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Manège or Military Museum in Suomenlinna, Helsinki, Finland, 2022 April - 2📷 Ximonic (Simo Räsänen), CC BY-SA 4.0
Editor's pick

Suomenlinna

Helsinki, Finland

History

An 18th-century sea fortress spread over several islands off Helsinki, with ramparts, tunnels and cannon facing the Baltic. Take the public ferry from the Market Square, bring a picnic and wear walking shoes; cars are not needed on the islands.

The sea fortress of Suomenlinna lies about four kilometres south-east of Helsinki city centre, spread across several islands. Construction began in 1748 under Swedish rule, as Sveaborg, led by Admiral Augustin Ehrensvärd. UNESCO (World Heritage Site since 1991) regards it as an outstanding example of the bastion system of the 17th and 18th centuries. The fortress complex includes about 200 buildings and six kilometres of defensive walls. It was given the name Suomenlinna ("Fortress of Finland") in 1918; about 850 to 900 people live there today.

Ferries run all year, though not through the night. Visitors explore the islands on foot, and you do not need a vehicle. Allow at least half a day, for example for the walls, the cannons and the walking paths. It is busiest in the warmer months; for some peace, come as early in the day as you can.

Nearest town
Helsinki, Finland
Category
History & culture
GPS
60.1454, 24.9886
Editor's pick
★

Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.

Good to know

Best time to go

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

The most pleasant months are usually June–August. Still fine, with some compromises, in September. Cold, short days in November–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

Getting there

  • Finland: No motorway tolls for cars. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.

Sources

Nearby

Temppeliaukio Church interior 01© Ad Meskens · CC BY-SA 4.0
History

Temppeliaukio Church

Helsinki, Finland
Haukkalampi in Nuuksio National Park, Vihti, Finland, June 2020 - 2© Ximonic (Simo Räsänen) · CC BY-SA 3.0
Nature

Nuuksio National Park

Espoo, Finland
Porvoo Old Town – Porvoo - Old Town - panoramio© Arto J · CC BY-SA 3.0
History

Porvoo Old Town

Porvoo, Finland
History

Fiskars Village

Raasepori, Finland

Campsites nearby

  • Pihjalajasaaren telttailualueCampsite
    4 km from Suomenlinna
    OSMAdd to trip
  • Motorhome stopover · HelsinkiMotorhome stopover
    4 km from Suomenlinna
    Motorhomes
    OSMAdd to trip
  • Käärmesaaren keittokatosCampsite
    9 km from Suomenlinna
    Free
    OSMAdd to trip
  • Rastila Camping HelsinkiCampsite
    10 km from Suomenlinna
    TentsCaravans
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip
  • Camping | Joensuun tilaMotorhome stopover
    24 km from Suomenlinna · 32 pitches
    TentsMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
    WebsiteOSMAdd to trip
  • Väransbyn leirintäalueCampsite
    25 km from Suomenlinna
    OSMAdd to trip

All campsites in Finland · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026

FAQs

Where is Suomenlinna?

Suomenlinna is in Helsinki, Finland, at GPS 60.1454, 24.9886. It is about 46 km from Porvoo.

Can you camp near Suomenlinna?

Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Pihjalajasaaren telttailualue, about 4 km away; within 25 km there are 7 campsites and motorhome stopovers.

What is there to see near Suomenlinna?

Places worth a stop nearby: Temppeliaukio Church (5 km), Nuuksio National Park (33 km), Porvoo Old Town (47 km) and Fiskars Village (79 km).

When is the best time to visit Suomenlinna?

The most pleasant months are usually June–August. Still fine, with some compromises, in September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)