Enjoy Suomenlinna with Care

Suomenlinna is a treasured UNESCO World Heritage Site – a place of history, nature and everyday life. By exploring with care, you help preserve its unique charm for generations to come.

Choose the Blue Route

In Suomenlinna, the fortress structures, walls and ramparts stretch for kilometers and are mostly unfenced. Some are easily recognizable in the landscape, while others blend so seamlessly into nature that you might not realize they are man-made.

The recommended routes are marked on the Suomenlinna map brochure, outdoor maps and digital guide. By following these, you help protect the sensitive, legally protected historical structures and the globally recognized military architecture. Staying on the paths also helps avoid trampling endangered species or habitats found on the islands.

The Blue Route is the top choice for responsible visitors. It leads you to the main sights and local services while keeping you away from residents’ yards, restricted work or authority areas and places with fall hazards. It’s marked with a blue line on official maps and blue signposts. The Blue Route is prioritized for maintenance, even in challenging weather. Still, be cautious in slippery conditions.

Supervise Children at All Times

Do not let children roam freely or climb on walls — fall hazards can be hidden. In summer, vegetation, and in winter, snow, can obscure steep edges.

Slow Down

Suomenlinna is being developed as a car-free zone. Motor vehicles are limited to maintenance use, and parking is scarce. This means no traffic noise or flashing lights.

Cycling is allowed on main routes but not on ramparts, even on marked paths. The same applies to electric scooters. The speed limit throughout the fortress is 20 km/h.

No barbeques, Open Fire or Camping Stoves

Suomenlinna is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and as such is highly protected. Open fires, including disposable grills and camping stoves, are prohibited year-round by the landowner’s decision. This is due to risk assessments and the challenging island conditions. There are no safe designated areas for grilling. Residents may grill in their private yards or residential community spaces.

Luckily, there are many cozy restaurants in historic buildings where you can enjoy local food and island atmosphere.

Dispose of Waste Properly and Recycle

In case you are bringing your own snacks, there are many trash bins and recycling points where you can sort the waste. Recycling stations are near the Jetty Barracks, in front of the Suomenlinna Museum, and near the beach at Kustaanmiekka. You can sort bio-waste, paper, cardboard, glass, small metal, and plastic packaging.

Check the digital guide for locations

Let These Areas Rest

Southern Kustaanmiekka: Restoration work has been done. Vegetation needs time to recover. Walking off the paths, especially on powder magazines, causes erosion and danger.

Pikku Mustasaari and Länsi-Musta: These are residential and authority areas. The bridge is under repair, and erosion control is ongoing. The route passes through private yards and sensitive nature areas.

Leave the Fortress as You Found it

Suomenlinna is protected by the Antiquities Act and the Act on the Protection of the Built Heritage. Therefor digging and damaging buildings, fortifications or cannons is prohibited.

Many rare and protected plants grow in Suomenlinna. Take photos instead of picking flowers. Buy souvenirs from local shops instead of collecting from nature. Do not attach anything to trees.

Pets must be leashed and kept away from playgrounds and beaches. Owners must clean up after them. Do not disturb birds, nests, or wildlife.

Respect Residents’ Privacy

About 800 people live in Suomenlinna. Residential areas are marked with signs. Quiet hours are from 10 PM to 7 AM.

Maritime Tips

In case you end up walking near the shoreline of the Suomenlinna islands, watch for strong currents caused by large ships, especially in Kustaanmiekka bay. Water can rise quickly and unexpectedly.

The official beach is between Kustaanmiekka and Susisaari. Check signs for safety and blue-green algae warnings.

You can arrive by private boat and dock at the guest harbor. Other piers are for public transport, the Defence Forces, Border Guard or residents. Mooring elsewhere is not allowed due to waves. Speed limit is 10 km/h and wave formation is prohibited.

Also remember

Suomenlinna is a unique district with stricter rules. Mobile sales and advertising are prohibited.