King's Gate: A Symbol of Suomenlinna
Visit the iconic King's Gate at Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with centuries of history and stunning Baltic Sea views.
King's Gate (Kuninkaanportti in Finnish, Kungsporten in Swedish) is the principal entrance to Suomenlinna Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site located just off the coast of Helsinki. Situated on the southernmost island of Suomenlinna, the gate faces the Kustaanmiekka strait and is considered the main symbol of the fortress. Constructed between 1753 and 1754, the gate commemorates the arrival of King Adolf Frederick of Sweden, who came to inspect the fortress's construction. It was built on the very spot where the King's ship anchored. The gate is a typical fortress gate, complete with cannon openings. The sides of the gate feature four stone tablets inscribed in Swedish by Augustin Ehrensvärd, the fortress's designer. Over the centuries, King's Gate has witnessed pivotal moments in Finnish history, from the Swedish era to Russian occupation and, ultimately, Finnish independence. Today, it stands as a monument to Finland's complex past and a reminder of the country's resilience. The King's Gate, along with the rest of Suomenlinna, serves as a symbol of Finnish sovereignty. The gate has been restored multiple times, most recently after partial destruction during the Crimean War in 1855. Visitors can explore the King's Gate and appreciate its architectural and historical significance. Wide stairs lead to the gate, but a drawbridge and a wide pit on both sides were historically used to hinder access to the fortress.
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the island has cobblestone paths and grassy areas.
- Follow the Blue Route, a 1.5-kilometer path marked with blue signs, to easily navigate from the main pier to King's Gate.
- Check the ferry schedule in advance, especially during the off-season, to ensure you don't miss the last ferry back to Helsinki.
- Bring water and snacks, although there are cafes and restaurants on the island.
A brief summary to King’s Gate
- Helsinki, 00190, FI
- Visit website
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Getting There
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Ferry
The most common way to reach King's Gate is by taking the HSL ferry from Market Square (Kauppatori) in Helsinki. The ferry operates year-round, with departures every 20-30 minutes. A single ticket costs approximately €3 and is valid for zones A and AB. The ferry ride takes about 15-20 minutes. From the main pier on Suomenlinna, follow the Blue Route for about 1.5 kilometers to reach King's Gate.
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Waterbus
During the summer months (May to September), a waterbus offers an alternative route directly to King's Gate. The waterbus departs from the Keisarinluodon pier at Market Square. A return ticket costs around €8.30. Please note that Helsinki Region Transport Authority (HSL) tickets are not valid on the waterbus service. From the King's Gate pier, it's a short walk to the gate itself.
