TRAVEL AND LIFESTYLE DIARIES

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 in...

So I have arrived in the island of Soumenlinna. To read my crossing from Helsinki to this island, please go here: Sailing to Suomenlinna Island and the Frat Boys Club Suomenlinna Sea Fortress Website: Soumenlinna Sea Fortress The sea fortress has seen many pivotal moments of the history of Finland starting with the Swedish era, marching on to the Russian era and then taking its independence from Russia and becoming the Finland of what it is today. The network of ancient bastions have doubtlessly delivered its primary purpose during the different crossroads of yesteryears, but today this place is home to about 850 individuals, is a historical treasure the Finnish can only  be proud of, a lovely tourist attraction and an event and recreation location as well that many enjoy and have cherished memories. Here is an excerpt from the website: ‘Suomenlinna is a maritime fortress located off the coast of Helsinki. It is also a garrison town and a base for archipelago navy. The con...