HelsinkiExpert - Sigth of the Month
Sigth of the Month:
Suomenlinna Sea Fortress
Topping the list of Helsinki musts. Worth visiting also during off-season.
12/2006
The Suomenlinna Sea Fortress is a unique architectural monument built as a bastion on six islands off Helsinki in 1748. It is one of the largest sea fortresses in the world and is included in the UNESCO's World Heritage List.
Suomenlinna is worth visiting also in winter. The ferry transport from the Market Square to the island takes only 15 minutes - the trip through the frozen sea is an unforgettable experience.
The history of this naval fortress from the 18th century to the present day comes to life in the Suomenlinna Museum and especially in the award-winning wide-screen show "Suomenlinna Experience" shown daily every half an hour in the museum's auditorium. The museum is located in Visitor Centre building, where you can also join the guided tour of the fortress departing Saturdays and Sundays at 1.30pm until December 17, 2006.
The Visitor Centre and The Suomenlinna Museum are open daily from 10am to 4pm. Entrance fee to the museum and the wide-screen show is 5 euros and the ticket to the guided tour is 6.50 euros (with Helsinki Card both are free of charge).
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Text: Pirjo Kauppinen
Photo: City of Helsinki Picture Bank
