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Suomenlinna
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 Walking through fortress of
Soumenlinna, Finland by jumpingnorman, 3 more photos
Also known as Sveaborg (meaning Fortress of Sweden), the Somenlinna was built by 15,000 workers under the direction of the Swedes to offset the dominance of the Russians in the region. However, it did fall later into the hands of the Russians in 1809 “by siege”, through no military attacks but just as a military award/gift when Helsinki became part of the Russian Empire.
Today, the island is inhabited by 1000 residents and so you will see some kids biking around. There is a big Visitor Center, which has a 25 minute “multi-vision show” and computers about the fortress. The center is a 10-15 minute walk from the boat dock.
Visitor Center is free daily May-Sept 1000-1800, Oct - Apr 1000-16600 Leave a Comment Phone: +358-9-41323257Directions: Ferry-boat connection from the Market Square about every 40 minutes.Website: http://www.suomenlinna.fi/
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 Suomenlinna by Marpessa
In the summer you can go on one of the guided walking tours (available in Finnish, Swedish and English) that last for an hour. I would highly recommend this as a great way to learn more about the island and its history. Just go to the visitor centre and pay for your ticket there (Adult 6€, Children 3€).
Besides the guided tour there are also several museums on the island and exhibitions of arts and craft.
For more information check out my Suomenlinna travelogue. Leave a Comment Phone: +358-9-41323257Directions: Ferry-boat connection from the Market Square about every 40 minutes.Website: http://www.suomenlinna.fi/
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 by bijo69
Apart from that it makes for a great day out of town. There are few museums there, a couple of cafés and even a hostel.
Boats to Suomenlinna leave from Kauppatori between early morning and late night. Leave a Comment Phone: +358-9-41323257Directions: Ferry-boat connection from the Market Square about every 40 minutes.Website: http://www.suomenlinna.fi/
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Suomenlinna island (also known as Sveaborg, according to its original Swedish name) is located a short ferry trip away from the market square. Although the island is located off the coast of Helsinki, it is part of the city. It is a home to about 900 inhabitants who live on the island all around the year. Most buildings date back to the time when Finland was ruled by its dear neighbours, Sweden and subsequently by Russia. The rest of the buildings on the island are in use as offices, maintenance buildings and service points.
The island is also a home to a 250-year-old naval fortress, also known as Suomenlinna, that is open to visitors all year round. The construction of the fortress began in 1748 and it has been compared to the British maritime fortifications at Gibraltar, as it was built during the Swedish rule. It is one of the seven UNESCO's World Heritage Sites in Finland, and has been included in the list since 1991.
The island is really a mini city within a city. The facilities on the island include a library, fire brigade, church, visitors centre, shop, kiosk, post office, restaurants, cafés, a youth hostel, a brewery, several museums as well as an open air theatre. Some of these are, however, closed during the winter.
There are plenty of nice spots for a picnic and you can also swim and sunbathe in various locations on the island - be prepared to walk a bit though.
In addition, they organise several events all around the year, including guided tours and exhibitions, a jazz festival, regatta and several concerts. In winter, visitors can enjoy the peace and quiet (as well as the snow, ice and the freezing temperatures) of the island. Phone: +358-9-41323257Directions: Take a Helsinki City Transportation (HKL) ferry from the Market Square. Ferries operate between 6am and 2.20am about every 20-40min. Tickets of the City Traffic are valid on the ferry, as it is part of Helsinki City Transportation system Website: http://www.suomenlinna.fi/
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 Suomenlinna by sim1
My day in Helsinki has come to an end. I am back on the ferry again, resting my tired feet and enjoying the views from the top deck. On our way out of Helsinki we pass the Suommenlinna. The Suommenlinna (or Sveaborg as it was originally called) is one of the largest sea fortresses and it is located about 1 kilometre off the coast from Helsinki. Construction of this huge fortress began under the command of Augustin Ehrensvärd in 1748. The site is now on the UNESCO World Heritage List and a must see if you have more than one day in Helsinki.
Unfortunately I didn't have the time to visit the Suomenlinna, but that leaves something to desire for a next visit to Helsinki. For me the Suomenlinna is an absolute must see, and I was happy to at least see it briefly from the ferry. Hopefully next time I can see it for 'real'.
The opening hours for the different parts of the Suomenlinna is rather complicated. Here is a link where you can find a good overview of them: Opening hours
You can find all you want to know about the Suomenlinna (Sveaborg) on this website: Suomenlinna Leave a Comment Phone: +358-9-41323257Directions: Ferry-boat connection from the Market Square about every 40 minutes.Website: http://www.suomenlinna.fi/
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Me with the big gun. by Henrik_rrb
There is also some restaurants, a couple of shops, and a food store, so you can stay out there the whole day without problem.
I got there with my ex-girlfriend before lunch, and walked around for a couple of hours, sat down and looked at the sea, took another walk, made some photos, and had a couple of beers.
Really nice…
To the island you go by boat, which leaves from the big Marketplace in Helsinki. It cost 2 euro, or you can do as my dear guide said, “don’t pay, and pretend that it’s raining if someone ask your for the ticket”.
Well, then I had to be nervous during both trips, so I don’t know if it was really worth it… But still…
Also the boat trip is nice, takes around 15-20 minutes, and you pass a lot of small islands during the way to and from Sveaborg.
Just make sure that it’s good weather, or at least not raining, when you’re there. When it’s sunny it’s a wonderful place, but when it’s raining… Well, let me just say that it’s not crowded with places to hide under for the rain…
Make sure to take a look at all the old pieces of the fortress. My ex-girlfriend and guide said it looked like the place where the hobbits, in The Lord of the Rings, were living. And I must agree with her. Leave a Comment Phone: +358-9-41323257Directions: Ferry-boat connection from the Market Square about every 40 minutes.Website: http://www.suomenlinna.fi/
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 Suomenlinna by magor65
The place was included in the Unesco World Heritage list in 1991.
Nowadays the island has about 900 inhabitants who have there a health centre, primary school, shop and a library.
There's a regular ferry-boat connection to the island. The normal city-traffic tickets are also valid on a ferry-boat.
It's a popular place both with inhabitants of Helsinki and tourists for a day out and a picnic. Leave a Comment Phone: +358-9-41323257Directions: Ferry-boat connection from the Market Square about every 40 minutes.Website: http://www.suomenlinna.fi/
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 Suomenlinna by Knutt
Suomenlinna was established to protect Finland from invaders but was was handed over to the Russians during the war in 1808.
Today a museum, wonderful beaches, a few restaurants and coffeplaces can be found on the island.
Ah, by the way: Suomenlinna is a regular 'suburb' of Helsinki. People live and work there and if you want to use the ferry from the market Square to get there a simple tram ticket will do. Leave a Comment Phone: +358-9-41323257Directions: Ferry-boat connection from the Market Square about every 40 minutes.Website: http://www.suomenlinna.fi/
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 little bridge on Suomenlinna by MartinaHLeave a Comment Phone: +358-9-41323257Directions: Ferry-boat connection from the Market Square about every 40 minutes.Website: http://www.suomenlinna.fi/
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 by MacDaddieLeave a Comment Phone: +358-9-41323257Directions: Ferry-boat connection from the Market Square about every 40 minutes.Website: http://www.suomenlinna.fi/
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