Suomenlinna

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
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
Built in 1748. A must see if in Helsinki!

Popular places to visit

Things to do


Suomenlinna Hotel Deals

Comfort Hotel Helsinki Airport

Comfort Hotel Helsinki Airport

3.5 out of 5
Taivastie 1 Vantaa Uusimaa
The price is CA $154 per night from Apr 4 to Apr 5
CA $154
CA $175 total
Apr 4 - Apr 5
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Vantaa. Enjoy free breakfast, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Finnish Aviation Museum and Jumbo Shopping ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,367 reviews)
Good location in the airport.

Reviewed on Mar 17, 2026

Comfort Hotel Helsinki Airport
Scandic Grand Central Helsinki

Scandic Grand Central Helsinki

Vilhonkatu 13 Helsinki
The price is CA $139 per night from Apr 5 to Apr 6
CA $139
CA $158 total
Apr 5 - Apr 6
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Helsinki. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (2,105 reviews)
Lovely hotel, great location, large rooms and staff were very good. Would return

Reviewed on Mar 17, 2026

Scandic Grand Central Helsinki
Clarion Hotel Helsinki

Clarion Hotel Helsinki

4.5 out of 5
Tyynenmerenkatu 2 Helsinki Uusimaa
The price is CA $146 per night from Apr 2 to Apr 3
CA $146
CA $166 total
Apr 2 - Apr 3
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Helsinki. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,422 reviews)
Lovely space, great location to catch ferry.

Reviewed on Mar 1, 2026

Clarion Hotel Helsinki
VALO Hotel & Work Helsinki

VALO Hotel & Work Helsinki

4 out of 5
Mannerheimintie 109 Helsinki
The price is CA $84 per night from Mar 22 to Mar 23
CA $84
CA $96 total
Mar 22 - Mar 23
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Helsinki. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,885 reviews)
was a bit disappointed. Good WiFi. Small room. Got overcharged multiple times by the staff at the bar. Ordered the same thing and it was charged multiple dollars higher everytime. $12 for a shot of vodka is legit robbery ! Next day. I got a drink at the bar around 1:45pm as well as two other people ...

Reviewed on Mar 18, 2026

VALO Hotel & Work Helsinki
Clarion Hotel Helsinki Airport

Clarion Hotel Helsinki Airport

4 out of 5
Taivastie 3 Vantaa Vantaa
The price is CA $202 per night from Apr 17 to Apr 18
CA $202
CA $230 total
Apr 17 - Apr 18
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Vantaa. Enjoy free breakfast, a sauna, and onsite spa services. Popular attractions Finnish Aviation Museum and Jumbo Shopping Center are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,151 reviews)
Perfect location. Wonderful breakfast.

Reviewed on Mar 17, 2026

Clarion Hotel Helsinki Airport
Scandic Grand Marina

Scandic Grand Marina

4 out of 5
Katajanokanlaituri 7 Helsinki
The price is CA $113 per night from Apr 1 to Apr 2
CA $113
CA $129 total
Apr 1 - Apr 2
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Helsinki. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,212 reviews)
Room was basic and had a fridge but no kettle or tea/coffee supplies in room

Reviewed on Feb 27, 2026

Scandic Grand Marina
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

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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 the city at Kapteeninkatu Station or Neitsytpolku Station.

Ullanlinna
Katajanokka showing heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

Katajanokka

4.5/5(13 area reviews)

Dominated by a passenger harbour, Katajanokka boasts the former prison-turned-hotel, Uspenski Cathedral, and Katajanokka Casino. Easily accessible via four bridges, enjoy the area's renovated restaurants and cafés.

Katajanokka
Helsinki_Kaartinkaupunki_6361129_09

Kaartinkaupunki

5/5(3 area reviews)

Known for its abundant dining options and waterfront views, there's plenty to explore in Kaartinkaupunki. Top attractions like Design Museum and Kauppatori Market Square are major draws, and you can catch 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

5/5(5 area reviews)

Noted for its shopping and restaurants, there's plenty to explore in Punavuori. Top attractions like Sinebrychoff Art Museum and Museum of Foreign Art 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 coffeehouses 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

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