Controlled burning is one of the landscape maintenance methods used in Suomenlinna
Controlled burning will be carried out on the rampart areas of Suomenlinna in April 2026 during weeks 15–16. Planned and supervised burning is part of the landscape maintenance of the World Heritage Site.
In Suomenlinna, traditional methods are used in the maintenance of the cultural landscape. A cultural landscape refers to an environment where human influence is visible in one way or another, or where human impact is the dominant feature.
The Governing Body of Suomenlinna has carried out controlled burning in the area for many years. Burning is not conducted annually; instead, it is done thoughtfully, in a controlled manner, and in varying areas before the growing season and bird nesting begins. Work will not be undertaken if a grass fire warning is in force or if wind direction or speed is unfavourable.
Controlled burning promotes vegetation renewal, increases biodiversity and helps manage overgrown landscape areas. Fire releases nutrients into the soil, reduces old surface biomass and creates conditions that support the natural species of meadows and traditional biotopes. In Suomenlinna, burning helps maintain the cultural heritage landscape that forms part of the fortress’s World Heritage values.
Controlled burning on the rampart zones of Suomenlinna, April 7th–9th and 14th–15th 2026
The burning works will not affect service opening hours in Suomenlinna or restrict visits to the fortress.
If you plan to visit Suomenlinna during the burning period in weeks 15–16, or in the weeks following it, please take a moment to familiarise yourself with how the burning may appear on the site.
- Before the burning:
The Governing Body of Suomenlinna has carefully planned the work. The area is checked for nests, and any litter not belonging to the landscape is removed beforehand. The sections to be burned are marked and delimited in the terrain. Appropriate equipment and extinguishing tools are prepared for use. The burning has been reported in advance to the rescue services and the emergency centre. - During the burning:
Movement by outsiders in the area is guided during the work, and the progress of the burning is continuously monitored. Only reed and loose litter will be burned – not woody vegetation – which keeps the fire load and fine particle emissions low. Smoke from the burning may nevertheless be visible across the sea area and even on the mainland, and the smell of smoke may carry to nearby districts.
Please avoid moving near the burning area to ensure the safe and smooth execution of the work. - After the burning:
The burned area will be monitored even after the fire has been extinguished. The traces of burning may remain visible in the landscape until new growth begins.
Please note that moving on the burned area may slow its recovery and damage delicate new vegetation. We therefore encourage you to use the official routes, such as the Blue Route, when visiting Suomenlinna.
Thank you for supporting the successful management of the cultural landscape by observing these guidelines.
Safety and the use of fire in Suomenlinna
Please note that making open fires, grilling and using camping stoves is strictly prohibited throughout the Suomenlinna area at all times of the year, according to the landowner’s administrative decision. As an exception to this rule, residents of Suomenlinna may grill in their private yard areas and rented patios in the designated grilling spots.
The Governing Body of Suomenlinna may carry out controlled burning and small-scale supervised fires as part of the landscape management of the site.
