Just a 15-minute ferry ride from the center of Helsinki, Suomenlinna offers not only nature and culture but also delightful culinary experiences.
Suomenlinna is a magical island perfect for winter relaxation, with its rich history, culture, and diverse selection of great food and drink. This charming destination is just a short 15-minute ferry ride from Helsinki.
Many are pleasantly surprised to learn that Suomenlinna’s restaurants and cafés remain open during winter. The ferry runs year-round, with the last trip from Suomenlinna back to Market Square departing in the early hours of the morning.
Suomenlinna offers a perfect autumn and winter escape from the hustle and light pollution of the city. The island’s cultural environment is thoughtfully lit, and there are few cars. Visitors have the opportunity to admire the dark winter sky and pure white snow in peace.
Visitors come to Suomenlinna for the full experience. First, they enjoy the unique outdoor scenery, and then they stop for a warm bowl of soup or a drink and pastry. Some also visit the island for a cozy evening with a small or larger group.
Amid the postcard-perfect winter scenery, you’ll find both spontaneous drop-in cafés and restaurants as well as dinner spots and reservation-based restaurants.
You can enjoy culinary delights at Restaurant Adlerfelt, housed in a 250-year-old building, or Bastion Bistro, which serves bistro-style dishes like pizza and burgers.
Right next to the ferry terminal in Rantakasarmi is the Suomenlinna Brewery and its restaurant. History is ever-present here, as industrial brewing in Finland began on Suomenlinna.
The island hosts a variety of seasonal events. During summer, and for events extending into autumn, the Christmas season, and spring, the guest harbor café-restaurant Valimo serves soups, pasta, and salads.
Suomenlinna offers a perfect autumn and winter escape from the hustle and light pollution of the city.
Specialty coffees, pastries, and lunch are available at Café Silo and Viaporin Deli & Café, both located near the ferry dock.
Café Vanille, located along the main route through the fortress, also offers pastries and soups. Near the center of the island, the Suomenlinna Center’s café is open nearly every day of the year.
Tea lovers are familiar with Café Samovarbar, located in the old wooden villa near the Suomenlinna Toy Museum. This café serves freshly baked treats, specialty coffees, and an extensive selection of teas. It’s a popular spot for nostalgia lovers, both during the Christmas season and summer.
Linna Bar, located near the Military Museum and a short walk from the main pier, is a cozy local pub where you can enjoy Suomenlinna’s own beers and small bites. Linna Bar is well known for its live music and other bar events.
In addition to the traditional event venue, Upseerikerho, spaces like the Suomenlinna Brewery’s cabinet and hall, as well as Bastion Bistro’s rooms, are available for rent for meetings, parties, and other private events.
Both Bastion Bistro and Upseerikerho also offer sauna rentals.
Customer feedback shows that people are pleased with Suomenlinna’s restaurants. According to the My Reputation peer review list, Suomenlinna’s food and drinks received an excellent rating of 9.3. This year, Suomenlinna was also honored with the Helsinki Travel Award.
Text: Tiina Örn | Photo: Suomenlinnan hoitokunta | Super Otus
