Submarine Vesikko: A Dive into Finnish Naval History

Explore the meticulously restored Submarine Vesikko in Helsinki's Suomenlinna, offering a glimpse into Finland's naval history and submarine warfare.

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Submarine Vesikko

The Submarine Vesikko, located on the island of Suomenlinna in Helsinki, is a meticulously restored Finnish submarine that served during World War II. Now a museum ship, it offers a unique glimpse into the cramped and challenging lives of submariners in the 1930s and 40s.

A brief summary to Submarine Vesikko

B 79, Helsinki, 00190, FI
+358299530260
Visit website

Local tips

The Vesikko is located on Suomenlinna, so wear comfortable shoes for walking around the island.
The submarine's interior is compact; be prepared for tight spaces and low ceilings.
Check the opening hours before visiting, as the Vesikko is typically open during the summer months (May to September).
A single ticket grants access to the Military Museum's Manege and Artillery Manege, providing a comprehensive experience of military history.

Getting There

Ferry

The primary way to reach Submarine Vesikko is by ferry from Helsinki's Kauppatori (Market Square) to Suomenlinna. The HSL (Helsinki Regional Transport Authority) operates ferries year-round. A single ticket costs €3.20. The ferry journey to Suomenlinna takes approximately 10-20 minutes. From the Suomenlinna pier, follow the signs for the Military Museum and Submarine Vesikko, a walk of about 15 minutes.
Public Transport

From Helsinki Central Station, take a tram to Kauppatori Market Square. Several tram lines serve this route. From there, transfer to the Suomenlinna ferry. A single AB zone ticket, valid for 80-110 minutes, costs €3.20. Alternatively, a day ticket for unlimited travel is available for €8. From the Suomenlinna pier, it's a 15-minute walk to the Submarine Vesikko.
Taxi

A taxi from Helsinki city center to Kauppatori Market Square, the departure point for the Suomenlinna ferry, typically costs between €13 and €22. Taxi fares in Helsinki start at €1.30 per kilometer. From Kauppatori, transfer to the Suomenlinna ferry (€3.20) and walk 15 minutes from the Suomenlinna pier to the Submarine Vesikko.

Discover more about Submarine Vesikko

Submarine Vesikko, situated within the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, stands as a tangible reminder of Finland's naval history. Launched in 1933, the Vesikko (meaning European mink in Finnish) was initially built as a prototype for German Type II submarines. Before the outbreak of World War II, Finland acquired the Vesikko and integrated it into its naval forces. During the Winter War and the Continuation War, Vesikko played a crucial role in protecting convoys and patrolling the Gulf of Finland. Its most notable achievement was sinking the Soviet merchant ship Vyborg in 1941. Following the 1947 Paris Peace Treaty, Finland was prohibited from operating submarines, leading to the scrapping of all Finnish submarines except the Vesikko. In 1973, after extensive restoration, the Vesikko was opened to the public as a museum. Visitors can explore the submarine's interior, experiencing firsthand the confined living and working spaces of its 20-member crew. The exhibit features the vessel's diesel and electric engines, torpedoes, and other equipment, offering insights into the daily lives of submariners during wartime. The Vesikko is one of the Military Museum's most popular attractions and a significant memorial to naval warfare.

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Polhem Bastion

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Unmissable attractions to see

Mortuis Memorial Stone

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Ehrensvärd Museum

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Suomenlinna

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King’s Gate

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Restaurant Saaristo

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Uunisaari

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Restaurang NJK

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Restaurant Saari

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Cafe Carusel

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Restaurant Linnankellari

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Submarine Vesikko: A Dive into Finnish Naval History

A brief summary to Submarine Vesikko

Local tips

Getting There

Ferry

Public Transport

Taxi

Unlock the Best of Submarine Vesikko

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Submarine Vesikko

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Susisaari

Lantinghausen Bastion

Kustaanmiekka

Polhem Bastion

Suomenlinna Maritime Fortress

Särkkä

Kuninkaansaari

Skatuddens Terminal

Katajanokka Terminal

Liuskaluoto

Olympia Terminal

Skiffer Liuskaluoto

Katajanokka

Wanha Satama

The Shipwrecked

Unmissable attractions to see

Mortuis Memorial Stone

Ehrensvärd Museum

Suomenlinna

Suomenlinna Museum

King’s Gate

Military Museum of Manège

Iso Mustasaari

Suomenlinna Church

Suomenlinna Sea Fortress

Vallisaari

Lonna Sauna

Kalvholmen

Kungsholmen

Harakka

Katajanokanluoto

Essential places to dine

Restaurant Adlerfelt

Lonna ravintola

Särkänlinna

Restaurant Saaristo

Uunisaari

Restaurang NJK

Restaurant Saari

Cafe Carusel

Restaurant Linnankellari

Ravintola Makasiini & Bar

Restaurant Sea Horse

Restaurant Locanda Scappi

Le Ankka

Restaurant Everest Katajanokka

Restaurant Wellamo

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Edition Wilhelm Hansen Helsingfors Ab

Nordic Design and Handcraft Shop Käspaikka

Aarreholvi

LadyBohemia Boutique-Showroom

Helsinki secondhand oy

Götan Maailma / Göta’s World

Urban Concept

Live Love Helsinki

Street West

COMMON

Garageland

Ateljee Hyppönen

Digital Fabric Oy

Kaunis Veera second hand shop

Reindeer Souvenirs Shop & Kiosk

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Island-K Bar&Kitchen

Pub Vapari

Beaky Basterd & Co