When we think about Finland, we usually imagine infinite forests, crystal clear lakes, auroras. But, let's admit, castles? Not so often. And yet - in Finland there are fascinating fortifications that tell the country's history through the prism of battles, sieges and ... sauna. Yes, it's Finland, so expect an unexpected! As they say, everything is possible in Finland, even a medieval castle full of history and aroma of smoking sauna.
Turku castle (Turun Linna)
We start with one of the oldest and largest castles in Finland - Turun Linna. The castle in Turku was built in the 13th century and is a great example of medieval defense architecture. By visiting this place, you can visit not only castle rooms, but also see what the medieval Finnish aristocracy looked like. And all this with a little fantasy, because how can you imagine those times differently?
- Ticket price : adults EUR 12, children 5 EUR
- Address : Linnankatu 80, Turku
- Opening hours: 10:00-18:00
Who would have thought that among these thick walls you can find a collection of ancient saunas? Yes, Finnish story is never boring! Imagine knights relaxing after the battle - well, maybe I'm exaggerating a little, but it doesn't hurt to dream.
Olavinlinna Castle - Saimaa Lake Guardian
The Olavinlinna Castle located on the island is a real gem of Finland. The castle, built in 1475, was to protect the country's eastern borders against the attacks of the Russians. Today, it is famous primarily for the opera festival, which attracts art lovers from around the world every year. And it is not surprising - who would not want to listen to the opera in the castle, where the spirits of the past seem to hum with the artists?
- Ticket price : adults 10 EUR, children 4 EUR
- Address : Olavinlinna, 57130 Savonlinna
- Opening hours: 11:00-16:00
There is nothing more Finnish than the view of the majestic castle surrounded by the calm waters of the Saima lake, especially on a cool evening when the moonlight dances on the waves. A bit magically, a bit terrible - like in a fairy tale, whose ending still remains a mystery.
Suomenlinna Fortress - a fortress on the islands
Suomenlinna is a unique maritime fortress located on the archipelago, near Helsinki. Built by the Swedes in the 18th century, it was called "Gibraltar of the North". This is an ideal place for a walk - you can get here by ferry from Helsinki, which costs only 3 EUR one way.
- Ticket price : free admission, fee for ferry EUR 3
- Address : Suomenlinna C 74, Helsinki
- Opening hours : 24/7 (ferries run according to the schedule)
- Tip : Don't forget to take a picnic with you! The fortress is full of charming corners, where you can spread the blanket and enjoy the sea's view. And no, this is not an unrealistic dream - Finns really do it! Who said that in the old walls you can't feel like on a family trip?
Häme Castle (Hämeen Linna) - peace and history in the heart of Finland
Hämeen Linna, located on Lake Vanajavesi, is an example of beautifully preserved medieval architecture. The castle is surrounded by a park, ideal for walks, and the fortress itself offers interesting exhibitions that bring the history of Finland closer.
- Ticket price : adults 10 EUR, children 5 EUR
- Address : Kustaa III Katu 6, Hämeenlinna
- Opening hours: 10:00-17:00
- Fun fact : Do you know that the sewage system was probably never used in this castle? Yes, life in the Middle Ages had its drawbacks. 😉 You can laugh, but that was reality - the romanticism of the castles ended where the need to use ... nature began.
Finnish fortifications - for history lovers and ... survival?
If castles are not enough, Finland also offers less known, but equally fascinating fortifications, such as bunkers from World War II on the Salp line. This huge construction undertaking was to protect Finland against the attack from the USSR and still raises admiration with its size.
- Ticket price : free admission
- Address : Salpa line, episodes available in the regions of Eastern Finland
- Tip : Get the map and provisions well. A walk around this line is not a pool, and who knows, maybe you will find some hidden entrance to the bunker? And then you will be able to feel like a hero of an adventure film - only without music in the background and with shoes full of mud.
More than just locks - practical tips
Are you planning a trip to Finnish castles? Here are some practical tips that will help you make your journey unforgettable!
- Transport : Most locks are available using public transport, but the best choice can be renting a car, which will give you greater flexibility. Imagine that you are going through Finnish forests, passing the lakes, and suddenly - Bach! - A medieval castle grows in front of you. Such things only in Finland!
- When to visit? : The best time for sightseeing is summer when the castles open their door to tourists and the weather is the most pleasant. However, in winter you can experience a completely different atmosphere - imagine snowy towers and a fog that floats over the moat! As if you entered the enchanted world, where each wall hides a secret.
- What to take? : Do not forget about comfortable footwear, a warm jacket (also in the summer - the weather in Finland is capricious) and a photo apparatus, because the views will be magical! Let your photos be proof that sometimes history comes alive before our eyes.
Humorous summary
Finland is a country of contrasts - on the one hand peace and nature, on the other, a story full of battles and fortifications. Are castles and fortresses just places of stone and history? Absolutely not! One walk around Suomenlinna is enough to see that in Finland even medieval walls have something ... alive. Maybe it is this ubiquitous sauna, or maybe just a Finnish soul that will survive everything, even a siege. 😉 And let's not forget that every castle hides its secrets, and discovering them is the greatest fun!
Bibliography
Visit Finland. "Finnish castles and fortifications." Available at: https://www.visitfinland.com/fińskie-zamkiSuomenlinna official website. "History and sightseeing of Suomenlinna Fortress." Available at: https://www.suomenlinna.fi
Turku Castle Official Site. "Turun Linna - information for visitors." Available at: https://www.turku.fi/turunlinna
