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Suomenlinna Sea Fortress

Suomenlinna Sea Fortress
About

Suomenlinna Sea Fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on a cluster of islands just off Helsinki’s coast, renowned for its impressive 18th-century military architecture and rich, layered history. Built by Sweden starting in 1748 to defend against Russian expansion, the fortress—originally called Sveaborg—was later expanded by Russian forces after their takeover in 1808, and finally served Finland after independence in 1917. Today, Suomenlinna covers six islands with over 200 buildings and six kilometers of defensive walls, blending bastions, tunnels, dry docks, and historic barracks into the rugged landscape. Visitors can explore highlights such as the iconic King’s Gate, the Great Courtyard, old bunkers, and the last surviving Finnish submarine. The site features six museums, numerous cafés and restaurants, and scenic coastal trails perfect for picnics or sunbathing. Suomenlinna is accessible year-round by ferry from Helsinki’s Market Square, making it easy to experience its unique combination of history, architecture, and natural beauty.

Helsinki Finland
Location

Suomenlinna Sea Fortress is located on a group of eight islands, with six of them fortified, about 4 km southeast of Helsinki's city center. The fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing stunning bastion fortifications and a rich history dating back to the 18th century. You can explore the Suomenlinna Museum, Ehrensvärd Museum, and the submarine Vesikko, which are part of the fortress. The area also features various restaurants, cafes, and artisan workshops. To get there, take the water bus (number 94) from Market Square (Kauppatori) in Helsinki. Once on the island, you can enjoy guided walking tours, visit the craft shops, or simply take in the picturesque views ¹ ².

Ateneum Art Museum Ateneum Art Museum Helsinki Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art Helsinki National Museum of Finland National Museum of Finland Helsinki Designmuseo Designmuseo Helsinki Amos Rex Amos Rex Helsinki Helsinki Cathedral Helsinki Cathedral Helsinki Uspenski Cathedral Uspenski Cathedral Helsinki Temppeliaukio Church Temppeliaukio Church Helsinki Parliament House Helsinki Parliament House Helsinki Helsinki Finlandia Hall Finlandia Hall Helsinki Esplanadi Park Esplanadi Park Helsinki Kaivopuisto Park Kaivopuisto Park Helsinki Kaisaniemi Botanic Garden Kaisaniemi Botanic Garden Helsinki Sibelius Park Sibelius Park Helsinki Vanha Kauppahalli Vanha Kauppahalli Helsinki Kauppatori Kauppatori Helsinki Hietalahti Market Hall Hietalahti Market Hall Helsinki Löyly Löyly Helsinki Allas Sea Pool Allas Sea Pool Helsinki Kotiharjun Sauna Kotiharjun Sauna Helsinki Helsinki Music Centre Helsinki Music Centre Helsinki Finnish National Theatre Finnish National Theatre Helsinki Savoy Theatre Savoy Theatre Helsinki Seurasaari Open-Air Museum Seurasaari Open-Air Museum Helsinki Linnanmäki Amusement Park Linnanmäki Amusement Park Helsinki SkyWheel Helsinki SkyWheel Helsinki Helsinki Museum of Finnish Architecture Museum of Finnish Architecture Helsinki HAM Helsinki Art Museum HAM Helsinki Art Museum Helsinki Kunsthalle Helsinki Kunsthalle Helsinki Helsinki Helsinki City Museum Helsinki City Museum Helsinki Mannerheim Museum Mannerheim Museum Helsinki Suomenlinna Museums Suomenlinna Museums Helsinki Finnish Museum of Natural History Finnish Museum of Natural History Helsinki The Finnish Museum of Photography The Finnish Museum of Photography Helsinki Museum of Technology Museum of Technology Helsinki Galerie Forsblom Galerie Forsblom Helsinki Helsinki Contemporary Helsinki Contemporary Helsinki Galerie Anhava Galerie Anhava Helsinki Galleria Sinne Galleria Sinne Helsinki Ama Gallery Ama Gallery Helsinki Galleria Huuto Galleria Huuto Helsinki Forum Box Forum Box Helsinki Photographic Gallery Hippolyte Photographic Gallery Hippolyte Helsinki Helsinki Observatory Helsinki Observatory Helsinki Kaivopuiston tähtitorni Kaivopuiston tähtitorni Helsinki

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