Sveaborg is a sea fortress in Helsinki, Scandinavia is better known as Suomenlinna (Finnish Fortress) .The fortress was built in 1748, at a time when Finland had not yet become an independent country and was part of the Swedish state .For more than half a century, the fortress was the most valuable maritime fortification that defended Helsinki, but in 1808 finally fell under the pressure of the Russian army and retired to Russia for the next 110 years .The name of Suomenlinna fortress was received in 1918, when Finland gained independence .After that, she for a long time belonged to the Finnish military garrison, until in 1973 she left civilian administration .

Now Sveaborg, undoubtedly, is one of the brightest sights of Finland. There are several museums on its territory, architecture enthusiasts may be interested in buildings related to different architectural traditions and style directions, those interested in military affairs will find a huge amount of various military equipment related to different stages of the fortress existence, and the fortress itself is surprisingly beautiful, so a simple walk on it you will enjoy.

How to get to Sveaborg

You can reach the fortress only by water, as it is on an island located two kilometers from the city.

From the market square Kauppatori ferries HKL, from one to four times per hour, depending on the season. The first ferry leaves there at nine in the morning, and the last one back at 6 pm. Tickets for the ferry you can buy at the river station, the road to one end will cost you about 4 EUR.

From the Kolera-allas, located near the market square, the JT-Line river trams leave, making an additional stop near the Royal Gates. Tickets for them can be bought both on the berth and on board - also for 4 EUR one way.

There are no public transport or bike rental in Sveaborg, so you should choose comfortable shoes for your trip.

Hotels in Sveaborg

If in the evening you do not want to return to Helsinki, you can stay in Sveaborg at night, specially for this there built the Hostel Suomelinna, located just a stone's throw from the wharf .However, it is worth noting that according to the living conditions it is much inferior to the hotels located in the city .On the first floor of the hostel are rooms for 6, 8 and 10 people, on the second - double and triple rooms, and shower and toilet for all rooms - shared on one floor .One night there will cost you 22-26, 50 EUR, if you decide to stay on the first floor, and at 55-95 EUR, if you choose the rooms on the second floor .Breakfast at the hostel also has to be paid separately - 6 .50 EUR .

Restaurants and cafes in Sveaborg

Sea air combined with long walks as nothing else arouses appetite, so you will most likely want to visit one of the restaurants located in the fortress. Fortunately, there are enough of them there that anyone can find something that suits his tastes and financial possibilities.

The Café Chapman restaurant is located in the heart of the fortress, built in 1770 by the Traverse Adlerfelt, and visiting it, you can completely immerse yourself in the atmosphere of those times. The average account amount will be 35-40 EUR.

Beer lovers should definitely visit Suomenlinna Brewery, which serves beer prepared in its own brewery fortress. In summer, the restaurant offers a buffet with a variety of national dishes, among which the stunning smoked fish stands out. The restaurant is located in pink barracks next to the pier.

If you are planning to visit Sveaborg with children, you should take them to Toy Museum Café, where you can have tea and cakes inside the real toy museum. And for these gourmets in Sveaborg there is a restaurant called Walhalla, offering a huge selection of dishes and a rich wine list. The cost of main courses starts from 45 EUR.

You can also go to Café Vanille, offering excellent desserts, Café Piper, where in the summer time you can promise in the garden decorated in English style, the restaurant Klubi 20 or Café Bar Valimo, located in the premises of the ammunition depot in 1870.

Entertainment, excursions and attractions of Sveaborg

There are six museums inside the fortress.

The Suomenlinna Museum has a rich exposition covering the 260-year history of the fortress. Here you can see items used in everyday life, tools, weapons and ammunition found during the excavations of Sveaborg. The museum is open all year round, from May to October it is open from 10:00 to 18:00, the rest of the time it opens half an hour later and closes at 16:30, the entrance fee is 5 EUR, for children under 18 years entry free.

The Ehrensvärd Museum exhibits miniature models of ships, weapons, antique furniture and paintings by Elias Martin, a Sveaborg artist. The museum is open throughout the summer season from 11:00 to 18:00, and in spring and autumn - only on weekends, from 11:00 to 16:00, the adult ticket will cost 3 EUR, for children under 17 years - 1 EUR

In the collection of the Toy Museum you will find thousands of old dolls, teddy bears, machines and children's games, the oldest of which were made in the very beginning of the XIX century. Also in the museum there is a separate room with military toys. However, be careful when you visit the museum with children - in addition to the cafe mentioned above, it also has a store, and who knows how much they will facilitate your wallet, if you do not take them out on time. The museum is open to visitors only during the period from March to October, from 11:00 to 17:00, for adults the ticket price is 5 EUR, for children under 18 - 3 EUR.

The military museum in Manezh is located in a building formerly used by the Russian army as an artillery depot, at the same time Finnish military equipment has been introduced there since Finland gained independence. The museum is open from mid-May to September, from 11:00 to 18:00, for adults the entrance fee is 4 EUR, for children under 17 years - 2 EUR.

Also you can visit the submarine Vesikko, used during the Second World War. Inside the boat for visitors almost all rooms are open. The entrance to the submarine is also open from mid-May to September, from 11:00 to 18:00, the admission ticket price for adults is 4 EUR, for children under 17 is 2 EUR.

In the Customs Museum there are exhibits dedicated to the Finnish customs, a permanent exposition tells about various methods of smuggling and about the activities of customs at the present time, and the temporary one changes every year. The museum is open from June to September, from 12:30 to 17:30, admission is free.

While walking around Sveaborg, pay attention to the Royal Gate, built in 1754 on the site where Swedish King Adolph Frederik, who was watching the construction of the fortress, stayed, and served as the main entrance to the fortress.

An amazing impression is made by the Great Courtyard, located next to the administrative center of the fortress - the buildings around it have concave facades and distort the perspective. The docks of Sveaborg are considered to be the oldest in Finland and one of the oldest in all of Europe. In the bastion Zander you can walk through thick stone walls and look at the old defensive weapons. In addition, it is worth exploring the Ehrensviard kronverk, the church and the memorial in honor of the Red Guards prisoners in the fortress.

Address: Suomenlinna C74, Helsinki Photo by Sveaborg (17)