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Maritime Helsinki: guided tour in Suomenlinna (in Finnish)

On this walking tour of the fortress area, you will learn about the fascinating history and present-day of the fortress.

Suomenlinna

Photographer: Ehrensvärd-seura

Source: helsinki

Time:

–

Address:

Suomenlinna Museum
Suomenlinna C 74
00190 Helsinki

Maximum number of participants:

 35

On this walking tour of the fortress area, you will learn about the fascinating history and present-day of the fortress. 

The tour will introduce you to major attractions, such as the large castle courtyard and a dry dock that was once the largest in the world. The guided tour also includes free entry to the Ehrensvärd Museum.

In 1748, work began off the coast of Helsinki, marking the beginning of the history of Suomenlinna. The bastion fortification, built across six islands, served as a base for the Swedish Archipelago Fleet, and a dry dock was also constructed to meet its needs. By the end of Swedish rule, the early construction site had evolved into one of the largest settlement areas in Finland of that time.

The Russian era of the fortress began during the Finnish War with the fort’s surrender in 1808, which puzzled many at the time. The Russian period lasted 110 years, leaving behind a legacy that included numerous barracks buildings and the fortifications built on the southwestern side of the fortress islands.

The Finnish era of the fortress began in 1918, under the dark shadow of the Finnish Civil War. Over time, the fortress islands became a vibrant garrison community and a unique cultural heritage site, attracting over a million visitors every year.

 

Starting point: Suomenlinna Museum

2 June – 31 August 2025

Daily from 12:00 to 13:00 (except during Midsummer, 20–22 June)

Tickets €5–15, the tour is in Finnish

Enquiries: guidebooking@suomenlinnatours.com or in urgent matters +358 (0)9 6899 9850

The tour starts at Suomenlinna’s visitor centre.

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