Today I will tell you about Sumenlinna Island, one of the most beautiful islands in Finland, near Helsinki. I made my visit on my trip to Helsinki. You can also find my Helsinki and Finland general notes at the bottom of the page.
How to Get to Suomenlinna Island?
Saturday, 10 December 2016. It’s noon and I’m at the Kauppatori pier in central Helsinki. Local ferries providing transportation between Suomenlinna Island and Helsinki leave from here.
Ferries operate between 06.20-02.20. The average journey time is about 15 minutes.. You can buy a 12-hour ticket valid for a round trip from the machines for 5 euros.
The Ferry That Brings Me To Suomenlinna Island / Sveaborg Pier
The only way to reach Suomenlinna Island is to travel via Helsinki. Anyway, I wouldn’t have come all the way here and not see Helsinki!
Because the weather is sunny and clear, I choose a beautiful place with a view.. Nor can I say that the boat is too big.
Suomenlinna Island / Stony Paths
Where is Suomenlinna Island?
First of all, I would like to briefly talk about Suomenlinna Island. Suomenlinna is a historical island in the Baltic Sea, 3 km south of the capital, Helsinki.
I can say that this island is very important for Finnish history.. A castle was first started to be built by the Swedes in 1748 and it was completed in 40 years.. This island, which was the scene of many wars in the intervening years, was captured by the Russians for a while and regained its present form with the declaration of independence of Finland on December 6, 1917.
The Clockwork Building You See After the Pier <
Today, the island is a purely touristic spot, resembling a city park.. There are many walking paths, small cafes and museums on the island, and it was included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list in 1991.. I must say that there is a small population living locally.
After a short journey we arrive at Sveaborg pier. Now I’m on Suomenlinna Island. First of all, I can say that it has a peaceful atmosphere.
Village Houses Unique to Scandinavia
Places to Visit on Suomenlinna Island
You can also get a free map of the island from the tourism office right next to the pier.. I start with a little improvisation and a little with the help of a map.
After the pier, you come across a building with a tower that houses a nice clock on it.. When you pass through, impressive houses unique to this region greet you.. Typically, we can say Scandinavian village houses.. We are used to seeing such scenes from documentaries.
Shipyard on the island
I said it was sunny.. But it’s pretty cold. Around -10 degrees. The ground is dry but all the puddles around are frozen. Ice is also in harmony with the sun.
I keep walking on the stony roads of the island.. There are signposts and rest points for tourists in the walking areas. There are also separate places for your washbasin needs.. I usually use these places to warm up a little.
Direction Signs for Tourists
I come across the old shipyard on the island.. Of course, old doesn’t mean it’s still not used.. There are also current boats under construction.
I can say that I passed nice farms and buildings along the way.. Especially in some spots the frozen puddles and ponds really look like postcards.
Frozen Pond on the Island
Suomenlinna Castle
To the Suomenlinna Castle at the southern tip of the island. I arrive. This place actually reminds of the Çanakkale Bastions.. There is not much left of the castle.. In order to be touristic, representative cannons and various war tools are positioned.
Everywhere I can see is hills full. There is a small walking path on all the hills.. You are free to explore.
Large Hills and Bastions on the Island
The Baltic Sea around the castle and the cliffs in front of it make a beautiful sight. There is also an important point called King’s Gate around the castle.. As you can tell from its name, this was the point where the king of the period entered the island.. While I was watching them for a while, I didn’t even realize the time.. I think I could spend hours if it wasn’t cold.
Suomenlinna Fortress and Cannons
Suomenlinna Island Museums
I am now near the midpoint of the island. Museums in general. I can’t say that they are huge, one is a toy and the remaining two are history museums. I visit historical ones for a small fee.. It doesn’t take much time to walk around.
Finally, I come across a building with a beautiful design that gives the impression of being abandoned.. There is a frozen football field right in front of it and the church across it. After a few photos I took here, I am now heading towards the pier for my return.
Pleasant Building Resembling Abandoned
After warming up in the tourism office for a while, I went to Helsinki. I’m heading to the ferry for the return. My Suomenlinna trip ends here. There are a few things I want to talk about.
How Many Hours to Visit Suomenlinna Island?
First of all, how long should we spend on Suomenlinna Island, I seem to hear you say.. This place is in the form of an open-air museum designed to relax and have a good time.. You can spare a whole day, but if your goal is just to experience, like me, 2-3 hours will be enough.
Frozen Football Field and Church
I must say that there are no markets or cafes in most of the points on the island.. I suggest you come withfood from Helsinki. Especially those who love to take photos should spare more time because almost every part of the island is so special that it can be photographed.
Finally, I recommend everyone who goes to Helsinki to visit this island.. It is very easy to reach and the experience is great. After the already quiet and calm life of Helsinki, this place gives even more peace.
The View of Helsinki from the Ferry on the Way Back / Baltic Sea
Now we continue to visit places in Helsinki as before the day before. I will make. I end my Suomenlinna travel notes here. Have a nice day !
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