Background

Suomenlinna Church: A Fortress Beacon

A historic church on Suomenlinna fortress, serving as both a place of worship and a unique, functional lighthouse.

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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

  • 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.
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Getting There

  • 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.

  • 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.

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Discover more about Suomenlinna Church

Suomenlinna Church, located on the island of Iso Mustasaari within the Suomenlinna sea fortress, boasts a rich history and unique dual purpose. Constructed in 1854 as an Eastern Orthodox garrison church for the Russian troops stationed at the fortress, it was initially dedicated to Saint Alexander Nevsky. The church's original design, by Konstantin Thon, featured five onion domes, a perimeter fence made of cannons and chains, and the largest church bell in Finland. Following Finland's independence in 1917, the church underwent a transformation into an Evangelical Lutheran church. As part of this conversion, the onion domes of the four smaller towers were removed to incorporate a more Western design. In 1929, the church was re-consecrated after renovations led by architect Einar Sjöström, with Jarl Eklund completing the work after Sjöström's death. A key feature of the redesign was converting the central dome into a lighthouse. The lighthouse still functions, using a signal blink pattern that represents the letter "H" in Morse code for Helsinki. The Suomenlinna Church is not only a historical landmark but also an active part of the local community. It belongs to the parish of the Helsinki Cathedral and hosts services. Visitors can explore the church's serene interior and learn about its fascinating history, as well as enjoy the surrounding Suomenlinna fortress with its museums, fortifications, and scenic views.

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