Suomenlinna Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

When I booked my flights out to Helsinki, one of the places I was most excited about visiting wasn’t actually in the city itself; it was 20 minutes away.  By boat.

Built during the Swedish era (1748-1808) as a maritime fortress and a base for the archipelago fleet, Suomenlinna (formerly known as ‘Sveaborg,’ or Viapori’ in Finnish) is Helsinki’s 18th century sea fortress.

Not only is Suomenlinna unusual in the shape of its construction but also in the fact that it has defended three different sovereign states since its initial construction.  During the Russo-Swedish war in 1808, the fortress fell to the Russians and remained under the rule of the Russian Imperial Government for 90 years.  Ownership then passed to the Finnish government in 1918 and it was at that point that its name was changed from ‘Viapori’ to ‘Suomenlinna’ – meaning ‘Castle of Finland’ – to reflect the country’s independence.

Nowadays it's one of the most popular tourist attractions in Finland and also one of the most popular day trips from Helsinki.

#history
When I booked my flights out to Helsinki, one of the places I was most excited about visiting wasn’t actually in the city itself; it was 20 minutes away.  By boat.

Built during the Swedish era (1748-1808) as a maritime fortress and a base for the archipelago fleet, Suomenlinna (formerly known as ‘Sveaborg,’ or Viapori’ in Finnish) is Helsinki’s 18th century sea fortress.

Not only is Suomenlinna unusual in the shape of its construction but also in the fact that it has defended three different sovereign states since its initial construction.  During the Russo-Swedish war in 1808, the fortress fell to the Russians and remained under the rule of the Russian Imperial Government for 90 years.  Ownership then passed to the Finnish government in 1918 and it was at that point that its name was changed from ‘Viapori’ to ‘Suomenlinna’ – meaning ‘Castle of Finland’ – to reflect the country’s independence.

Nowadays it's one of the most popular tourist attractions in Finland and also one of the most popular day trips from Helsinki.

#history
Located among a group of islands in the harbor near Helsinki, Suomenlinna Fortress was built as a base for the Archipelago Fleet. Construction began in 1748. #LifeatExpediaGroup
View from a cruise ship of the fort in the Suomenlinna island entering to Helsinki.
Suomenlinna, or the Fortress of Finland was so cool. We spent an entire day on this island. So much to do and see! #helsinki #finland #blue

Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Suomenlinna Hotel Deals

Marski by Scandic

Marski by Scandic

4 out of 5
Mannerheimintie 10 Helsinki
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$191 per night from 15 Feb to 16 Feb
AU$191
15 Feb - 16 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Helsinki. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,612 reviews)
Amazing

Reviewed on 22 Jan 2026

Marski by Scandic
Scandic Grand Central Helsinki

Scandic Grand Central Helsinki

Vilhonkatu 13 Helsinki
The price is AU$213 per night from 8 Feb to 9 Feb
AU$213
8 Feb - 9 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Helsinki. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a fitness centre and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,074 reviews)
Close to city ammenites, spotless, sauna in room, great breakfast. Excellent front desk!!

Reviewed on 26 Jan 2026

Scandic Grand Central Helsinki
Comfort Hotel Helsinki Airport

Comfort Hotel Helsinki Airport

3.5 out of 5
Taivastie 1 Vantaa Uusimaa
The price is AU$210 per night from 13 Feb to 14 Feb
AU$210
13 Feb - 14 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Vantaa. Enjoy free breakfast, parking (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Finnish Aviation Museum and Jumbo ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,243 reviews)
Great greakfast

Reviewed on 24 Jan 2026

Comfort Hotel Helsinki Airport
VALO Hotel & Work Helsinki

VALO Hotel & Work Helsinki

4 out of 5
Mannerheimintie 109 Helsinki
Stay at this hotel in Helsinki. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,842 reviews)
Smart and cosy room and yet comfy. Conveniently located between airport and the city centre.

Reviewed on 20 Dec 2025

VALO Hotel & Work Helsinki
Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Helsinki

Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Helsinki

4.5 out of 5
Mikonkatu 23 Helsinki
The price is AU$262 per night from 22 Feb to 23 Feb
AU$262
22 Feb - 23 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Helsinki. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,133 reviews)
Very nice room. Clean and spacious. Staff very friendly and helpful

Reviewed on 17 Jan 2026

Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Helsinki
Clarion Hotel Helsinki

Clarion Hotel Helsinki

4.5 out of 5
Tyynenmerenkatu 2 Helsinki Uusimaa
The price is AU$197 per night from 18 Feb to 19 Feb
AU$197
18 Feb - 19 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Helsinki. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,424 reviews)
Great staff, hotel was lovely and comfortable, good views, easy access to the city centre by foot or tram.

Reviewed on 11 Jan 2026

Clarion Hotel Helsinki
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Suomenlinna

EyeEm Custom Shoots Q4 2018

Ullanlinna

When in Ullanlinna and the surrounding area, you'll want to check out sights like South Harbour Olympia Terminal or Helsinki Olympia Terminal and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Kapteeninkatu Station or Neitsytpolku Station.

Ullanlinna
Katajanokka showing a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

Katajanokka

4.5/5(10 area reviews)

Known for its abundant dining options and waterfront views, there's plenty to explore in Katajanokka. Top attractions like Allas Sea Pool and Bicyclean Helsinki are major draws, and you can catch the metro at Vyokatu Tram Station or Mastokatu Station to see more of the city.

Katajanokka
Helsinki_Kaartinkaupunki_6361129_09

Kaartinkaupunki

5/5(14 area reviews)

Known for its ample dining options and captivating waterfront views, there's plenty to explore in Kaartinkaupunki. You can visit top attractions like Design Museum and Kauppatori Market Square, and jump on the metro at Kolmikulma Station or Etelaranta Station to see more of the city.

Kaartinkaupunki
Senate Square showing street scenes

Helsinki City Centre

Noted for its museums and live music, there's plenty to explore in Helsinki City Centre. Top attractions like Senate Square and Presidential Palace are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Vironkatu Station or Hallituskatu Station to see more of the city.

Helsinki City Centre
EyeEm Custom Shoots Q4 2018

Punavuori

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

Noted for its shopping and restaurants, there's plenty to explore in Punavuori. Top attractions like Sinebrychoff Art Museum and Museum of Foreign Art are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Iso Roobertinkatu Station or Viiskulma Station to see more of the city.

Punavuori
Helsinki Cathedral and the magnificent blue sky.

#finland #helsinki #cathedral

Kruununhaka

Noted for its coffee shops and shopping, there's plenty to explore in Kruununhaka. Top attractions like Senate Square and Military Museum of Finland are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Snellmaninkatu Station or Vironkatu Station to see more of the city.

Kruununhaka


Suomenlinna Travel Guide

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