Military Museum of Finland

The Military Museum of Finland sits within Bastion Carpelan, a fortified structure on the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, and displays weapons, uniforms, medals, and military equipment collected over generations. The exhibition spaces contain objects spanning from the 1800s to recent times, giving visitors a broad view of how Finnish military forces evolved.

The institution started in 1929 and opened publicly in 1930 on Liisankatu Street, later moving to the island location of Suomenlinna under orders from the Defence Ministry. The relocation made the fortress itself part of the museum experience.

The bastion takes its name from a 19th century Finnish general, and the exhibitions show how the nation has preserved its military past through objects and stories. You can see uniforms and personal items that reveal what daily life was like for soldiers across different eras.

The museum sits on an island and is reached by ferry, adding a waterfront journey to your visit. Plan enough time to explore both the indoor galleries and the outdoor areas where you can also visit the submarine vessel.

The museum contains the submarine Vesikko from 1933, which actively served during World War II and became a permanent display in 1973. You can actually board the vessel and walk through the cramped quarters where the crew once lived and worked.