Suomenlinna

Helsinki

When I booked my flights out to Helsinki, one of the places I was most excited about visiting wasn’t actually in the city itself; it was 20 minutes away.  By boat.

Built during the Swedish era (1748-1808) as a maritime fortress and a base for the archipelago fleet, Suomenlinna (formerly known as ‘Sveaborg,’ or Viapori’ in Finnish) is Helsinki’s 18th century sea fortress.

Not only is Suomenlinna unusual in the shape of its construction but also in the fact that it has defended three different sovereign states since its initial construction.  During the Russo-Swedish war in 1808, the fortress fell to the Russians and remained under the rule of the Russian Imperial Government for 90 years.  Ownership then passed to the Finnish government in 1918 and it was at that point that its name was changed from ‘Viapori’ to ‘Suomenlinna’ – meaning ‘Castle of Finland’ – to reflect the country’s independence.

Nowadays it's one of the most popular tourist attractions in Finland and also one of the most popular day trips from Helsinki.

#history
When I booked my flights out to Helsinki, one of the places I was most excited about visiting wasn’t actually in the city itself; it was 20 minutes away.  By boat.

Built during the Swedish era (1748-1808) as a maritime fortress and a base for the archipelago fleet, Suomenlinna (formerly known as ‘Sveaborg,’ or Viapori’ in Finnish) is Helsinki’s 18th century sea fortress.

Not only is Suomenlinna unusual in the shape of its construction but also in the fact that it has defended three different sovereign states since its initial construction.  During the Russo-Swedish war in 1808, the fortress fell to the Russians and remained under the rule of the Russian Imperial Government for 90 years.  Ownership then passed to the Finnish government in 1918 and it was at that point that its name was changed from ‘Viapori’ to ‘Suomenlinna’ – meaning ‘Castle of Finland’ – to reflect the country’s independence.

Nowadays it's one of the most popular tourist attractions in Finland and also one of the most popular day trips from Helsinki.

#history
Located among a group of islands in the harbor near Helsinki, Suomenlinna Fortress was built as a base for the Archipelago Fleet. Construction began in 1748. #LifeatExpediaGroup
View from a cruise ship of the fort in the Suomenlinna island entering to Helsinki.
Suomenlinna, or the Fortress of Finland was so cool. We spent an entire day on this island. So much to do and see! #helsinki #finland #blue

Popular places to visit


Suomenlinna Hotel Deals

Marski by Scandic

Marski by Scandic

4 out of 5
Mannerheimintie 10 Helsinki
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₩138,538 per night from Feb 15 to Feb 16
₩138,538
₩157,241 total
Feb 15 - Feb 16
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Helsinki. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,599 reviews)
Cleaness and cozyness

Reviewed on Jan 11, 2026

Marski by Scandic
Scandic Grand Central Helsinki

Scandic Grand Central Helsinki

Vilhonkatu 13 Helsinki
The price is ₩151,789 per night from Feb 8 to Feb 9
₩151,789
₩172,280 total
Feb 8 - Feb 9
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Helsinki. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,062 reviews)
Very centrally located hotel. Staff was very nice and the breakfast, while not included in my room price was worth it. The bed was very comfortable as were the -pillows which often complain about.

Reviewed on Jan 17, 2026

Scandic Grand Central Helsinki
VALO Hotel & Work Helsinki

VALO Hotel & Work Helsinki

4 out of 5
Mannerheimintie 109 Helsinki
Stay at this hotel in Helsinki. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,830 reviews)
Smart and cosy room and yet comfy. Conveniently located between airport and the city centre.

Reviewed on Dec 20, 2025

VALO Hotel & Work Helsinki
Comfort Hotel Helsinki Airport

Comfort Hotel Helsinki Airport

3.5 out of 5
Taivastie 1 Vantaa Uusimaa
The price is ₩188,154 per night from Feb 14 to Feb 15
₩188,154
₩213,555 total
Feb 14 - Feb 15
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Vantaa. Enjoy free breakfast, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Finnish Aviation Museum and Jumbo ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,212 reviews)
It is frustrating that we cannot walk to breakfast without going outside in the winter storm.

Reviewed on Jan 8, 2026

Comfort Hotel Helsinki Airport
Hobo Helsinki

Hobo Helsinki

4 out of 5
Kluuvikatu 4 Helsinki
The price is ₩192,747 per night from Feb 19 to Feb 20
₩192,747
₩218,767 total
Feb 19 - Feb 20
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Helsinki. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Popular attractions Esplanadi and Helsinki City Museum are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,041 reviews)
Nice boutique hotel that was comfy and enjoyed the friendliness of the staff. Like the bar downstairs. Wasn't able to enjoy breakfast as I left very early in the morning.

Reviewed on Jan 15, 2026

Hobo Helsinki
Noli Katajanokka

Noli Katajanokka

3 out of 5
Kanavakatu 1 Helsinki
The price is ₩122,889 per night from Jan 25 to Jan 26
₩122,889
₩139,479 total
Jan 25 - Jan 26
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Helsinki. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,324 reviews)
The whole place was clean and modern. It’s very much a self service kind of hotel where you can check in and out with yourself. Great location also since the train is next to the building which is accessible to the whole city center in immediate minutes. Overall great hotel especially for someone ...

Reviewed on Jan 11, 2026

Noli Katajanokka
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Suomenlinna