Suomenlinna Travel Guide

Helsinki

When I booked my flights out to Helsinki, one of the places I was most excited about visiting wasn’t actually in the city itself; it was 20 minutes away.  By boat.

Built during the Swedish era (1748-1808) as a maritime fortress and a base for the archipelago fleet, Suomenlinna (formerly known as ‘Sveaborg,’ or Viapori’ in Finnish) is Helsinki’s 18th century sea fortress.

Not only is Suomenlinna unusual in the shape of its construction but also in the fact that it has defended three different sovereign states since its initial construction.  During the Russo-Swedish war in 1808, the fortress fell to the Russians and remained under the rule of the Russian Imperial Government for 90 years.  Ownership then passed to the Finnish government in 1918 and it was at that point that its name was changed from ‘Viapori’ to ‘Suomenlinna’ – meaning ‘Castle of Finland’ – to reflect the country’s independence.

Nowadays it's one of the most popular tourist attractions in Finland and also one of the most popular day trips from Helsinki.

#history
Located among a group of islands in the harbor near Helsinki, Suomenlinna Fortress was built as a base for the Archipelago Fleet. Construction began in 1748. #LifeatExpediaGroup
View from a cruise ship of the fort in the Suomenlinna island entering to Helsinki.
Suomenlinna, or the Fortress of Finland was so cool. We spent an entire day on this island. So much to do and see! #helsinki #finland #blue
Built in 1748. A must see if in Helsinki!

Popular places to visit


Top hotels in Suomenlinna

Comfort Hotel Helsinki Airport

Comfort Hotel Helsinki Airport

3.5 out of 5
Taivastie 1 Vantaa Uusimaa
The price is ₹9,490 per night from 3 Apr to 4 Apr
₹9,490
₹10,772 total
3 Apr - 4 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Vantaa. Enjoy free breakfast, parking (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Finnish Aviation Museum and Jumbo Shopping ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,367 reviews)
Good location in the airport.

Reviewed on 17 Mar 2026

Comfort Hotel Helsinki Airport
Scandic Grand Central Helsinki

Scandic Grand Central Helsinki

Vilhonkatu 13 Helsinki
The price is ₹9,113 per night from 5 Apr to 6 Apr
₹9,113
₹10,343 total
5 Apr - 6 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Helsinki. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a fitness centre and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (2,104 reviews)
Lovely hotel, great location, large rooms and staff were very good. Would return

Reviewed on 17 Mar 2026

Scandic Grand Central Helsinki
Clarion Hotel Helsinki

Clarion Hotel Helsinki

4.5 out of 5
Tyynenmerenkatu 2 Helsinki Uusimaa
The price is ₹10,232 per night from 3 Apr to 4 Apr
₹10,232
₹11,613 total
3 Apr - 4 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Helsinki. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 3 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,422 reviews)
Lovely space, great location to catch ferry.

Reviewed on 1 Mar 2026

Clarion Hotel Helsinki
VALO Hotel & Work Helsinki

VALO Hotel & Work Helsinki

4 out of 5
Mannerheimintie 109 Helsinki
Stay at this hotel in Helsinki. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,885 reviews)
was a bit disappointed. Good WiFi. Small room. Got overcharged multiple times by the staff at the bar. Ordered the same thing and it was charged multiple dollars higher everytime. $12 for a shot of vodka is legit robbery ! Next day. I got a drink at the bar around 1:45pm as well as two other people ...

Reviewed on 18 Mar 2026

VALO Hotel & Work Helsinki
Clarion Hotel Helsinki Airport

Clarion Hotel Helsinki Airport

4 out of 5
Taivastie 3 Vantaa Vantaa
The price is ₹12,312 per night from 21 Mar to 22 Mar
₹12,312
₹13,975 total
21 Mar - 22 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Vantaa. Enjoy free breakfast, a sauna and on-site spa services. Popular attractions Finnish Aviation Museum and Jumbo Shopping Center are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,151 reviews)
Perfect location. Wonderful breakfast.

Reviewed on 17 Mar 2026

Clarion Hotel Helsinki Airport
Scandic Grand Marina

Scandic Grand Marina

4 out of 5
Katajanokanlaituri 7 Helsinki
The price is ₹6,518 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
₹6,518
₹7,398 total
1 Apr - 2 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Helsinki. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,211 reviews)
Room was basic and had a fridge but no kettle or tea/coffee supplies in room

Reviewed on 27 Feb 2026

Scandic Grand Marina
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Suomenlinna

EyeEm Custom Shoots Q4 2018

Ullanlinna

When in Ullanlinna and the surrounding area, you'll want to check out sights like South Harbour Olympia Terminal or Helsinki Olympia Terminal and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Kapteeninkatu Station or Neitsytpolku Station.

Ullanlinna
Katajanokka which includes heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

Katajanokka

4.5/5(39 area reviews)

Known for its abundant dining options and waterfront views, there's plenty to explore in Katajanokka. Top attractions like Helsinki Sky Wheel and Allas Sea Pool are major draws, and you can catch the metro at Vyokatu Tram Station or Mastokatu Station to see more of the city.

Katajanokka
Helsinki_Kaartinkaupunki_6361129_09

Kaartinkaupunki

4.5/5(27 area reviews)

Known for its ample dining options and captivating waterfront views, there's plenty to explore in Kaartinkaupunki. You can visit top attractions like Design Museum and Kauppatori Market Square, and jump on the metro at Kolmikulma Station or Etelaranta Station to see more of the city.

Kaartinkaupunki
Senate Square showing street scenes

Helsinki City Centre

Noted for its museums and live music, there's plenty to explore in Helsinki City Centre. Top attractions like Senate Square and Presidential Palace are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Vironkatu Station or Hallituskatu Station to see more of the city.

Helsinki City Centre
EyeEm Custom Shoots Q4 2018

Punavuori

4.5/5(20 area reviews)

Noted for its shopping and restaurants, there's plenty to explore in Punavuori. Top attractions like Sinebrychoff Art Museum and Museum of Foreign Art are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Iso Roobertinkatu Station or Viiskulma Station to see more of the city.

Punavuori
Helsinki Cathedral and the magnificent blue sky.

#finland #helsinki #cathedral

Kruununhaka

Noted for its coffee shops and shopping, there's plenty to explore in Kruununhaka. Top attractions like Senate Square and Military Museum of Finland are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Snellmaninkatu Station or Vironkatu Station to see more of the city.

Kruununhaka


Suomenlinna Travel Guide