Suomenlinna
Sveaborg · Suomenlinna fortress · Viapori
60°08.7'N 24°59.3'E
Depth
3–7m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
75m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
75m
75m for good holding in mud/sand in 3–7m. Keep clear of the Helsinki–Suomenlinna ferry lane. In strong SW or W conditions, the anchorage is exposed — enter the sheltered inner harbour.
About This Anchorage
Suomenlinna (Swedish: Sveaborg — 'Fortress of Sweden') is a UNESCO World Heritage Site — a sea fortress built by Sweden starting in 1748 on a cluster of six islands, later completed under Russian rule and now a living community of 900 residents and Finland's most visited attraction. The fortress covers the islands with remarkable 18th-century military architecture — bastions, barracks, officer's quarters, dry dock, and the famous lion sculpture. The islands are 2nm south of Helsinki's South Harbour, accessible by public ferry (15 minutes, year-round). The anchorage between the fortress islands is one of the most dramatic sailing positions in Northern Europe — Helsinki's skyline behind, 18th-century granite ramparts towering above the waterline. The fortress museums, including a WWII submarine (Vesikko, 1933), are excellent.
Protected From
N · NW · NE · E
Exposed To
S · SW · W
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Harbour fee approx €20–30/night; mooring buoys available from harbour master
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: UNESCO World Heritage Site — all buildings and ramparts are protected; no climbing on walls; restricted military/administrative areas on the islands; ferry lane must be kept clear; harbour master coordinates berthing.
Hazards
- !Heavy ferry traffic from Helsinki — public ferry every 20 minutes; anchor clear of the ferry lane
- !Large cruise ship and ferry traffic in the main Helsinki approach channels — monitor AIS
- !Open to south and SW — southerly conditions expose the anchorage
- !Very crowded in July–August with day visitors; arrive early for best anchoring position
- !UNESCO site regulations — anchor in designated areas only; harbour master enforces rules
Skipper's Tips
- →Suomenlinna is one of the finest destinations in all Finnish sailing — the combination of history, architecture, and position is extraordinary
- →Arrive early (before 09:00) in summer — the public ferry from Helsinki starts bringing day visitors from 09:00 and the island fills quickly
- →The submarine museum (Vesikko, 1933) is exceptional — a WWII Finnish submarine in original condition; allow 1 hour
- →Walk the King's Gate (Kuninkaanportti) — the main ceremonial entrance from the sea side, 18th century; remarkable preservation
- →The island bakery serves excellent Finnish pastries from 08:00 — fresh pulla (cardamom bread) for breakfast at anchor is hard to beat
Facilities
Several restaurants and cafés on Suomenlinna islands (seasonal). WWII submarine museum. Maritime museum. Day ferry to Helsinki for full provisions.
Nearest provisions: Suomenlinna island shop or Helsinki South Harbour (2nm) (2nm)
Best Months & Season
Jun, Jul, Aug
June–August. Suomenlinna is open year-round but the anchorage is only practical in summer. The fortress and museums operate May–Sep. July is peak with 1 million annual visitors.