Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Suomenlinna Timeline
1748
—Construction began.
1788
—The fort was used as a base for a Swedish war against Russia.
1808
—It was surrendered by Sweden to Russia.
1809
—Finland became part of the Russian Empire and the fort was used
as a Russian garrison for 108 years.
1855
—French and British navies bombarded the fort during the Crimean
War, inflicting heavy damage.
1917
—Finland declared independence.
1918
—The fort was annexed by Finland and renamed Suomenlinna.
1939
—The fort served as a base for the Finnish navy.
1973
—The Finnish garrison moved out, the fort's administration was
transferred to the Ministry of Education, and the fort was opened to the
public.
Tours:
The museum's film on the island's history runs twice hourly (last
showing 30 minutes before closing; pick up English translation of exhibits
by entrance). The English-language island tour, which runs daily in summer
(otherwise only on weekends), departs from the visitors center (€8, free with
Helsinki Card, June-Aug daily at 11:00 and 14:00, Sept-May Sat-Sun only at
13:30).
Getting There:
Catch a ferry to Suomenlinna from Market Square. Walk
past the high-priced excursion boats to the public HKL ferry (€5 round-
trip, covered by day ticket and Helsinki Card, 15-minute trip, May-Aug 2-3/
hour—generally at :00, :20, and :40 past the hour,but pick upschedule to con-
firm; Sept-April every 40-60 minutes). If you'll be taking at least two tram
rides within 24 hours of visiting Suomenlinna, it pays to get a day ticket in-
stead of a round-trip ticket. A private ferry, JT Line, also runs to Suomen-
