Sea Fortress Suomenlinna, Helsinki (must see)

This UNESCO World Heritage site is a popular tourist spot in Helsinki. The fortress is built on eight islands that lie about four kilometers to the southeast of the city. A year-round ferry leaves Market Square for Suomenlinna, and the trip only takes about 15 minutes. The islands are a popular spot, especially during the summer months, and the ferries can get quite crowded. It is sometimes referred to by its Swedish name, Sveaborg.

Sweden constructed the fortress in 1748 to protect against Russia. The design was influenced heavily by the bastion fortress and star fort designs of French military engineer Vauban. Sweden wound up surrendering Suomenlinna to Russia during the Finnish War in 1808, and Russia held it until Finnish independence in 1918.

The fortification is unique in that it spans across several islands. The original plans included independent forts across linked islands and a navy dockyard in the center. The first ships of the archipelago fleet launched from the yard in 1764. By 1779 there was a formal naval military school. More buildings were built during the Russian years, and the site expanded with barracks and earthwork artillery emplacements.

Today the island fort is under civilian control, though it is still the site of the Naval Academy of the Finnish Navy. You'll see several museums on the islands, including the last surviving Finnish submarine, the Vesikko.

Suomenlinna not only refers to the fortifications but to the islands and community as well; it is the name of this district of Helsinki. About 900 people live on the islands. You'll also find the avant-garde Nordic Arts Centre here. You'll find restaurants and cafes, a brewery, beaches, shopping, and lots of landmarks and spots for relaxing.