Background
Built in the second half of the 18th century by Sweden on a group of islands at the entrance of Helsinki's harbour, Suomenlinna is, in UNESCO's words, an especially interesting example of European military architecture of the time.
Construction began in 1748 under the Swedish crown as a defence against Russia, under Admiral Augustin Ehrensvärd, to a bastion plan influenced by Vauban's star forts but adapted to rocky islands. Eight islands make up Suomenlinna, six of them fortified, about 4 km south-east of the city centre; today it is as much a picnic spot for Helsinki residents as a monument.
- 1748Sweden begins the fortress of Sveaborg
- 18th c.Ehrensvärd lays out the bastions on six islands
- Finnish WarRussian forces besiege and take the fortress
- 1991Inscribed as World Heritage
Find Your Way Around
The main parts of the site, in the order most visitors see them
- 1The BastionsStar-fort walls and cannon on the rocky shores.
- 2King's GateThe ceremonial gate on the seaward side.
- 3The IslandsSix fortified islands linked by bridges, with cafés, museums and a beach.
- 4Market SquareThe ferry leaves from the Kauppatori, where the GoGo guide has salmon soup in the Old Market Hall.
Know Before You Go
From Wikivoyage and the GoGo guides
Harbour and Fortress
From the GoGo Helsinki guide · Open the Helsinki Guide ›
- 09:30Helsinki Cathedral45 minThe white cathedral on Senate Square.
- 10:00Suomenlinna Fortress3 hrsThe island fortress by ferry.
- 13:30Salmon Soup at the Old Market Hall45 minBack on the Market Square.
- 18:00Löyly Sauna and Sea Dip2 hrsPublic sauna by the sea.
Best Time to Visit
Best months: Jul–Aug. Freezing days in Nov–Mar.
Typical highs
Climate: NASA POWER
Pair It With
Other World Heritage sites nearby, by distance
