Suomenlinna - A Sturdy Fortress on a Small Island

Suomenlinna, located off the coast of Helsinki, the capital of Finland, is one of the largest maritime fortresses in the world. Built in 1748 when Finland was still part of the Kingdom of Sweden, Suomenlinna consists of eight islands, over 200 buildings, and 6 kilometers of defensive walls. Its design was heavily influenced by the renowned military engineer Vauban and employs the principles of a star-shaped fortress. The fortress was constructed to defend against the expansion of the Russian Empire and has witnessed numerous wars and occupations throughout history, including its capture by Russia in 1808, after which it served as a Russian naval base for the next 110 years. After Finland gained independence in 1918, the fortress was renamed Suomenlinna. Today, Suomenlinna is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Finland's most popular tourist attractions. Visitors can explore various parts of the fortress, including the castle fortifications, tunnels, the 250-ton Vesikko submarine, the Ehrensvärd Museum, and the Toy and Doll Museum. The best time to visit is during the summer (June to August) when the weather is warm, making it ideal for outdoor activities and various summer events and performances. 📍Address: Suomenlinna, 00190 Helsinki, Finland You can reach Suomenlinna by taking the HSL ferry from Helsinki's Market Square, which takes about 15-20 minutes. 🕰️Opening Hours: Suomenlinna is open year-round. The main attractions are open from May 1 to September 30: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM October 1 to April 30: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. 💰Cost: Entry to Suomenlinna itself is free, but some museums and exhibitions require tickets. 🗓️Itinerary: In the morning, take the ferry from Helsinki's Market Square to Suomenlinna, visit the fortress and museums, and return to Helsinki in the afternoon to tour Helsinki Cathedral and Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral.