Located only 15 minutes away from Helsinki by ferry, Suomenlinna Sea Fortress was declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Sites in Finland back in the ’90s.
Originally built by the Swedish to protect the city against Russia, it has since become one of the most popular attractions loved by foreigners and locals alike.
The best way to truly appreciate it is by foot and there are many trails to choose from!
Let me take you on a tour of Suomenlinna Sea Fortress.
View of Helsinki from Ferry
Suomenlinna on the horizon
Approaching the island
Crossing over the bridge
Going back in time
If those walls have stood the test of time
What could be behind that door and what stories does it hold?
Administrative building
View from Länsi-Musta Island
All that walk and the sea air makes you hungry and thirsty. What better way to recharge batteries, satisfy your hunger and thirst than visiting one of the many restaurants or lovely coffee shops such as this one!
Colorful café
My guide for the day and great friend, Kaarina, was super nice to travel 2 hours from her hometown of Tampere (North of Helsinki) just to meet me. Isn’t that sweet? That’s real friendship and Finnish even better 🙂
We had tons to catch up with and refuel, so we had to have a nice cup of coffee and dessert. We opted for Café Vanille, a charming little place that was calling our names 🙂
Vintage coffee and chocolate cans as part of the decor
Dessert anyone? Delicious Finnish cakes (I had creamy carrot cake yum-o)
This sign is right next to the cake display. Couldn’t help but capture it! Do you agree? 😉
After spending some quality time, my internal clock was telling me it was time to head back to the hotel because I had traveled over 12 hours and it needed to rest (or shut down 😉
So we slowly made our way back to the ferry quay but stopped briefly at the visitor center which was on the way.
Suomenlinna Visitor Center and Museum
Pretty in pink, the façade of the visitor center
View of the sea
That was such a beautiful day trip and in great company! Trust me, it is definitely a must in any itinerary 🙂
No need to tell you that I was already smitten with Helsinki by then but that was just the beginning…only the tip of the iceberg.
There is more, so much more, so stay tuned 😉
How to get to Suomenlinna?
Helsinki Regional Transport Authority (HSL) operates ferries to and from Suomenlinna year round. It departs from Kauppatori or Market square and you can buy tickets from the vending machine or clerk. For more information you can check timetables and fares here.
Now over to you!
Have you been to an island where you went back in time?
If so where was it?
Tell me all about it in the comments and include links or photos!
Until next time,
K 🙂
Traveller Soul 
Beautiful photographs, and those Finnish cakes look devine!
Thank you so much!
Yes those cakes not only looked delish, they were 😉
The building you called “Administrive” is actually the biggest wood-heated sauna on this planet… 😉 Or at least that’s what the rumors tell! Hope you enjoyed Your stay, and please come again!
PS. Can I use that pic for the facebook-landmark of the sauna? It seems not to have a picture.
Oh wow, the biggest sauna? One could never guess from the outside!
The one thing i wish I had tried is the whole Finnish sauna experience. I was short on time but hope next time i get the chance!
My pic can be used as long as I get credit for it and refers back to my site where the original is found.
Tag me or let me know once it’s done! Kiitos 😉
Excellent report. I love.
Did You visit outside Helsinki, because there is the real Finland? For example winter is fantastic in Finland. Here are two examples from y blog:
World’s Biggest Snow Castle.
Arctic Circle in winter.
Happy and safe travel!
Kiitos!
I am happy you liked my report 🙂
I did not have enough time to explore the islands or go up north to my friend’s hometown of Tampere (which is 2 hours away right?) because I was there to work.
We had intensive days at the workshop and the only time i had to go sightseeing I got away to Suomenlinna Island and I walked around Helsinki!
What I loved the most is that we were there was the Midnight Sun!
I was having a drink with a fellow colleague on Esplanadi at 11 pm and it was still bright outside 🙂
Oh I would LOVE to go back and visit the two suggestions from your blog (very nice BTW).
My ultimate dream is to finally witness the Northern Lights which must be spectacular!
Going to the Artic Circle is definitely a bucket list item that I must check one day!
Thank you so much for your recommendations 🙂
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