Suomenlinna Church: A Beacon of History and Faith

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A historic church and working lighthouse in Suomenlinna, offering a unique glimpse into Finland's past and present.

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Suomenlinna Church

Originally built in 1854 as an Orthodox garrison church for Russian troops, the Suomenlinna Church stands as a unique landmark in the Suomenlinna fortress. Converted to a Lutheran church in 1918, it also functions as a lighthouse, guiding ships and aircraft with its distinctive Morse code signal.

A brief summary to Suomenlinna Church

C 43, Helsinki, 00190, FI
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Thursday 12 pm-4 pm
Friday 12 pm-4 pm
Saturday 12 pm-4 pm

Local tips

Check the Helsinki Region Transport (HSL) website for the most up-to-date ferry schedules to Suomenlinna.
Explore the Suomenlinna fortress after visiting the church to discover more about the island's history.
Visit during the summer months for pleasant weather and a bustling atmosphere.

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Getting There

Public Transport

The most common way to reach Suomenlinna Church is by taking the HSL ferry from Kauppatori (Market Square) in Helsinki. The ferry operates year-round, with departures every 20 to 60 minutes depending on the season and time of day. The journey takes approximately 15-20 minutes. A single ticket costs €3 and is part of Helsinki's public transportation network. From the main pier in Suomenlinna, walk towards the center of the island of Iso Mustasaari. Pass through the coastal barracks' arched walkway, and the church will be on your left.
Walking

Once you disembark the HSL ferry at the main pier, the Suomenlinna Church is approximately a 15-20 minute walk. Head south from the pier, passing through the arched walkway of the coastal barracks. Continue towards the center of Iso Mustasaari island. The church will be visible on your left, situated on a slight rise.

Discover more about Suomenlinna Church

The Suomenlinna Church, located on the island of Iso Mustasaari within the Suomenlinna sea fortress, boasts a rich history and unique dual purpose. Initially constructed in 1854 as an Eastern Orthodox garrison church for the Russian troops stationed at Suomenlinna, it was dedicated to Saint Alexander Nevsky. The church was designed by Konstantin Thon, a prominent architect of Imperial Russia. Following Finland's independence in 1917, the church was converted into an Evangelical Lutheran church in 1918. As a symbol of this transition, the four smaller towers' onion domes were removed. In 1928, architect Einar Sjöström won a competition to redesign the church, incorporating a more Western design. The renovated church was reconsecrated in April 1929. Since 1929, the church's central dome has served as a lighthouse, making it one of the few churches in the world with this dual function. The lighthouse's signal flashes the Morse code for the letter 'H', representing Helsinki. The church's bell, cast in Moscow in 1885, is the largest in Finland. The church is surrounded by a fence made of cannons and chains dating back to the 1870s. Today, the Suomenlinna Church belongs to the parish of the Helsinki Cathedral.