Photo. Suomenlinna Fortress, outside Helsinki.
This fortress was used in a big battle during Crimean War for over 150 years ago, and has also been involved in another big battle 50 years earlier.
The entire site is a fun, multi-faceted attraction for Helsinki residents and visitors. The fortress, built during Swedish rule in the 18th century, is situated on an island at the entrance to Helsinki's harbour.
The city centre is built around the main harbor, Eteläsatama. The kauppatori (market square) - also known as the fish market - is on the waterfront between the ferry terminals. Farther inland, but still within walking distance, are the bus and train stations. Main streets include Mannerheimintie and the twin shopping avenues of Pohjoisesplanadi and Eteläesplenadi.
The fortification became a strategic military shipyard with one of the biggest dry docks in the world, comparable to the fortress at Gibraltar. It has been two big battles here.
| Photo. Suomenlinna Fortification seen from the ferry on the way to the site. |
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Ferries and motorboats shuttle from Helsinki to Suomenlinna Island, where you can ramble around the ruins of the mighty fortress or look around its several museums. The Ehrensvärd Museum, which covers the history of the fortress from Swedish heyday to Mayday, is the best.
If you want to do a boy's-own battle reenactment, a torch is all you need to squeeze that body through bunkers and caves on either side of the fort.
| Photo. Suomenlinna Fortification seen through a window. |
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Apart from admiring the architecture there is plenty to experience at Suomenlinna, which contains seven museums, galleries, restaurants and cafes, several parks, beaches and nature areas. Guided walking tours are offered and there are always events taking place like exhibitions, jazz shows and theatrical performances, particularly during summer.
One of the greatest architecture highlights in Helsinki is the Helsinki Cathedral (in Finnish Helsingin tuomiokirkko). The area around the Cathedral was probably the greatest arena for celebrating the transition to the new millennium. The colours lighted up the monument and the celebration was fantastic. What a party!
The Helsinki Cathedral is an Evangelical Lutheran cathedral located in the centre of Helsinki, Finland. Until the independence of Finland in 1917, it was called St. Nicholas' church. It`s a distinct landmark in the scenery of central Helsinki, the church was built in 1830-1852, representing the neoclassical style. It was originally designed by Carl Engel, and later altered by his successor Ernst Lohrmann.
| Photo. The harbour area with the Helsinki Cathedral in the backgroun - the Soumi main arena for celebrating the new millennium. |
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Today it is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Helsinki. Annually more than 350,000 people visit the church, some of them to attend religious events, but most are tourists. On the roof of the cathedral there are zinc statues of the 12 Apostles. These are the biggest uniform collection of zinc sculptures in the world.
The best of all is meeting all the Finns. Experiencing their warm hearts and opend minds in the modern, cosmopolitan capital Helsinki is always rewarding, and it will make you come back year after year as I do.
Stein Morten Lund, 28 July 2005
Additional information
Address:
The Visitor's Centre is at Suomenlinna C 74 is situated in the middle of the fortress at Tykistölahti bay.
Telephone: Tourist Information desk: (0)9 684 1880 or Visitor's Centre: (0)9 4050 9691.
Website: www.suomenlinna.fi.
Transport:
Ferries run regularly from Market Square, from the early morning hours until 2am. During summer a water bus also operates. Private boats can moor at the Suomenlinna visitor's marina;
Opening time:
The various museums usually open between 10am and 5pm daily with shorter hours in winter.
For information regarding the various events and exhibitions contact the Visitor's Centre which opens between 10am and 4pm, and until 6pm between May and September.
Admission: Museums charge between €3 and €5 admission.
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