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
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

Suomenlinna Fortress showing general coastal views

Suomenlinna Fortress

Hop across the islands of this historic archipelago and explore one of the world’s largest sea fortress, its museum and its surrounding buildings.

Suomenlinna Fortress
Scenic summer aerial view of Suomenlinna

Helsinki Exhibition and Convention Centre

Learn about the events happening at Helsinki Exhibition and Convention Centre during your trip to Helsinki. Discover the fascinating museums and shops in this walkable area.

Helsinki Exhibition and Convention Centre
Helsinki Cathedral showing a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

Helsinki Cathedral

Stop at this beautiful Finnish Evangelical Lutheran cathedral to admire its stunning architecture and see a magnificent collection of zinc sculptures.

Helsinki Cathedral
Helsinki_HartwallArena_6061903_02

Veikkaus Arena

Catch an event at Veikkaus Arena during your trip to Helsinki. Discover the fascinating museums and shops in this culturally rich area.

Veikkaus Arena
Helsinki_HelsinkiIceHall_6061911_03

Helsinki Ice Hall

Catch an event at Helsinki Ice Hall during your trip to Helsinki. Discover the acclaimed art scene and shops in this culturally rich area.

Helsinki Ice Hall
Helsinki Olympic Stadium. Image shot 2015

Olympic Stadium

Catch an event at Olympic Stadium during your trip to Helsinki. Discover the fascinating museums and shops in this culturally rich area.

Olympic Stadium

Things to do

Tallink Shuttle MyStar

Explore Tallinn: Self-Guided Day Cruise from Helsinki

$48
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Explore Tallinn: Self-Guided Day Cruise from Helsinki
Day trip from Helsinki to Tallinn. Ferry included

Day trip from Helsinki to Tallinn. Ferry included

$150
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Day trip from Helsinki to Tallinn. Ferry included
Helsinki: SkyWheel Helsinki Entry Ticket

Helsinki: SkyWheel Helsinki Entry Ticket

$17
per adult
Helsinki: SkyWheel Helsinki Entry Ticket
Picture 32 for Activity Helsinki And Porvoo Tour by Private Car with Personal Guide

Helsinki And Porvoo Tour by Private Car with Personal Guide

$99
per traveler
Helsinki And Porvoo Tour by Private Car with Personal Guide
Tallinn Day Tour from Helsinki

Tallinn Day Tour from Helsinki (Ferry Tickets+ Guiding+ Own Time)

$140
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Tallinn Day Tour from Helsinki (Ferry Tickets+ Guiding+ Own Time)
Helsinki: Tram Tour

Helsinki: Tram Tour

$70
per adult
Helsinki: Tram Tour
See all activities in Helsinki

Suomenlinna Hotel Deals

Marski by Scandic

Marski by Scandic

4 out of 5
Mannerheimintie 10 Helsinki
$93 nightly
The price is $105 total per night from Feb 15 to Feb 16
$105 total
Feb 15 - Feb 16
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Helsinki. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,607 reviews)
Amazing

Reviewed on Jan 22, 2026

Marski by Scandic
Scandic Grand Central Helsinki

Scandic Grand Central Helsinki

Vilhonkatu 13 Helsinki
$104 nightly
The price is $118 total per night from Feb 15 to Feb 16
$118 total
Feb 15 - Feb 16
Total with taxes and 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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,068 reviews)
nice room

Reviewed on Jan 22, 2026

Scandic Grand Central Helsinki
Comfort Hotel Helsinki Airport

Comfort Hotel Helsinki Airport

3.5 out of 5
Taivastie 1 Vantaa Uusimaa
$129 nightly
The price is $147 total per night from Feb 14 to Feb 15
$147 total
Feb 14 - Feb 15
Total with taxes and 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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,227 reviews)
Ei valittamista. Huone oli siisti ja aamupala hyvä. Oli helppo siirtyä lennolle.

Reviewed on Jan 21, 2026

Comfort Hotel Helsinki Airport
VALO Hotel & Work Helsinki

VALO Hotel & Work Helsinki

4 out of 5
Mannerheimintie 109 Helsinki
$90 nightly
The price is $103 total per night from Feb 5 to Feb 6
$103 total
Feb 5 - Feb 6
Total with taxes and 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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,838 reviews)
Smart and cosy room and yet comfy. Conveniently located between airport and the city centre.

Reviewed on Dec 20, 2025

VALO Hotel & Work Helsinki
Clarion Hotel Helsinki

Clarion Hotel Helsinki

4.5 out of 5
Tyynenmerenkatu 2 Helsinki Uusimaa
$128 nightly
The price is $146 total per night from Feb 16 to Feb 17
$146 total
Feb 16 - Feb 17
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Helsinki. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,423 reviews)
Great staff, hotel was lovely and comfortable, good views, easy access to the city centre by foot or tram.

Reviewed on Jan 11, 2026

Clarion Hotel Helsinki
Hotel Arthur

Hotel Arthur

3 out of 5
Vuorikatu 19 Helsinki
$90 nightly
The price is $103 total per night from Feb 16 to Feb 17
$103 total
Feb 16 - Feb 17
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Helsinki. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a sauna. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,613 reviews)
Easy walk from the train station, Christmas markets and ferry terminal. Clean, basic room, good breakfast, friendly staff.

Reviewed on Dec 8, 2025

Hotel Arthur
See all 809 properties in Suomenlinna
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.

Suomenlinna

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