Suomenlinna is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular visitor attractions in Finland. The growth of tourism in Helsinki, Finland and abroad can also be seen in Suomenlinna. The Governing Body of Suomenlinna is an active partner in networks where tourism is being defined and developed both in the nearby areas in Helsinki and on the national and international level.
During the past 20 years, the number of visitors to Suomenlinna has increased from 600,000 to one million. At the same time, the visitor profile has changed. At first, most visitors were Helsinki residents spending a nice summer day at the fortress, but now the majority of them are international visitors.
The sea fortress’s appeal lies in its history, sights and maritime environment. Suomenlinna combines large visitor numbers with cultural values that require conservation measures, the need among the Helsinki region’s population to have local recreational sites, and the day-to-day life of local residents. Sustainable tourism methods must be leveraged to ensure the site’s cultural, social, ecological and economical prosperity.
