Helsinki - Part 2: Suomenlinna (11 pictures)

On my second day in Helsinki I went to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Suomenlinaa (which means Castle of Finland).  This fortress, built across 6 islands, was built by the Swedes to guard against Russian Expansionism, but was captured by the Russians in 1808.  The capture paved the way for the occupation and annexation of Finland by the Russians in 1809.

It's a popular site for both visitors to Helsinki and natives, and is only about a 15-20 minute ferry ride from the harbor.

As you come into the dock, this is one of the views.

 There is a church built by the Russians for the soldiers stationed on the island, not far from the main dock (know simply as Suomenlinna Church).  The church is unique because it is the only church in the world that functions as both a church and a lighthouse.

Surrounding the church is a "wall" formed by the cannons and chains that were used to close the straights during the Swedish regime.

There are several other docks than the one you arrive on the island at.  This is another one.  I liked the view here of the dock, the walls, and the inlet, and snapped this picture.

 There are fortification walls throughout the islands, such as these.

 And these.

And these....

And in many places, there are fortification tunnels running through some of the walls, such as this.

And in a great many places, there are still old cannons in place.  You can sight out the fortifications like this.

 Or take a look at some of them from below, like this.

And I'll leave off with this view of the shore.  Probably not something you want to storm ashore on in the late 1800's or early 1900's, even without all the walls.

It was an interesting site to visit.  It was great to spend hours wandering among the islands, looking at the fortifications.  There are actually several cafe's and restaurants on the islands, and even a "hotel" that looked like it might have 2 rooms.  But it's there.  There are also permanent residents on the island.

If you ever got to Helsinki in the Spring or Summer, give it a visit.