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Suomenlinna Sea Fortress in Helsinki, Finland
by Andy / FarAndFurther-team
The Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, also known as Viapori or Sveaborg, was built in the 18th century, primarily as defense against Imperial Russia. It is the world's largest surviving sea fortress and as such has been given the status of an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. Today it no longer has any military significance, but is an interesting place for anyone interested in (military) history. Suomenlinna is also a very popular for spending the day sunbathing and swimming as well as setting up a picnic at a scenic spot.
You can reach Suomenlinna by ferry from the Central Marketplace of Helsinki. The ride lasts about 30 minutes and costs $3 (in 2009).
Ferry to Suomenlinna.
A view of Helsinki's Central Marketplace as seen from the Suomenlinna ferry.
On the way to Suomenlinna you see quite a few idyllic sights
like this red fisherman's cottage on a small island.
Suomenlinna seen from the sea.
One of the fortress islands of Suomenlinna.
The main land entrance to Suomenlinna.
There are many idyllic paths like this one for the visitor to explore.
Hang gliding over the Suomenlinna cliffs.
A big naval gun.
Kids playing on a big gun.
Suomenlinna has lots of fort tunnels for the visitor to explore.
A flashlight
is needed to venture into the darkest tunnels and chambers.
The King's Gate
Ship yard. Note the rails used to move boats to water.
Viking Line car ferry to Stockholm passing Suomenlinna.
A boat being repaired in dry dock.
Silja Line car ferry en route to Stockholm, Sweden in the narrow Kustaanmiekka strait.
The Finnish WWII submarine Vesikko. You can go inside and experience
the claustrophobic interior for a fee.
Pikku Mustasaari (The Little Black Island).
The Suomenlinna guest harbour.
Boat arriving at the guest harbour.
A typical view in Suomenlinna.
Nice day for swimming in the Baltic Sea.
One of the many romantic wooden buildings. There is a nice cafe inside this one.
There are also quite a few artisans' shops scattered around Suomenlinna.
Wooden motor boat with fortifications in the background.
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