Suomenlinna Fortress Grounds

Beyond the mighty bastions and famous museums of Suomenlinna lies an entire world for the unhurried explorer. The fortress is an extensive archipelago. It is a territory for contemplative walks where you can chart your own route. Suomenlinna is spread across eight islands, connected by bridges and causeways.

Network of Trails and Routes in Suomenlinna

Walking in Suomenlinna is a choice between a clear plan and free wandering.

The Blue Route: The main pedestrian trail, marked by a blue line on maps and signs. It leads from the main ferry pier past key sights (the Suomenlinna Museum, the King`s Gate) to the viewing point on Kustaanmiekka. This is the optimal route for a first visit (about 1-1.5 hours).

Trails for Explorers:

Along the Top of the Ramparts: From the King`s Gate, you can climb onto the rampart of the "Heron" bastion and walk along it, enjoying views of the harbour. Similar paths run along the fortifications on Kustaanmiekka island.

Along the Water`s Edge: Many islands are encircled by trails running right by the water. The path along the western shore of Susisaari is especially picturesque—here you can see old jetties, wave-polished boulders, and solitary cannons.

Through the Inner Courtyards (Curtains): Narrow paths lead into secluded green courtyards surrounded by high walls, where absolute silence reigns, broken only by the cry of seagulls.

Minor but Significant Sights

In addition to the classic attractions, you will encounter places with a special atmosphere:

• Suomenlinna Church: Originally built as an Orthodox church for the Russian garrison, it now also serves as a lighthouse for sailors. Its modest yet elegant silhouette is an integral part of the panorama. 
• Submarine Vesikko: A legendary Finnish submarine from the Second World War, hauled onto land. Visiting its cramped compartments is a powerful immersion into a different era. 
• The Prison Yard (Vankila): A small, grim building of the old 19th-century prison, a reminder of the less heroic sides of the fortress`s history. Today, conditionally sentenced individuals serving community sentences work here on maintaining the grounds. 
• The Governor`s House (Komentajan talo) and Old Barracks: A row of elegant wooden and stone buildings that give an idea of the life of officers and soldiers in the 19th century. 
• The Great Courtyard (Suuri linnanpiha): A huge parade ground surrounded by buildings from different eras. Here you can sense the scale of the fortress ensemble. 
• The Workshops (Työkasarmi): A long yellow building where equipment was once repaired, now housing artists` studios and craft workshops you can peek into. 
• "Secret" Tunnels and Casemates: Some low passageways within the thickness of the ramparts are open for free exploration. Stepping inside, you`ll feel the dampness of the stone and absolute darkness, pierced only by a sliver of light from an embrasure.

Practical Tips for the Perfect Walk:

Choose comfortable and sturdy footwear, as trails can be rocky and climbs onto ramparts steep.

Map or Navigator: Free maps are available at the main pier, but you can also simply trust your intuition—it`s impossible to get truly lost within the confines of the islands, and every "wrong" turn can lead to the most memorable view.

Seasonality: In summer, the area is full of life, green, and blooming. In autumn and winter, when there are fewer tourists, the fortress appears in its most austere, authentic, and melancholic form, particularly valued by photographers and contemplative visitors.

It is precisely in these aimless wanderings along the paths, in the discovery of small corners not named in guidebooks, that the main magic of Suomenlinna lies. Here, you choose your own interests and routes.