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Suomenlinna

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Suomenlinna, Sea fortress on islands near Helsinki, Finland.

Description

Six interconnected islands form a network of stone fortifications, bastions, and defensive walls that extend for several kilometers along the coastline facing the open sea.

History

Sweden commissioned the fortifications in 1748 under architect Augustin Ehrensvärd to defend its eastern territories. Russia captured the stronghold in 1808 during the Finnish War and held it until Finland gained independence in 1917.

Culture

Several museums operate within the fortifications, presenting Finnish military history, maritime traditions, and domestic life through permanent collections and rotating exhibitions.

Practical

Year round ferry service connects the Market Square dock to the islands with departures every 20 to 40 minutes. Visitors can explore freely, as most areas remain accessible without admission fees or guided tours.

Did you know?

Around 850 people live year round within the fortification boundaries, running a school, library, shops, and churches that serve both residents and the thousands of daily visitors during summer months.

Location
Inception
1748
GPS coordinates
60.14361,24.98444
Latest update
December 12, 2025 18:06

AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Helsinki).

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« Suomenlinna - Sea fortress on islands near Helsinki, Finland » is provided by Around Us (aroundus.com). Images and texts are derived from Wikimedia project under a Creative Commons license. You are allowed to copy, distribute, and modify copies of this page, under the conditions set by the license, as long as this note is clearly visible.

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