Sea Fortress Suomenlinna 1 - Helsinki, Finland

Founded on islands off the coast of Helsinki in 1748, the Suomenlinna sea fortress is a cultural treasure.  Its construction began in the 1700's when Finland was part of the Kingdom of Sweden. The guns that still face west on the ramparts at Kustaamiekka are a reminder of the period of Russian rule in the 19th century.

The Sea Fortress remains vibrant.

History:

1748    Finland is part of the Kingdom of Sweden.
            Construction of the sea fortress begins under Augustin Ehrensvard.

1750    King Frederick 1 of Sweden names the fortress Sveaborg.

1788    The fortress serves as a naval base in the Russo-Swedish War.

1808    The Finnish War. The fortress surrenders to the Russian Army and becomes a Russian naval
             base for the next 110 years.

1809     Finland is incorporated as an autonomous part of the Russian Empire.

1855     The Crimean War. The Anglo-French fleet bombards the fortress and damages it badly.

1918      Finnish Civil War. A prison camp is established within the fortress. The fortress is annexed
              by Finland and named Suomenlinna.

1939      Start of the Second World war.  The fortress serves as a coastal artillery, anti-aircraft                           artillery and submarine base.

1973      The Finnish garrison moves off the island. Suomenlinna is transferred to the administration
              of the Ministry of Education and Culture.

1991      The fortress is added to UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites as a unique monument to
               military architecture.


Visitor Centre

                        The Visitor Centre by the ferry quay is open to visitors all year.
                         Open daily 10 am - 6 pm between 2 May and 30 September, and daily 10 am - 4 pm
                                            between 1 October and 30 April

                                            Tel:   +358 29 533 8410

                                             Web:   www.suomenlinna.fi


Transport:   Suomenlinna is only accessible by water. The crossing takes approximately 15-20
                    minutes. The Ferry operates all year, whereas the water bus runs only from May to
                    September.