all the old fort-like buildings. It just seems to go... More

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Helsinki, Finland
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 11, 2012

Really interesting visit - easy from Helsinki, perfect for a longish half day. You learn a lot about the history and also Finnish relationships with Sweden and Russia. Go in the summer and take a picnic. More

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Stockholm, Sweden
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 3, 2012

there are not too many attractions in Helsinki? but this is the one worth seeing More

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See 4 more reviews by Eversleepingbabybear for Helsinki
Helsinki, Finland
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 30, 2012

Piece of finnish history and great views to the sea and city centre, just few minutes from the market place. Worth of a visit in a sunny summer day! More

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