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On April 26th, I embarked on a ferry journey from Helsinki harbor to Suomenlinna Island, one of the most popular destinations in the Helsinki capital region. The island is easily accessible by ferry, even in the chilly spring weather when the cold breeze is still present. Despite the chill, the trip was captivating. Suomenlinna is not just any island-it's a place rich in history and beauty. The island, which was once a fortress, remained closed to the public for many years until it was opened for visitors.

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Suomenlinna was originally built in the mid-18th century when Finland was part of the Kingdom of Sweden. The fortress, known as Sveaborg in Swedish, was designed by Swedish military architect Augustin Ehrensvärd. Its primary function was to protect Helsinki and the Finnish coastline from potential invaders. Suomenlinna played a crucial role in Finland's defense over the centuries, first under Swedish rule, then Russian, and finally as part of Finland's modern history.

One interesting aspect of the island is that Ehrensvärd's tomb is located on Suomenlinna itself, commemorating his role in designing and constructing the fortress. The architecture of the fortress blends with the natural landscape, making it both a historical and visual marvel. It's now a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized for its cultural and military significance.

Traveling to Suomenlinna is convenient, as the same ticket used for public transport in Helsinki (HSL) covers the ferry ride. The trip from Helsinki harbor to Suomenlinna takes around 15-20 minutes. The ferries are frequent, and they offer a unique way to see the city from the water.

Once we arrived on the island, we spent about an hour exploring. There's a small gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs, including handcrafted items that make for great keepsakes. After taking in the serene atmosphere and learning more about the island's fascinating history, we took the ferry back to Helsinki harbor. In total, the trip lasted around three hours, and it was a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

For more travel stories and adventures around Finland, be sure to follow my channel, Walk With Me Finland!

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