In the winter

During the winter months Suomenlinna is quiet – a perfect counterpoint to the hustle and bustle of the city. Because no vehicles are allowed on the fortress, the fallen snow stays clean and white. The crossing to the fortress in winter is an experience in itself, especially in extreme freezing temperatures when ice rattles against the sides of the ferry.

During winter the Suomenlinna Visitor Centre, Suomenlinna Museum and a handful of restaurants and cafés are open .

Guided tours are available in English at weekends.

A special programme is available during various events. These include the Väkevä Viapori resident’s festival in October and events around Christmas, New Year and Easter. For details, see the calendar of events.

The main route and information boards are lit, but please note that darkness may fall as early as three or four o’clock in the afternoon around the turn of the year. The streets are gritted as soon as possible. However, cobblestones may still be slippery so shoes with good grip are a must.

Up-to-date weather information.

Two hours to spend in Suomenlinna

• Visit the Suomenlinna Museum and watch the widescreen show (45 min)
• Take the guided tour during the weekend and learn about the history of the fortress (60 min)
• Go shopping or enjoy a hot cup of coffee (15 min)

An hour to spend in Suomenlinna

• Walk to the Suomenlinna Visitor Centre from the main pier and read the information boards along the route (15 min)
• Watch the Suomenlinna Experience widescreen show (30 min) or walk to the Great Courtyard and explore the fortress (30 min)
• Walk back to the ferry (10 min)
• Take a map and follow the blue main route