For travellers interested in history, castles and fortresses offer a unique view of life as it was centuries ago. This time our holiday in Finland focuses on magnificent and old architecture. Which of Finland's castles is historically the most significant? And what is the most popular tourist destination in terms of visitor numbers? Keep reading to get an answer to these and many other questions as our list of top 5 castles in Finland begins! 5. Häme Castle Our list begins with the beautiful red-brick Häme Castle, after which the charming city of Hämeenlinna takes its name. The history of the castle, built at the end of the 13th century, contains some details that are not quite as charming. The castle was converted into a prison in the first half of the 19th century and achieved a particularly bad reputation as a women's prison from the 1880s onwards. Today, the castle serves as a museum. For the price of the entrance fee, you can explore several different exhibitions, which showcase the history of Häme Castle and the city. Among other things, you will find soldiers’ equipment from weapons to armor, used in battle centuries ago. 4. Lappeenranta Fortress Lappeenranta Fortress is relatively young, as its construction began in 1649 after the founding of the city of Lappeenranta. As its name suggests, it is a fortress system rather than a single castle. However, the area is so idyllic that despite this detail, it deserves a place on our list. The fortress is a versatile tourist destination where you can easily tune into the old-fashioned atmosphere in Café Majurska while enjoying a cup of coffee. There is also a South Karelian Art Museum, an Orthodox Church and small boutiques selling artisan products. Travelling with a budget? Pack some snacks and enjoy a picnic admiring Lappeenranta’s most spectacular scenery in good company. 3. Olavinlinna Castle Olavinlinna Castle is one of the most internationally renowned castles on our list, especially because it serves as the dramatic stage of the Savonlinna Opera Festival. The event, which has grown to last for a month, attracts approximately 70,000 visitors annually, which is more than twice the population of Savonlinna. The castle itself dates to the 15th century and is comfortably located within walking distance of the city center on its own island. Like many Finnish castles, Olavinlinna Castle has previously served as a prison, but today it is an exceptionally nuanced cultural location. In addition to museum activities, Olavinlinna Castle hosts boxing events and markets, for example, and the castle can also be reserved for private events such as weddings. 2. Turku Castle The second place on our list goes to the historically significant and iconic Turku landmark, Turku Castle. Founded at the end of the 13th century, the castle dominates the landscape of the harbour and is one of the city's most popular tourist destinations. Turku Castle is a true treasure trove of history freaks. With guided museum tours and changing exhibitions, the history of Turku Castle and Finland become familiar in a refreshingly original way. There are daily guided tours that are quite affordable and available also in English. 1. Fortress of Suomenlinna One of the most popular destinations in Finland is the self-entitled number one on this list and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Suomenlinna is a permanent favourite among travellers with approximately one million annual visitors. It's no wonder, as Suomenlinna is a unique destination suitable for year-round travel. It is worth taking plenty of time to explore the fortress, as Suomenlinna is at its best on an unhurried schedule. The area has good services with cafés and restaurants, and there is also a grocery store and a brewery in Suomenlinna. It may come as a surprise to some, but Suomenlinna still has approximately 800 inhabitants and it is actually a district of Helsinki! All these castles and fortresses are waiting just a pleasant bus ride away. Book your tickets now and explore Finland’s history onboard OnniBus.com!
