Suomenlinna Travel Guide

Helsinki

When I booked my flights out to Helsinki, one of the places I was most excited about visiting wasn’t actually in the city itself; it was 20 minutes away.  By boat.

Built during the Swedish era (1748-1808) as a maritime fortress and a base for the archipelago fleet, Suomenlinna (formerly known as ‘Sveaborg,’ or Viapori’ in Finnish) is Helsinki’s 18th century sea fortress.

Not only is Suomenlinna unusual in the shape of its construction but also in the fact that it has defended three different sovereign states since its initial construction.  During the Russo-Swedish war in 1808, the fortress fell to the Russians and remained under the rule of the Russian Imperial Government for 90 years.  Ownership then passed to the Finnish government in 1918 and it was at that point that its name was changed from ‘Viapori’ to ‘Suomenlinna’ – meaning ‘Castle of Finland’ – to reflect the country’s independence.

Nowadays it's one of the most popular tourist attractions in Finland and also one of the most popular day trips from Helsinki.

#history
When I booked my flights out to Helsinki, one of the places I was most excited about visiting wasn’t actually in the city itself; it was 20 minutes away.  By boat.

Built during the Swedish era (1748-1808) as a maritime fortress and a base for the archipelago fleet, Suomenlinna (formerly known as ‘Sveaborg,’ or Viapori’ in Finnish) is Helsinki’s 18th century sea fortress.

Not only is Suomenlinna unusual in the shape of its construction but also in the fact that it has defended three different sovereign states since its initial construction.  During the Russo-Swedish war in 1808, the fortress fell to the Russians and remained under the rule of the Russian Imperial Government for 90 years.  Ownership then passed to the Finnish government in 1918 and it was at that point that its name was changed from ‘Viapori’ to ‘Suomenlinna’ – meaning ‘Castle of Finland’ – to reflect the country’s independence.

Nowadays it's one of the most popular tourist attractions in Finland and also one of the most popular day trips from Helsinki.

#history
Located among a group of islands in the harbor near Helsinki, Suomenlinna Fortress was built as a base for the Archipelago Fleet. Construction began in 1748. #LifeatExpediaGroup
View from a cruise ship of the fort in the Suomenlinna island entering to Helsinki.
Suomenlinna, or the Fortress of Finland was so cool. We spent an entire day on this island. So much to do and see! #helsinki #finland #blue

Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Suomenlinna

Scandic Grand Central Helsinki

Scandic Grand Central Helsinki

Vilhonkatu 13 Helsinki
The price is ฿4,250 per night from 8 Mar to 9 Mar
฿4,250
฿4,824 total
8 Mar - 9 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Helsinki. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a fitness centre and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (2,078 reviews)
.

Reviewed on 17 Feb 2026

Scandic Grand Central Helsinki
Comfort Hotel Helsinki Airport

Comfort Hotel Helsinki Airport

3.5 out of 5
Taivastie 1 Vantaa Uusimaa
The price is ฿4,057 per night from 13 Mar to 14 Mar
฿4,057
฿4,604 total
13 Mar - 14 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Vantaa. Enjoy free breakfast, parking (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Finnish Aviation Museum and Jumbo ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,294 reviews)
Hotel is easily accessed from the airport. Self check-in was quick and simple. Room was basic but clean and comfortable.

Reviewed on 18 Feb 2026

Comfort Hotel Helsinki Airport
Clarion Hotel Helsinki

Clarion Hotel Helsinki

4.5 out of 5
Tyynenmerenkatu 2 Helsinki Uusimaa
The price is ฿4,185 per night from 19 Feb to 20 Feb
฿4,185
฿4,750 total
19 Feb - 20 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Helsinki. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,424 reviews)
Nice hotel and location

Reviewed on 11 Feb 2026

Clarion Hotel Helsinki
VALO Hotel & Work Helsinki

VALO Hotel & Work Helsinki

4 out of 5
Mannerheimintie 109 Helsinki
Stay at this hotel in Helsinki. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,866 reviews)
Interesting property both outside and in the rooms. Location was great for us as it was on a main road from the airport to the city. Staff are really helpful and friendly. Rooms are spacious but you need to upgrade from the standard ones to cater for international passengers and their baggage. Best ...

Reviewed on 9 Feb 2026

VALO Hotel & Work Helsinki
Marski by Scandic

Marski by Scandic

4 out of 5
Mannerheimintie 10 Helsinki
The price is ฿3,465 per night from 8 Mar to 9 Mar
฿3,465
฿3,933 total
8 Mar - 9 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Helsinki. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,629 reviews)
Great hotel

Reviewed on 30 Jan 2026

Marski by Scandic
Clarion Hotel Helsinki Airport

Clarion Hotel Helsinki Airport

4 out of 5
Taivastie 3 Vantaa Vantaa
The price is ฿4,971 per night from 21 Mar to 22 Mar
฿4,971
฿5,642 total
21 Mar - 22 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Vantaa. Enjoy free breakfast, a sauna and on-site spa services. Popular attractions Finnish Aviation Museum and Jumbo Shopping Center are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,095 reviews)
Great stay overall. Spa was an extra charge. Spa lockers and Hot tub jets were not working.

Reviewed on 13 Feb 2026

Clarion Hotel Helsinki Airport
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Suomenlinna

EyeEm Custom Shoots Q4 2018

Ullanlinna

When in Ullanlinna and the surrounding area, you'll want to check out sights like South Harbour Olympia Terminal or Helsinki Olympia Terminal and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Kapteeninkatu Station or Neitsytpolku Station.

Ullanlinna
Katajanokka which includes heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

Katajanokka

4.5/5(39 area reviews)

Known for its abundant dining options and waterfront views, there's plenty to explore in Katajanokka. Top attractions like Helsinki Sky Wheel and Allas Sea Pool are major draws, and you can catch the metro at Vyokatu Tram Station or Mastokatu Station to see more of the city.

Katajanokka
Helsinki_Kaartinkaupunki_6361129_09

Kaartinkaupunki

4.5/5(27 area reviews)

Known for its ample dining options and captivating waterfront views, there's plenty to explore in Kaartinkaupunki. You can visit top attractions like Design Museum and Kauppatori Market Square, and jump on the metro at Kolmikulma Station or Etelaranta Station to see more of the city.

Kaartinkaupunki
Senate Square showing street scenes

Helsinki City Centre

Noted for its museums and live music, there's plenty to explore in Helsinki City Centre. Top attractions like Senate Square and Presidential Palace are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Vironkatu Station or Hallituskatu Station to see more of the city.

Helsinki City Centre
EyeEm Custom Shoots Q4 2018

Punavuori

4.5/5(20 area reviews)

Noted for its shopping and restaurants, there's plenty to explore in Punavuori. Top attractions like Sinebrychoff Art Museum and Mikael Agricola Church are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Iso Roobertinkatu Station or Viiskulma Station to see more of the city.

Punavuori
Helsinki Cathedral and the magnificent blue sky.

#finland #helsinki #cathedral

Kruununhaka

Noted for its coffee shops and shopping, there's plenty to explore in Kruununhaka. Top attractions like Senate Square and Military Museum of Finland are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Snellmaninkatu Station or Vironkatu Station to see more of the city.

Kruununhaka


Suomenlinna Travel Guide