Suomenlinna Island Fortress, Helsinki, Finland 2012.

[Friedland]

Just back from a trip to Helsinki where I visited both the Suomenlinna Island Fortress and the Helsinki Military Museum (for which I'll post another thread). The fortress is a must see for any military enthusiast visting the country. We jumped on a harbour ferry (around 2-3 euros for a 15 minute trip) which operates from the Market Square. As you can see, February saw the region reach twice its average snowfall for that time of year! However, the bonus being that the island wasn't crowded with its usual flocks of tourists.

The fortress was started in 1748 under the Swedish who hoped to fortify their frontier against Russia and protect shipping channels in the area. Lieutenant-Colonel Augustin Ehrensvard (1710-1772) was given responsibility for overseeing the construction and became its first commander. His tomb is included in the photos below.

In 1808 under an agreement between Alexander I and Napoleon, the Russians occupied Finland and ended Swedish rule. At the time it garrisoned 12,000 troops along with families and support personnel. Then in 1854-56 during the Crimean War the island was shelled by an Anglo-French fleet which damaged the fortress. During WW1 it was restored and used as a defensive work to protect approaches to St. Petersburg. Later it was used as a prison camp during the Finnish Civil War where many communist prisoners died of starvation and disease. It was still used as a closed military zone until 1948 but then placed under civilian administration in 1973.

Also featured on the island is the Finnish U-Boat "Vesikko", which patrolled the Gulf of Finland during WW2. In summer months the U Boat and surrounding museums are open to the public.

[Woolgar]

Wow, I was in Helsinki in 2008 and I didnt know about this!

Great pics , thanks for showing

Nick

[SteveR]

Love the pictures.
Anxious to see the museum photos.

[Thanatos]

Nice old artillery pieces.
Super interesting mate thanks for posting.

[Walkwolf]

Nice photos. I think a lot of the prisoners you spoke of may have
frozen to death there - It is a very bleak and imposing structure.
I like all the old artillery pieces as well.........

[António Fragoeiro]

Beautiful photos mate.
Fantastic.
Cheers.
Nuno

[Poromies]

Nice pictures, I have always wanted to visit, but living in Lapland, it is so close, but still so far, but someday!