Finland Guide
Helsinki and the south
Suomenlinna
Located in the southeast of the Kaivopuisto district and built by the Swedes in 1748 to protect Helsinki from seaborne attack, the fortress of Suomenlinna stands on five interconnected islands, reached by half-hourly ferry from the South Harbour, which make a rewarding break from the city centre – even if you only want to laze around on the dunes. (These were created by the Russians with sand shipped in from Estonia to strengthen the new capital's defences after they'd wrested control of Finland.) For information, head just west of the ferry terminal to the Inventory Chambers Visitors Centre (March, April & Oct Mon– Fri 11am–4pm, Sat & Sun 11am–5pm; May– Aug daily 10am–6pm; Sept Mon– Fri 11am–5pm, Sat & Sun 10am–5pm; Nov– Feb Tues– Sun 11am–4pm), housed in a former naval stores.