Accessibility
Arranging accessible passage can be challenging at times in the World Heritage Site. Regular accessibility surveys are conducted in Suomenlinna, based on which the site’s accessibility information is maintained and updated.
Suomenlinna can be a challenging place to move around. The roads in the World Heritage Site are paved with either stone, gravel, or sand. Uneven cobbled sections cannot be completely avoided. There are elevation changes in Suomenlinna’s terrain, and some routes are hilly. There are also sections with difficult lateral slopes. Weather conditions affect the smoothness and slipperiness of the pathways, but the maintenance of the Blue Route and the easier route is prioritized.
More Accessible Suomenlinna
To ensure smooth movement within the fortress, regular accessibility surveys are conducted, and information on the accessibility of key sites is compiled and updated accordingly.
A slightly easier route runs parallel to the Blue Route, allowing those with mobility aids or strollers to avoid some of the difficult sections.
In addition to this webpage, up-to-date accessibility information based on weather conditions can be obtained upon arrival at the Suomenlinna Visitor Centre during service hours.
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From the ferry: The path from the ferry is a flat sand-covered route with a gentle incline up to the coastal path. The coastal path has a flat sand surface except for the cobblestone rainwater gutters at the edges. From the main pier, the route turns left towards the Suomenlinna Visitor Centre. Muuttumaton:
Easier route: The easier route starts from the main pier to the right when turning onto the coastal path. The coastal path changes from the corner of the Coastal Barracks to a short cobblestone section, which also has a smoother paved section. Walking on the smoother pavement is slightly easier with mobility aids.
From the coastal path to the main path: Turning left from the coastal path to the main path, there is an initial incline, but the path soon connects to the main path, which has a compact and easy-to-walk surface. At the small square near the Russian Merchant Quarter, the easier route turns right at the intersection and then passes by the Suomenlinna Church.
After the church: After the church, at the next intersection, the easier route turns right and goes through the arch on a light, flat stone pavement. After the tunnel, the route has a steep exit (16.1%).
Continuing the route: The route continues on a compact gravel surface and curves towards Artillery Bay, connecting to the main path of Suomenlinna at the intersection paved with smooth cobblestones. The cobblestones have the least lateral slope on the left side. It is advisable to move to the narrow compact sand path on the right side of the main path. The sand path is narrow, especially at the rainwater drain.
At the Suomenlinna Museum: At the entrance to the Suomenlinna Museum, it is easier to reach the museum via the smoother pavement through the cobblestone section.
During the summer of 2026, the bridge to Susisaari in Suomenlinna will be under repair and closed to traffic. During the repair work, a temporary replacement bridge will be in use, as shown on the map above.
The more accessible route to the replacement bridge leads from the main pier past the Suomenlinna Library to Artillery Bay, as described above. Upon arriving at the shoreline of Artillery Bay, turn right at the corner of the red brick buildings to reach the replacement bridge.
During the repair work, a temporary replacement bridge will be in use, as shown on the map above. The more accessible route to the replacement bridge leads from the main pier past the Suomenlinna Library to Artillery Bay, as described above. Upon arriving at the shoreline of Artillery Bay, turn right at the corner of the red brick buildings to reach the replacement bridge.
The temporary route leading to the replacement bridge has a compacted gravel surface, but the section leading up to the bridge is steep. There is no handrail on the bridge approach. For people using mobility aids independently or for those with reduced walking ability, the ramp may be difficult to ascend without handrails. The lack of handrails may limit independent use of the route, as users have no opportunity to support themselves during the ascent.
A dedicated lane approximately one metre wide has been provided on the replacement bridge for pedestrians and cyclists, and it is used in both directions. Motor vehicle traffic also uses the same bridge. Passing situations may occur, and the bridge can become congested due to its limited width. In such situations, it is advisable to stop at the edge of the pedestrian and cyclist lane nearest the bridge railing and wait for vehicles to pass. The bridge surface consists of level metal plates that are easy to traverse, including with mobility aids, but the surface may be slippery when wet.
After crossing the replacement bridge, on the Susisaari side, pedestrians and cyclists are directed by traffic signs to turn right onto a separate route intended for light traffic. The route has a compacted gravel surface but includes a steep downhill section. There is no handrail along this section. On the right-hand edge of the route there is a level difference, in front of which a barrier marked with high-visibility colours has been installed. Travelling along the centre of the path is recommended. Along the edge of a raised structure located on the heavy-traffic route, there is a vertical drop of approximately 13–25 cm. This may pose a safety risk, particularly for people with reduced balance, vision, or mobility.
The pedestrian and cyclist route joins a gravel-surfaced road that is also used by motor vehicles, including heavy traffic serving nearby construction sites. Turn right to reach the Guest Marina or Café Bar Valimo. To access other services and attractions, turn left.
Navigating the routes with poor vision can be challenging, and there are many places in the fortress area where there is a risk of falling. Moving through dimly lit tunnels is also difficult with poor vision.
The dimensions and equipment of the public toilets in Suomenlinna vary. The three public toilets listed below were surveyed for accessibility by Riesa Oy in November 2023, and the accessibility information below is based on that survey.
Jetty Barracks (Suomenlinna C1)
The public toilet located in connection with the Suomenlinna Visitor Centre, the ferry waiting area, Restaurant Suomenlinnan Panimo, and the HAA Gallery is available year-round during ferry operating hours.
Arrival: The main entrance is not at street level; accessible access is via a ramp next to the stairs. There is a rainwater gutter on the route to the ramp, and the platform in front of the ramp has a slight lateral slope. The ramp is made of non-slip material. The entrance door is heavy to use. The threshold of the entrance is 4.0 cm high.
Accessible toilet: The accessible toilet is located at the end of the ferry waiting area, directly from the entrance. The door of the accessible toilet is over 85 cm wide and has a horizontal handle. There is 75 cm of space on the left side of the toilet seat and over 80 cm of free space on the right side. The support rails are attached to the wall. There is enough free space in the room for a 1.5 m turning circle for mobility aids.