Frequently asked questions

How do I get to Suomenlinna?

The Helsinki City Transport ferry operates throughout the year to Suomenlinna. The ferry journey takes about 15 minutes. During the summer season, you can also get to Suomenlinna on the waterbus operated by JT-Line, which stops at the Visitor Centre pier and the King’s Gate (please see “How to get there”). For visitors arriving by private boat, the Suomenlinna guest harbour is the only permitted landing place on the island.

Can I get to Suomenlinna via the service tunnel?

Unfortunately this is not possible. In 1976–1980, a narrow tunnel was built from Suomenlinna. District heating, water and cables go through the tunnel. The narrow passage in the tunnel, suitable for a car, is only meant for emergency vehicles and for the use of the authorities. According to an urban legend, the tunnel was actually built by the Chinese in the 1800s. Of course, this is untrue.

When is Suomenlinna open for visits?

Suomenlinna is a district of Helsinki and is open to visits every day of the year. Most tourist services on the island are only open during the summer season, but there are some services available in the winter as well. Opening hours and prices

How much is the entrance fee to Suomenlinna?

There is no entrance fee to the fortress. Visitors only have to pay for the crossing to Suomenlinna and back. Please note that the ferry ticket does not include entrance to the museums on the island; each museum has its own separate entrance charge. Read more on museum prices and opening hours here. The Helsinki Card allows free travel on the Helsinki City Transport ferry and the JT-Line waterbus as well as free entrance to the museums, excluding the Toy Museum. Helsinki Card destinations in Suomenlinna.

Can you rent bicycles in Suomenlinna? Is there a minitrain or horses on the island?

Bicycles, prams, trolleys or wheelchairs cannot be rented in Suomenlinna.

You can move around Suomenlinna on foot. The island has many cobblestoned roads which may make moving around with a wheelchair or pram difficult. A map showing routes suitable for a wheelchair is available here.

You can also cycle in Suomenlinna, but only on the marked routes. Cycling on the sandbanks is forbidden, as they are protected parts of the fortification. Transporting bicycles on the ferry and waterbus is subject to a charge. Suomenlinna is a car-free zone where only service vehicles are allowed. Transporting cars on the ferries is subject to a charge. Reservations should be made in advance from Suomenlinnan Liikenne Oy.

Where is the castle?

Suomenlinna is a maritime fortress and there is no actual castle, even though the name Suomenlinna (Castle of Finland) suggests it.

How many inhabitants are there in Suomenlinna?

Approximately 850 people live in Suomenlinna, and about 400 people work on the island throughout the year. The biggest employers are the Governing Body of Suomenlinna and the Finnish Naval Academy, both of which have approximately 80 employees.

What is a good place for a barbecue in Suomenlinna?

There are no designated grilling places in Suomenlinna. Lighting an open fire and grilling is forbidden throughout Suomenlinna. The use of disposable barbecues is also forbidden.

You may, however, enjoy snacks and packed lunches brought from home or bought on the island. Please take your rubbish with you or use the rubbish bins provided in the area.

How do you get to live in Suomenlinna?

There are approximately 370 apartments in Suomenlinna. Most of these are state-owned rental apartments. In addition, there are a few private houses. The Governing Body of Suomenlinna is responsible for renting, repairing and maintaining the state-owned apartments.

Each free apartment must be applied for separately, and there is no waiting list. The Governing Body of Suomenlinna announces available apartments on the Suomenlinna noticeboard and on its website. Apartments rarely come on the market; usually only a few become available each year.

Are there any restaurants in Suomenlinna?

Depending how they are counted, Suomenlinna has between eight and ten different cafés and restaurants. Most of the restaurants are open only during the summer season, but at least one is open throughout the year. Read more up-to-date information on the opening hours of the restaurants and cafés here.

Can you stay overnight in Suomenlinna?

You can stay the night in Hostel Suomenlinna, which is open throughout the year. Read more on the opening hours and prices of the hostel here.

Camping in Suomenlinna is forbidden.

Is there a cash machine in Suomenlinna?

There are no cash machines in Suomenlinna. Debit and credit cards are accepted in most places. You can withdraw cash with Finnish debit cards at the Jetty Barracks’ kiosk and at the grocery store.

Is it possible to visit the caves? Where are the caves?

There are no caves in Suomenlinna, but there are tunnels within the fortification. Some tunnels are open to visitors. Visitors enter the tunnels at their own risk. Torches may come in handy, especially when exploring the longer tunnels.

Most of the tunnels are located on the Kustaanmiekka and Susisaari islands, and their openings are marked on the guide maps of the area. In addition, the Suomenlinna department of the Mannerheim League for Child Welfare has produced a map of the tunnels in the area. You can purchase the map in the Visitor Centre.

Are dogs allowed in Suomenlinna?

Yes. The same rules apply to dogs in Suomenlinna as elsewhere in Helsinki: Dogs should be kept on a leash and not be let near children’s playgrounds or on the beach. The owner or the person responsible for the dog must also dispose of its droppings.

Guide dogs and other assistance dogs are welcome at all Suomenlinna’s sights and places of interest.

Is fishing allowed in Suomenlinna?

Angling is what is known as an ‘everyman’s right’ in Finland, therefore no permission is required. Spinning requires a ‘trolling permit’ from the City of Helsinki or a province-specific lure permit and payment of the fishery fee.

The fishing rules of the City of Helsinki are observed in Suomenlinna’s water areas. When fishing with nets, in addition to paying the fishery fee, you should redeem a net marker and observe the forbidden fishing zones in the Suomenlinna area. Beware the slippery rocks and the waves caused by water traffic!