Suomenlinna
Suomenlinna: the back story
Neighbourhood guide
About Suomenlinna: the back story
Suomenlinna, built by Sweden in the second half of the 18th century on islands at the harbour mouth and listed by UNESCO in 1991, is a short HSL ferry ride from the Market Square. Lonna and Vallisaari lie close by.
The fortress
Walk from the ferry quay across the bridges to the church, the museums and the King’s Gate.
Neighbours
Lonna has a seasonal sauna and restaurant; Vallisaari is wilder, with nature trails.
Take an early ferry and walk to the southern ramparts.
Our advice: bring a picnic and stay until the evening light.
Why it's on our list
- The fortress
- Lonna and Vallisaari
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Suomenlinna: the back story before you go.
What’s nearby
Distances from Suomenlinna: the back story are approximate, measured in a straight line (as the crow flies). Times are approximate too: walking at about 80 metres a minute, cycling at about 15 km/h and driving at typical city-traffic speeds. Traffic and routes vary.
Key sights
- Uspenski Cathedral3.0 kmWalk 38 minCycle 12 minCar or taxi 12 min
- Market Square3.1 kmWalk 39 minCycle 12 minCar or taxi 12 min
- Löyly3.2 kmWalk 40 minCycle 13 minCar or taxi 13 min
- Esplanadi Park3.3 kmWalk 41 minCycle 13 minCar or taxi 13 min
- Helsinki Cathedral3.4 kmWalk 43 minCycle 14 minCar or taxi 13 min
- Ateneum3.7 kmCycle 15 minCar or taxi 14 min
- Amos Rex4.0 kmCycle 16 minCar or taxi 15 min
- Oodi4.2 kmCycle 17 minCar or taxi 15 min
- Temppeliaukio Church4.6 kmCycle 18 minCar or taxi 16 min
- Helsinki Airport20 kmCar or taxi 58 min
Main railway stations
- Helsinki Central3.9 kmCycle 16 minCar or taxi 15 min
- Pasila6.7 kmCycle 27 minCar or taxi 22 min