Part 2: Suomenlinna Sea Fortress Island in Finland

Suomenlinna is a great place for a day out, or even for just half a day. Soak in some Finnish history, nature scenery, a little relaxing stroll and perhaps some sun as well. The sea fortress is relatively small and after an hour or two you will have seen everything.

Here’s a few life line tips while out there:

Suomenlinna Visitors Guide
Suomenlinna Map

Suomenlinna in a nutshell

8 islands: Kustaanmiekka, Susisaari, Iso Mustasaari, Pikku Mustasaari, Länsi-Mustasaari, Särkkä, Pormestarinluoto and Lonna
Area: land 80 hectares, surrounding sea 80 hectares
Construction: Started in 1748
Length of walls: about 6 km
Artillery: 105 guns and barrel cannons
Buildings: 200 (160,000 square metres), 6 museums + 9 restaurants
Inhabitants: about 850
Jobs: 400 around the year, 500 in the summer
Visitors: 700,000 every year
Heritage: UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991

Source: Soumenlinna website (see link above)

The earthworks and guns of Kustaanmiekka.

Very interesting colour and rock formation in Kustaanmiekka.

At the King’s Gate Quay. There are ferries that dock here from Helsinki market harbour.

The beach area with a group of kids playing race car on the sand.

The earthworks and guns of Kustaanmiekka.

Some tunnel works in Susisaari part of the island.

Suomenlinna Centre Quay, and to the left of this picture is the Suomenlinna Centre.

A Cider at Cafe Bar Valimo
Website: Cafe Bar Valimo

Its time for another drink, and what better way to have it at the Cafe Bar Valimo in the marina with cool views of the yachts moored by. The cafe and bar is housed in a stone barracks and has a charming outdoor terrace situated right on the water marina, and I have to say that this is one of the nicest cafe terraces in the island. Sticking to my travel theme of keeping it local, I ordered a cider, the Sinebrychoff Cranberry long drink.

Ciders are very popular drinks in the country so when you are in Finland you have to try one or a few. It is light so this is a great choice for women who are not avid alcohol drinkers, and for those who drink, consider this as your refreshing treat.

Did you know that the Finns are big alcoholic drinkers? I heard they are quite proud of it although I have my doubts. I mean, really? There are even discussions going on about who drinks more, the Russians or the Finns. You tell me.

Just relaxing here at the marina with my cranberry cider drink.

This family is getting their boat ready for the evening, putting up a light on the mast and the young girls were up to it.

One of the restaurants in Suomenlinna, Suomenlinna Brewery Restaurant. I did not eat here, just had a quick looksee.

My boat has arrived!

Time to go back to Helsinki =)

Thank you Suomenlinna for having me.

Click here for the Part 1: Suomenlinna Sea Fortress Island in Finland

Travel Period: May 2013
Destination: Suomenlinna (Helsinki), Finland

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