Suomenlinna: a blend of nature and history!
Suomenlinna is a great island to visit if you’re in Helsinki, whether you are a tourist or a local! The scenery changes so much with the seasons that it is a memorable experience each time. Each trip there has been personally significant to me: The first trip after I moved to Helsinki in August 2017, my aunt’s visit in March 2018 the ice on the water was starting to breaking apart, and when a failed summer job interview last year turned into a spontaneous trip to the island with a stranger who failed the same interview.
My most recent trip was with my parents and I’ll probably remember this one for a long time too. Although there wasn’t much green yet (Finnish spring starts so late) the sea was sparkling in the sun!
First a bit about Suomenlinna itself:
Suomenlinna used to be a sea fortress dating from the 18th century when Finland was under Swedish rule. It was originally called Sveaborg in Swedish but changed to Suomenlinna once Finland became independent. It was used as a fortress/base until WWI and it’s now preserved as a UNESCO world heritage site.
⛴ How to get there!
Suomenlinna is luckily part of Helsinki so it is easily accessible by public transport, in this case a ferry. The fare is the same as traveling within Helsinki! It takes about 20 minutes on the ferry and you can easily check the time table online or just wait around at the nearby market until it’s time!
The ferry departs from the East side of the market square: Eteläranta, 00170 Helsinki. If the weather is nice sit on the top of the boat for the best views!
🥾After you arrive!
There is a really convenient tourist information center with maps, bathrooms, and a small locker where you can even charge your phone. My recommendation is just to wander around the island at your own pace and enjoy the scenery.
There is a small church you can also visit!
Be sure to walk by the sea! The views are spectacular and if you’re lucky you’ll see some swans.
☕Cafe/food
Finally, after walking around I recommend stopping for a nice coffee on the island. My recommendation is Cafe Piper: Suomenlinna C 40, 00190 Helsinki, however only open during the summer. There is also one grocery store where you can grab food like sandwiches and have a picnic!
With my parents I went to a Cafe Silo since Cafe Piper was closed:
Cafe Silo
Suomenlinna C, 10, 00190 Helsinki
This is a cafe that is open year round with an extremely relaxing interior. The coffee and food is fantastic and my personal favorite is to get the berry cake with an ice cream on top! I’ve been to some of the other cafes and they are usually overly crowded, touristy, and the food is not as good. If Cafe Piper is closed or too crowded, I would suggest this one!
Suomenlinna is not to be missed if you visit Helsinki! Even as a local, it’s an easy getaway from the bustle of the city. Have you visited Suomenlinna? What did you think?
If you’re in Finland and need some suggestions on where to go check out my other posts Helsinki’s Oodi Library: A virtual tour and Cloudy Day Trip in Charming Porvoo
Until next time!!
