Suomenlinna

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
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

Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Suomenlinna

Comfort Hotel Helsinki Airport

Comfort Hotel Helsinki Airport

3.5 out of 5
Taivastie 1 Vantaa Uusimaa
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P7,437 per night from Mar 13 to Mar 14
P7,437
P8,441 total
Mar 13 - Mar 14
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Vantaa. Enjoy free breakfast, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Finnish Aviation Museum and Jumbo ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,313 reviews)
Very clean room, super easy to get to and breakfast was excellent! Would definitely recommend for a quick trip or overnight layover

Reviewed on Feb 24, 2026

Comfort Hotel Helsinki Airport
Scandic Grand Central Helsinki

Scandic Grand Central Helsinki

Vilhonkatu 13 Helsinki
The price is P7,791 per night from Mar 22 to Mar 23
P7,791
P8,843 total
Mar 22 - Mar 23
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Helsinki. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (2,078 reviews)
Everything was first class and front desk staff were courteous, helpful and knowledgeable

Reviewed on Feb 21, 2026

Scandic Grand Central Helsinki
Marski by Scandic

Marski by Scandic

4 out of 5
Mannerheimintie 10 Helsinki
The price is P6,353 per night from Mar 22 to Mar 23
P6,353
P7,211 total
Mar 22 - Mar 23
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Helsinki. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,632 reviews)
Hotel was well equipped, staff were friendly and location was brilliant

Reviewed on Feb 25, 2026

Marski by Scandic
Clarion Hotel Helsinki

Clarion Hotel Helsinki

4.5 out of 5
Tyynenmerenkatu 2 Helsinki Uusimaa
The price is P7,903 per night from Mar 6 to Mar 7
P7,903
P8,970 total
Mar 6 - Mar 7
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Helsinki. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,427 reviews)
Amazing hotel, the deluxe corner room is huge and has 3 windows with dual aspect. Love the under floor heating in the bathroom.

Reviewed on Feb 21, 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 WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,877 reviews)
Warm and comfy room, good breakfast buffet, convenient transport links, efficient check in/out process.

Reviewed on Feb 25, 2026

VALO Hotel & Work Helsinki
Noli Katajanokka

Noli Katajanokka

3 out of 5
Kanavakatu 1 Helsinki
The price is P5,598 per night from Mar 1 to Mar 2
P5,598
P6,354 total
Mar 1 - Mar 2
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Helsinki. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,322 reviews)
The staff was accommodating. The room was very clean.The location was excellent with ferry rides near by and the K Market around the corner. This was a perfect choice for me!

Reviewed on Feb 23, 2026

Noli Katajanokka
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 the city at Kapteeninkatu Station or Neitsytpolku Station.

Ullanlinna
Katajanokka which includes a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

Katajanokka

Known for its ample dining options and captivating waterfront views, there's plenty to explore in Katajanokka. You can visit top attractions like Helsinki Sky Wheel and Allas Sea Pool, and jump on the metro at Vyokatu Tram Station or Mastokatu Station to see more of the city.

Katajanokka
Helsinki_Kaartinkaupunki_6361129_09

Kaartinkaupunki

Known for its abundant dining options and waterfront views, there's plenty to explore in Kaartinkaupunki. Top attractions like Design Museum and Kauppatori Market Square are major draws, and you can catch 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

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 coffeehouses 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