The Suomenlinna sea fortress is located about 15 minutes by sea from Helsinki. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an outstanding example of European military architecture of its time. The fortress is an irregular bastion fortress with its own unique character due to its role in the defence of three countries – Sweden, Russia and Finland – at different times. Today, Suomenlinna Fortress Island is among others home to five museums as well as cafés and restaurants.

In the FORTE CULTURA network, Suomenlinna Fortress will be represented by the Ehrensvärd Society, a non-profit organisation that has been working to preserve and promote the fortress heritage on Suomenlinna since 1921 and is the official tourism agency of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The organisation runs the Ehrensvärd Museum, Café Piper, the Suomenlinna Museum and the Suomenlinna Museum Café and Shop. She is also responsible for authorised guided tours, publishes literature, develops tourist services and organises popular children’s adventure tours and various themed tours.

Director Carita Wilenius-Rantala signed the FORTE CULTURA membership application in January 2025.

The Ehrensvärd Society is committed to the sustainable tourism strategy in its activities and follows the Finnish World Heritage Strategy. It is also certified in “Sustainable Travel Finland”, the “Ekokompassi” environmental system and the “Q1000 Quality Tonne”.

With the Ehrensvärd Society, FORTE CULTURA gains an experienced partner who represents a World Heritage site and significantly strengthens our network. Suomenlinna is the third UNESCO site in the FORTE CULTURA network, together with Sabbioneta (IT) and San Marino.