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
$117 nightly
The price is $133 total per night from Apr 4 to Apr 5
$133 total
Apr 4 - Apr 5
Total with taxes and 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! (1,356 reviews)
Staff were helpful. Didn't try the bar. Room was clean and tidy but small. One pillow on each bed which was small, soft and thin making an uncomfortable night - maybe we could have got more from Reception but we were on the 7th floor. No tea/coffee facilities in the room but free drinks at the bar ...

Reviewed on Mar 8, 2026

Comfort Hotel Helsinki Airport
Scandic Grand Central Helsinki

Scandic Grand Central Helsinki

Vilhonkatu 13 Helsinki
$102 nightly
The price is $116 total per night from Apr 5 to Apr 6
$116 total
Apr 5 - Apr 6
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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (2,096 reviews)
Clean place, near train station, bus station also the city center mall.

Reviewed on Mar 5, 2026

Scandic Grand Central Helsinki
Clarion Hotel Helsinki

Clarion Hotel Helsinki

4.5 out of 5
Tyynenmerenkatu 2 Helsinki Uusimaa
$98 nightly
The price is $112 total per night from Apr 5 to Apr 6
$112 total
Apr 5 - Apr 6
Total with taxes and 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! (1,429 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$63 nightly
The price is $72 total per night from Mar 29 to Mar 30
$72 total
Mar 29 - Mar 30
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,883 reviews)
Very kind and accommodating staff, great value

Reviewed on Mar 12, 2026

VALO Hotel & Work Helsinki
Clarion Hotel Helsinki Airport

Clarion Hotel Helsinki Airport

4 out of 5
Taivastie 3 Vantaa Vantaa
$129 nightly
The price is $147 total per night from Mar 21 to Mar 22
$147 total
Mar 21 - Mar 22
Total with taxes and 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! (1,139 reviews)
Friendly and helpful staff…

Reviewed on Mar 13, 2026

Clarion Hotel Helsinki Airport
Scandic Grand Marina

Scandic Grand Marina

4 out of 5
Katajanokanlaituri 7 Helsinki
$68 nightly
The price is $78 total per night from Apr 8 to Apr 9
$78 total
Apr 8 - Apr 9
Total with taxes and 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! (1,203 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.

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Other neighborhoods around Suomenlinna

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Ullanlinna

When in Ullanlinna and the surrounding area, you'll want to check out sights like Helsinki Olympia Terminal or Design Museum and hop on the metro to see more the city at Kapteeninkatu Station or Neitsytpolku Station.

Ullanlinna
Katajanokka featuring heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

Katajanokka

4.5/5(66 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
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Kaartinkaupunki

5/5(52 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
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Punavuori

4.5/5(19 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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