Suomenlinna Church: A Fortress Beacon
A historic church on Suomenlinna fortress, serving as both a place of worship and a unique, functional lighthouse.
Originally an Orthodox garrison church built in 1854 for Russian troops, Suomenlinna Church was transformed into an Evangelical Lutheran church after Finland's independence. Today, it uniquely serves as both a place of worship and a functioning lighthouse, guiding air and sea traffic with its distinctive light signal.
A brief summary to Suomenlinna Church
- C 43, Helsinki, 00190, FI
- +358923406126
- Visit website
- Thursday 12 pm-4 pm
- Friday 12 pm-4 pm
- Saturday 12 pm-4 pm
Local tips
- Check the Helsinki Tourist Information website for mass schedules, typically held at 2 PM on the first Sunday of each month.
- Explore the surrounding Suomenlinna fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site, for a full day of historical and scenic exploration.
- Visit during the summer months for pleasant weather and to experience the island's bustling atmosphere.
Getting There
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Walking
From the main ferry pier on Iso Mustasaari, the Suomenlinna Church is approximately a 15-20 minute walk. Follow the blue-signed walking path from the pier, passing through the arched walkway of the coastal barracks. Continue past the Suomenlinna Museum, and the church will be visible on a slight rise to your left.
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Public Transport
The primary way to reach Suomenlinna is by ferry from Helsinki's Market Square (Kauppatori). HSL ferries operate year-round, departing every 20-40 minutes, with a journey time of about 15-20 minutes. A single ticket costs €3 and can be purchased from ticket machines at the Market Square or via the HSL app. Alternatively, a water bus operates from May to September, costing €8.30 for a return ticket. Both ferries arrive on Iso Mustasaari, from where it is a 15-20 minute walk to the church.
Discover more about Suomenlinna Church
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Suomenlinna
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