On All Saints’ Day, November 4th, Suomenlinna Sea Fortress can be seen in a new light.
Kekri is an ancient Finnish celebration at the end of the harvest season and the cycle of the year. Kekri is celebrated with plenty of food and drink, honoring the ancestors and giving thanks for the harvest and the past year. In Viaporin kekri, old traditions meet a local event suitable for this time. Viaporin kekri is an event full of light and local Suomenlinna art, culture and flavors.
Viaporin kekri has been celebrated since 2015. The event has changed every year and brave new ideas have been applied to celebrate the season. Respecting the values of the UNESCO World Heritage site, Viaporin kekri creates new meanings for centuries-old beliefs and customs and gives its visitors a unique opportunity to get to know and experience Suomenlinna from a new perspective. Visitors can also see the most exciting corners of the fortress, which are usually closed to the public.
Viaporin kekri is created in cooperation with Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciencen bachelor students of hospitality services and local entrepreneurs, community and artists. The organizer of the event is the Governing Body of Suomenlinna.
Please find the event map scrolling down the program or by clicking this link.
These highlights are available throughout the event from 2 pm until 10 pm.
Valon reitti – The Route of Light from the main pier to the Great Courtyard
The best aspects of Suomenlinna Sea Fortress are illuminated during Viaporin kekri. The Route of Light will lead you to event venues and to art and delicacies. The light path is produced by CT-group. Valon reitti – The Route of Light is marked on the map with an orange line FREE OF CHARGE
Path of Butterflies in Susisaari CANCELLED
From the Great Courtyard, the Path of Light Butterflies begins. How many butterflies will you find along the way? The Path of Butterflies is produced by Flowers of Life. Map number 60. FREE OF CHARGE
Luminous Kekri Buck in Levyhalli
This year the Kekri Buck, the symbol of Kekri from previous years, will appear as a piece of light art and will shine throughout the event at Levyhalli! You can climb on the bucks back and whisper your new year resolutions and dreams into its ear. Mia Piiroinen brings the buck to the scene. With her, you can also prepare for the new year, which in the old days just started with a kekri. Map number 21. FREE OF CHARGE
Local music at Levyhalli
In addition to the Kekri buck, the Levyhalli’s program has a great selection of Suomenlinna music from afternoon to late evening! Map number 21. FREE OF CHARGE
Beer Fest in Tenalji von Fersen
Taste small-brewery beers and listen to the Friction band with a three-set concert. The main organizer of Beer Fest is the Suomenlinnan Panimo brewery. Map number 22.
The best Kekri tips from the visitor centre
Welcome to the Suomenlinna visitor centre right next to the main pier! During the day of the event, you can get the most up-to-date information about the event and Suomenlinna as a whole from the visitor centre! Map number 2. FREE OF CHARGE
Enjoy the flavours of Suomenlinna in Viaporin kekri
Viaporin Deli & Café from 11 until 6 PM
Viaporin Deli & Cafe is serving warm drinks and autumn treats. You are welcome to stop by to enjoy the Suomenlinna atmosphere right by the main pier! Map number 7.
Restaurant Ravintola Bastion Bistro from 11 AM until 8 PM
In addition to à la carte Bastion Bistro is offering a Viaporin kekri menu. Map number 6.
Cafe Silo from 12 noon until 9 PM
Salty and sweet bakings served in a cosy cafe near the main pier. Map number 49.
Restaurant Ravintola Suomenlinnan Panimo from 12 noon until 9 PM
Brewery restaurant Ravintola Suomenlinnan Panimo is serving three course menu design for kekri and a wines to go with it. Map number 2.
Restaurant Valimo from 12 noon until 8 PM
Summertime restaurant Valimo pop-ups open for Viaporin kekri by the dry dock of Suomenlinna. Map number 20.
Fried vendace and warm drinks at Restaurant Adlerfelt garden, DJ is playing at Adler Wine House from 2 PM until 8 PM
You are welcome to feel the wibe of Viaporin kekri with your whole family! Have a feast by choosing the harvesting menu of the restaurant or enjoy warm drinks and tasty fried vendace in the Adlerfelt garden that’s been lit beautifully. You can book your seat to the restaurant from 12 noon until 7 PM online www.adlerfelt.fi. Warm drinks and fried vendace are served in the garden terrace between 2 – 8 PM. DJ Double Denim is playing tunes to match the Viapori kekri mood in Adler Wine House from 4 PM until 8 PM. Welcome to celebrate and greet the darkness! Map number 27.
Café Vanillen Pop up ghost cafe at Paarlastihuone Barlast room from 2 PM until 8 PM
Ghost cafe is serving alcohol free warm drinks, sweet and savoury pastries in the atmospherically lit Paarlastihuone Barlast room. Map number 13.
Brewery tours of Suomenlinna Brewery at 1 and 2 PM
Get familiar with the Suomenlinnan Panimo brewery and the history of beer in Suomenlinna. In Viaporin kekri there are two tours free of charge on Saturday the 4th at 1 and 2 PM at Suomenlinnan Panimo Brewery. Tour takes about 45 minutes. Both tours can take upto 15 people who sign in first. FULLY BOOKED Booking online in advance FULLY BOOKED
Outdoor grill by the Suomenlinna Museum
Viaporin kekri in Suomenlinna museums
Suomenlinna Museum open from 10.30 AM until 8 PM
Suomenlinna Museum is introducing the 260 years of history of the fortress. Did you know what kekripukki, kekri buck, is? Inthe old days kekri buck was someone wearing an old, furry winter coat inside out with a crown made of spoons and a mask made of birch bark on ones face. In Viaporin kekri you can see the spooky kekri buck in Suomenlinna Museum and take a photo with the buck. Map number 18.
Free entry to the Military Museum with a lot of kekri program from 11 AM until 8 PM
The Military Museum is free of charge during Viaporin kekri and you can participate in the program. You can try to solve the mystery of Oiva the cat, discover what is in the mystery boxes and hear stories of paranormal encounterings during the war times during the guided tours in Finnish. Map number 16. FREE OF CHARGE
Custom Museum from 2 PM until 7 PM
Custom Museum is free of charge and something weird might happen there during Viaporin kekri. The guides of the exhibitions are spirits from the past that have taken over the building. Can you find the secret messages from the museum? Map number 28. FREE OF CHARGE
Insights and experiences from 3 pm
Light art: Flames of Bastion at Bastion Höpken from 3 to 8 p.m
Bastion Höpken at the gate of the Great Courtyard turns into a stage for creative and innovative light art, when Haaga-Helia bachelor students together with the multi-awarded Hospitality industry professional Pasi Tuominen bring the tunnels to life! Map number 58. FREE OF CHARGE
Well-being event in Myllysali from 2 pm to 6 pm
A well-being event organized by local operators. Welcome the darkness by pampering and relaxing yourself at this event. Start the kekri by re-setting your body and mind with soothing excercise and yoga with the tunes of singing bowls. Event is organised by Samuli Kosminen, Hanna-Mari Kuikka and Ona Kamu. Map number 23. Tickets 18€ for guided mobility exercise and 39€ for the yoga and sound bath, available at the door.
Kekri workshop for families Pirunkirkko hall from 2 PM until 6 PM
This program is for the whole family and it’s produced by Haaga-Helia bachelor students. Workshop offers shadow play, face paintings and learning the traditional harvesting tools. Who can name the tools? And how does the kekri drink taste like? You can also take your kekri photo at the photo wall. Map number 9. FREE OF CHARGE
Mystical forest in Pajasali hall from 2 PM until 6 PM
This program is for the whole family and it’s produced by Haaga-Helia bachelor students. In the Mystical Forest you can take part by doing tasks and solving problems that lead you through the game. Mystical forest is a fun, exciting and family friendly activity that everyone can take part. Map number 10. FREE OF CHARGE
Sneaky Spooks at Suomenlinna Kindergarden outdoor play area from 2 PM until 5 PM
A local association of MLL Suomenlinna organises an playful and sporty activity of sneaky spooks in Suomenlinna Kindergarden outdoor play area. Map number 57. FREE OF CHARGE
Taidekoulu Maa Art School has kekri sales and music from 12 noon until 6 PM
Taidekoulu Maa Art School has sales of art work such as drawings, graphics, paintings and pottery from 12 noon until 6 PM. In addition there are music performances from 4 PM on wards and snacks served. Map number 59. NO ADMISSION
Glass studio Lasistudio Hytti open event from 2 PM until 6 PM
Glass studio Lasistudio Hytti is a workshop of glass blowers. You can follow the glassblowing from the studio doors during Viaporin kekri and warm up as you see the stages of the glass blowing. Questions are answered if there is a chance. You can also buy glass products such as selection of small glass pieces, experimental pieces, single pieces and left overs of the series. Map number 35. FREE OF CHARGE
Tent sauna in front of Linna Bar from 3 pm to 10 pm
Bring your own towel! Map number 14. Tickets 10€ from Linna Bar.
Great moments from 4 pm
Candle concert in Suomenlinna church at 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm
On All Saints’ Day, the candle concert by the Swing High group features soothing and deep songs about longing, but also includes joy and gratitude. Map number 8. Tickets 10€ (adults) /5€ (opiskelijat, työttömät, eläkeläiset) available at the door. Children under 12 yo for free.
The fortresses own singing group Linnoituksen laulajat in Levyhalli at 4.15 PM and 5.15 PM
Suomenlinna’s very own choir of 14 members is performing in Levyhallissa. Linnoituksen laulajat has already 15 years of experience. Map number 21. FREE OF CHARGE
Live gigs at Linna Bar from 4 pm to 22 pm
Several different performers, starting at 4 pm. Map number 14. FREE OF CHARGE
The atmosphere of a darkening evening from 5 pm
LOVI Ambient Club in the Ruutikellari gun powder magazine from 5 pm to 10 pm
At the LOVI ambient club, three live performances of ambient music and visuals from the backlands and dark valleys are performed. Welcome to calm down, relax and stop by the dark-toned ambient/drone music at Ruutikellari Gun powder magazine. Map number 39. Tickets 10€ available at the door.
Syntisaattori band in Levyhalli at 6.30 PM
Suomenlinna band Syntisaattori is performing: “From the depth the antidote to modern times is rising. Synthetic music inspired by authentic music. Timeles yet ahead of time”. Map number 21. FREE OF CHARGE
Light circus Valosirkus Spektri LED-performances at 5.30, 7 and 8 PM
Light circus Valosirkus Spektri is shining bright in all the colours of rainbow! In the performances dance, music and LED create the radiant show. Get ready for magical light and happy energy, that takes over the audience both children and adults. The performances are in front of the Linna Bar outdoor area and take about half an hour. Map number 14. FREE OF CHARGE
Light art celebration at 5, 6.30 and 7.30 PM
Mobile light circus Roihushow is performing at Suomenlinna church park and continues from there to Linna Bar outdoor area. Each mobile perfomance takes about half an hour. Map number 56. FREE OF CHARGE
Tours and meetings from 6 pm
Artist meeting at the old phone booth at 18–19
Ben Valee’s fabric sculpture Roihu is on display in the Suomenlinna old telephone booth. Come meet the artist at the phone booth and discuss your own work; what makes your heart burn by doing it? Map number 55. FREE OF CHARGE
Kurja Viapori guided tours (K18) at 18:20 and 20:20, departure from the main pier
Suomenlinna is shrouded in autumn darkness, which you can dive deeper into with the Kurja Viapori guided tour. The dark season of the fortress is dedicated to murderers, prison escapees, hushed secrets and the mortality of the body. Age limit 18 years, language Finnish. Organized by the Ehrensvärd club. FULLY BOOKED Map number 2.
Light art celebration at 5, 6.30 and 7.30 PM
Mobile light circus Roihushow is performing at Suomenlinna church park and continues from there to Linna Bar outdoor area. Each mobile perfomance takes about half an hour. Map number 56. FREE OF CHARGE
The Kekri fun continues from 7 pm
Singing bowl concert in Myllysali at 7 pm
Veiled singing bowl concert for the deceased. In the gentle and nurturing vibration of singing bowls and gongs, you can spend a moment with the departed. Map number 23. Tickets 25€ available at the door.
Light circus Valosirkus Spektri LED-performances at 5.30, 7 and 8 PM
Light circus Valosirkus Spektri is shining bright in all the colours of rainbow! In the performances dance, music and LED create the radiant show. Get ready for magical light and happy energy, that takes over the audience both children and adults. The performances are in front of the Linna Bar outdoor area and take about half an hour. Map number 14. FREE OF CHARGE
Light art celebration at 5, 6.30 and 7.30 PM
Mobile light circus Roihushow is performing at Suomenlinna church park and continues from there to Linna Bar outdoor area. Each mobile perfomance takes about half an hour. Map number 56. FREE OF CHARGE
From this link you can open and download Viaporin kekri event map (in English)
