Guided Walking Tour of Suomenlinna

A guided walking tour of Suomenlinna where you will learn about the fortress's fascinating history from the 1700s to the present day.

In 1748, construction began in front of the small city of Helsinki, marking the start of Viapor's history. A bastion fortress built on six islands served as a support base for Sweden's archipelago fleet, for which a large dry dock was also constructed. By the end of the Swedish period, the construction site had developed into one of the region's largest and most vibrant settlement centres.

The fortress's Russian period began during the Finnish War, when the fortress capitulated in 1808 - an event that surprised contemporaries and sparked lengthy debate. The Russian period lasted 110 years and left a legacy of numerous barracks buildings and ramparts with batteries on the southwest side of the fortress islands - not forgetting the famous merchant quarter families and experiences from the Crimean War.

The fortress's Finnish period began in spring 1918 in the shadow of Finland's civil war. Subsequently, the fortress islands became a living garrison community and a unique cultural heritage site.

Guided tours in English:

2.6. - 31.8. daily at 12.00 (NOT on Midsummer)

22.6. - 9.8. daily at 14.00 Secrets of Suomenlinna tour

Tours start from Suomenlinna Museum and last approximately one hour.

Note: The "Secrets of Suomenlinna" tour includes visits to tunnels and casemates. The route is not wheelchair accessible. Please bring your own flashlight.

Tickets:
16 € / adults, 11 € / students and pensioners, 6 € / children.

The guided tour also includes free admission to the Ehrensvärd Museum during museum opening hours.