# Suomenlinna

> The sea fortress of Suomenlinna lies about four kilometres south-east of Helsinki city centre, spread across several islands.

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/places/suomenlinna/

An 18th-century sea fortress spread over several islands off Helsinki, with ramparts, tunnels and cannon facing the Baltic. Take the public ferry from the Market Square, bring a picnic and wear walking shoes; cars are not needed on the islands.

The sea fortress of Suomenlinna lies about four kilometres south-east of Helsinki city centre, spread across several islands. Construction began in 1748 under Swedish rule, as Sveaborg, led by Admiral Augustin Ehrensvärd. UNESCO (World Heritage Site since 1991) regards it as an outstanding example of the bastion system of the 17th and 18th centuries. The fortress complex includes about 200 buildings and six kilometres of defensive walls. It was given the name Suomenlinna ("Fortress of Finland") in 1918; about 850 to 900 people live there today.

Ferries run all year, though not through the night. Visitors explore the islands on foot, and you do not need a vehicle. Allow at least half a day, for example for the walls, the cannons and the walking paths. It is busiest in the warmer months; for some peace, come as early in the day as you can.

- **Nearest town:** Helsinki, Finland
- **Category:** History & culture
- **GPS:** 60.1454, 24.9886
- **Editor's pick:** ★

## Good to know

**Best time to go:** The most pleasant months are usually June–August. Still fine, with some compromises, in September. Cold, short days in November–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

**Getting there:**

- **Finland: No motorway tolls for cars.** Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.

## Sources

- [Fortress of Suomenlinna (UNESCO World Heritage Centre)](https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/583)
- [Suomenlinna (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suomenlinna)

## Nearby

- [Temppeliaukio Church](https://camping-spirit.com/places/temppeliaukio-church/) – 5 km
- [Nuuksio National Park](https://camping-spirit.com/places/nuuksio-national-park/) – 33 km
- [Porvoo Old Town](https://camping-spirit.com/places/porvoo-old-town/) – 47 km
- [Fiskars Village](https://camping-spirit.com/places/fiskars-village/) – 79 km

## FAQs

### Where is Suomenlinna?

Suomenlinna is in Helsinki, Finland, at GPS 60.1454, 24.9886. It is about 46 km from Porvoo.

### Can you camp near Suomenlinna?

Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Pihjalajasaaren telttailualue, about 4 km away; within 25 km there are 7 campsites and motorhome stopovers.

### What is there to see near Suomenlinna?

Places worth a stop nearby: Temppeliaukio Church (5 km), Nuuksio National Park (33 km), Porvoo Old Town (47 km) and Fiskars Village (79 km).

### When is the best time to visit Suomenlinna?

The most pleasant months are usually June–August. Still fine, with some compromises, in September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)