Suomenlinna, Finland

Suomenlinna

A UNESCO sea fortress spread over islands, 15 minutes by ferry from Helsinki.

  • May–Sep
  • 1 night
Explore on the map
Nearby hidden places
HelsinkiFinland · CityHelsinki3.9 kmTallinnEstonia · CityTallinn80 kmPärnuEstonia · Hidden townPärnu198 kmTartuEstonia · CityTartu220 kmCēsisLatvia · Hidden townCēsis315 kmGauja National Park (Sigulda)Latvia · Nature spotGauja National Park (Sigulda)333 kmRigaLatvia · CityRiga359 kmĶemeri Bog BoardwalkLatvia · Nature spotĶemeri Bog Boardwalk364 km

Things to do

2 days in Suomenlinna

Day 1

  1. MorningTake the ferry from the Market Square and walk the main trail.
  2. AfternoonVisit the Suomenlinna Museum and the submarine Vesikko.
  3. EveningWatch the ships pass from the island's southern rocks.

Day 2

Spend the next day in Helsinki.

What to eat

A picnic or a meal at the island's brewery.

Local tips

Make the most of Suomenlinna

Beat the crowds

Busiest on summer afternoons. Late afternoon and evening are calm.

Best photo spot

The old walls and cannons facing the open sea, and the dry dock with wooden boats.

Getting there

Ferries run all year from Helsinki's Market Square, about 15 minutes.

Don't miss nearby

Helsinki's market hall and the Esplanadi park when you get back.

Good to know

The ferry uses normal Helsinki public transport tickets. People live on the island all year, so respect private areas.

Secret spots

3 secret spots near Suomenlinna

Our most hidden places around Suomenlinna: fewer people, same wow. Unlock them with a route in Google Maps and a PDF guide of Suomenlinna to take with you.

32 km away
80 km away
46 km away
Unlock the secret spots · €2.99+ VAT · one payment, valid for a year

Plan your visit

Getting to Suomenlinna

Getting there

  • Helsinki Vantaa Airport (HEL)19 km away
  • Tallinn Airport (TLL)80 km away
  • Helsinki4 km away
  • Tallinn80 km away

Reachable by car or public transport; a car gives you more freedom to explore the area. Distances are in a straight line.

At a glance

Best timeMay–Sep
TypeHidden town
Good forOld towns & architecture, Coast
Getting thereCar or public transport
Stay1 night
CountryFinland

Questions

Suomenlinna: good to know

Is Suomenlinna worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you like historic old towns and the coast. A UNESCO sea fortress spread over islands, 15 minutes by ferry from Helsinki.

How many days do you need in Suomenlinna?

Plan 1 night. Our free 2-day plan above shows how to spend your time.

When is the best time to visit Suomenlinna?

The best time to visit is May to Sep. Busiest on summer afternoons. Late afternoon and evening are calm.

How do you get to Suomenlinna?

The nearest airport is Helsinki Vantaa Airport (HEL), about 19 km away. Ferries run all year from Helsinki's Market Square, about 15 minutes.

What is there to see near Suomenlinna?

Nearby hidden places include Helsinki (3.9 km), Tallinn (80 km) and Pärnu (198 km).

More hidden places in Finland (4)