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

Things to do


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
$103 nightly
The price is $117 total per night from Feb 15 to Feb 16
$117 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 13 to Feb 14
$147 total
Feb 13 - Feb 14
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
$69 nightly
The price is $79 total per night from Feb 15 to Feb 16
$79 total
Feb 15 - Feb 16
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
$129 nightly
The price is $147 total per night from Feb 19 to Feb 20
$147 total
Feb 19 - Feb 20
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
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 neighborhoods 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 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.

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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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