Helsinki: Islands, Fortress and Architecture

Helsinki brings together islands, historic fortifications, natural areas and contemporary architecture. The Helsinki Archipelago includes more than 300 islands. If you are looking for hotels for a stay in the city, your interests can guide your plans: Suomenlinna is home to an extensive fortress complex, Seurasaari combines nature with an open-air museum, and Oodi adds a contemporary touch. Korkeasaari Zoo also offers a focus of its own.

Suomenlinna: a fortress on six islands

Suomenlinna is a district of Helsinki, and the fortress extends across six separate islands. The fortress covers 210 hectares and includes 200 buildings and six kilometres of defensive walls. Its scale is as distinctive as its architectural history: Suomenlinna is an outstanding example of general fortification principles from the 17th and 18th centuries, particularly the bastion system, while also displaying individual features. For anyone interested in considering architecture and history together, the contrast between general building principles and the complex’s distinctive features offers a tangible starting point.

Guided walking tours visit historic sites and share insights into the fortress’s past and present. Tour times vary by season. An HSL ferry runs year-round from Market Square to Suomenlinna’s main pier; the crossing takes about 15 minutes. As timetables may change, it is advisable to check departure times for your planned visit date.

Nature, trails and swimming on Seurasaari

A pedestrian bridge connects Seurasaari to the mainland year-round. The circular route is about 3.1 kilometres long; stairs can be avoided if needed. These are two practical points to help plan a walk. The landscape includes natural coastal forests, herb-rich forests with valuable flora, ponds and smooth rocks, as well as a coastal meadow that is a protected habitat type. Seurasaari’s southern shore and islets form a nature reserve.

The shores and islets serve as nesting sites for various bird species. In this peaceful recreation area, visitors can observe birds and squirrels at close range among the old trees; wildlife sightings vary. Seurasaari is also Helsinki’s most diverse habitat for bats.

Swimming options are also seasonal: in summer, visitors can swim in the sea at the rocky, sandy beach, while in winter the swimming facility operates as a winter swimming spot, maintained by the Seurasaari Swimmers’ Association. Swimming conditions and seasonal operations may change. Check the current status before your visit. There is also a public barbecue area at the festival grounds, where visitors can grill their own food. The city regularly provides firewood; bring your own matches. Restrictions may apply during fire warnings.

Open-air museum and Midsummer

The Seurasaari Open-Air Museum was founded in 1909 and comprises 88 buildings typical of various regions, dating from the late 17th to the 20th century. It is open from mid-May to mid-September. The collection offers a different historical perspective from Suomenlinna: while fortification principles from the 17th and 18th centuries are central there, the museum features buildings from several centuries. Seurasaari is also known for its Midsummer celebrations.

Architecture and cultural sites in Helsinki

The Oodi Central Library combines successful service design with contemporary Finnish architecture. As a venue and versatile urban meeting place, it offers spaces for reading, learning, working and relaxing. Helsinki Cathedral was completed in 1852 as the present-day main church of the Diocese of Helsinki. Formerly known as St. Nicholas Church and the Great Cathedral, it is part of Helsinki’s Empire-era centre. Contemporary architecture and service design thus stand alongside a landmark with a specific building history and historic names.

Korkeasaari Zoo is located on an island in the Baltic Sea, not far from Helsinki city centre, and is home to more than 150 animal species. This number may change as the collections develop.

Discover more destinations: Sipoo, Karjalohja, Vantaa, Mörskom, Mäntsälä, Lohja, Tuusula, Hanko.

For the overview of the wider region: Uusimaa.