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The islands of Vallisaari and Lonna

The islands of Suomenlinna Sea Fortress have some interesting and beautiful neighbours, Vallisaari and Lonna, just around the corner.

 

Over the Russian period the entity of Helsinki’s military islands expanded greatly as the new times of warfare required greater depth and breadth from defense arrangements. Several islands in the vicinity of Suomenlinna – the Old Fortress – were given a stronger military role in the mid-1800s and in the beginning of the 20 th century.

 

Today the island of Vallisaari and Lonna houses restaurang services and a beautiful nature for visitors to experience in the summertime.

Näkymä Vallisaarelta

The island of Vallisaari

The island of Vallisaari is a combination of deep green forests, great views over the Baltic Sea and interesting history. The island was opened to public relatively recently, in 2016. During its last decades as a military island, Vallisaari was no longer actively used by the Finnish military, which had unexpected yet positive implications on the island: nowadays, Vallisaari offers a green, tranquil environment for visitors to enjoy. The military past is present in the form of fortifications and interesting stories.

The island of Lonna

The history of the island of Lonna concentrates very much around naval mines. Most of the buildings date back to the 1800s, the Russian period. There were i.a. storage spaces for mines on the island as well as a mine laboratory. In the Finnish period, a degaussing station for ships was located at Lonna. The equipment of the station still exists, reminding visitors of the curious past. Photos of Lonna: Teemu Lautamies.
Lonnan saari Helsingin edustalla

Wish to learn more?

Ehrensvärd Society offers guided tours on both islands, Vallisaari and Lonna. Both of the islands are accessible by waterbus service from the Market Square (15min to Lonna, 20min to Vallisaari). For further information on restaurant services on the island of Lonna, please see: www.lonna.fi.
Guided Walking Tour at the Island of Vallisaari for Groups

The former military island of Vallisaari is located right next to Suomenlinna and it offers deep green forests, magnificent views and interesting histories. Vallisaari was opened to public relatively recently, in 2016.

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Guided tour on the island of Lonna

Tiny island full of history! The island of Lonna is in the vicinity of Suomenlinna, just 15 min from the Market Square. Its history concentrates around naval mines and degaussing of ships.

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Top program at Suomenlinna!

We provide a wide scale of different program at Suomenlinna. Have a look at some our suggestions for an unforgettable day at Suomenlinna!
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Guided tours

Experience the history of Suomenlinna

Augustin Ehrensvärd

Suomenlinna Museum

Visit the museum individually or with a group

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Cafes and restaurants

Cafe Piper

Full history of Suomenlinna

History

The construction works of Suomenlinna begun in 1748