Top 15 Castles in Finland

Opening hours Winter 2025 Saturday 29.11. at 11-16 Sunnunday 30.11. at 11-16 Summer 2026 Daily from 4th of May to 31st of August: May at 10:30 -16:00 June to August at 10:30-13:00 and 13:30-17:30 On weekends: April and September, Saturday-Sunday at 10:30-16:00 Please check the Suomenlinna opening hours end events calendar for any exceptions to opening hours.

The Ehrensvärd Museum is located by the original central courtyard of the fortress, in the old Commander’s House. The interior of the museum illustrates an 18th century residence. The collection includes paintings, furniture, weapons, and ship models portraying vessels of the Swedish Archipelago Fleet. The first resident of the building was Augustin Ehrensvärd (1710-1772), the founder of the Suomenlinna fortress. The Commander’s House is a good example of how housing and the defensive system were connected under the same roof. The building’s side wings also functioned as fortification bastions and it was possible to access the bastion terrepleins directly from the rooms. In case of an emergency the windows of the dining room as well as of the sleeping alcove could be used as crenels from which the main entrance to the fortress, the Artillery Bay, could be defended. The building was used as the commander’s residence until 1855, when it lost its southern wing in the Crimean War. In 1927 the Ehrensvärd Society made an initiative to establish a museum in those rooms that had served as Ehrensvärd ‘s residence. The museum was opened in 1930. Museum is open in summertime. Source & More information: https://suomenlinnatours.com/en/activities-at-suomenlinna/ehrensvard-museum/

Designed by the founder of Suomenlinna, Augustin Ehrensvärd, the Great Courtyard was completed in the 1760s and served as the main square and administrative center of the entire fortress. The courtyard was bordered by buildings such as the Commandant’s House, which served as the residence of the fortress commandants, and the main guardhouse. The Blue Route passes through the Great Courtyard. From May to the end of September, the water bus operates to the Tykistölahden pier, which is about 200 meters from the Great Courtyard. The status of the administrative center was emphasized architecturally as well. The placement of the buildings and the curved facades of the square created a false perspective, enhancing the grandeur and ceremonial appearance of the square. In the center of the square is the tomb of Augustin Ehrensvärd, with an impressive monument designed by King Gustav III of Sweden and completed by Ehrensvärd’s son Carl August together with Johan Tobias Sergel. Ehrensvärd died in 1772, but he was temporarily buried elsewhere for 10 years while waiting for the completion of the Viapori tomb. The tomb monument was finally completed just before the end of Swedish rule in the early 19th century.

13th century medieval castle. largest surviving medieval buliding in finland.

The magnificent castle of the high-ranking clergy in Kuusisto was a model of everyday luxury in the period in question and featured modern amenities from abroad. In the Middle Ages, the Bishop's Palace was not only the center of spiritual life in Catholic Finland, but also the focus of political power. The history of the castle ended when King Gustav Vasa ordered the demolition of the bishop's residence after the Reformation. Only ruins remained of the former splendor.

very old ruin

Turku Castle is a more than 700 year old historical monument. It has stood guard over the river Aura estuary since the 1280’s. Its granite stone walls hold within them the history of Finland, Sweden and the other Nordic countries. History in a nutshell The history of Turku Castle begins in the 1280's. During the centuries the fortification gradually changed into a grand greystone palace. In 1556, King Gustav Vasa named his son Johan Duke of Finland. The era of Johan marked a new phase in the construction of the Castle. The renaissance halls were built during this period, which also marked the beginning of the reneissance era in Finland. In the 17th century, the Governor General of Finland Per Brahe held court in the Bailey Castle. Gradually the administrative centre moved out of the by then old castle, and gave way to a prison. It also served as a storehouse and as barracks. In the 1941 bombings the castle was left in ruins. After the end of the war restaurations began. Nowadays the periods of construction can be seen in labyrinthine passages, walled up doors and windows and in mysterious staircases. Source: https://www.turku.fi/en/turkucastle More information about the Turku Castle under this Website

The castle was a late defensive castle in Oulu. It was built in 1590 on an island in the Oulu River delta. The castle consisted mostly of wood and earth walls. A medieval castle likely stood on the same site as early as 1375. Today, a café occupies the site.