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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 269 Reviews
Type: Historic Sites, Military Bases/ Facilities, Castles, Military Museums
Traveller 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: Activities for older children, Bathroom facilities
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269 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
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    103
    28
    4
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Date Rating
Greenville, South Carolina
Top Contributor
76 reviews 76 reviews
Reviews in 23 cities Reviews in 23 cities
22 helpful votes 22 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 May 2012 NEW

The fortress was very pretty and had a lot to see. It works very well for an afternoon, as you can see it in about 2-4 hours. The museums are generally not worth it, so don't pay the extra to go inside of them unless you have a specific interest. Also, go to the restaurant brewery on site. The food... More

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See 11 more reviews by majmcd for Helsinki
switzerland
Top Contributor
50 reviews 50 reviews
Reviews in 20 cities Reviews in 20 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 May 2012 NEW

you can get the boat for 5euros or it´s included on the day pass of the public transport so that way you even go for ´free´...nice day trip, loads of cafes and restaurants, nice walks....can spend a couple of hours or visit all the museums (which I didn´t do) More

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See 4 more reviews by serena99 for Helsinki
Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 May 2012 NEW

Commute was affordable. Great day trip for those new to Helsinki. Picnic near the beach recommended. More

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See 2 more reviews by annsbee for Helsinki
Rye, NY
Top Contributor
54 reviews 54 reviews
Reviews in 24 cities Reviews in 24 cities
31 helpful votes 31 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 May 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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See 5 more reviews by jj435Rye for Helsinki
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 22 May 2012
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 18 May 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 18 May 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 17 May 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
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 May 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 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 May 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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