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Top 10 Castles in Finland, Finland
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1. Sjundbyn Linna
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By jaakkookulta - Siuntio, Finland
Sjundby slott is a beautiful medieval manor house just a few minute drive from Siuntio town centre! The estate is owned privatly so it's important to note that it's not okay to just go and wander to the front yard!! The owner of the manor hosts visitors on special tours during summer months though! The estate has also a small café just outside the manor next to the bridge where they sell for example their own artesan ice cream! There's also a small pond after tje rapid stream where one can go for a swim! There's cyrillic wriring on the walls of one building next to the manor which tells the story of Soviet Occupation during Porkkala Naval Base era.
2. Sea Fortress Suomenlinna
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,129 reviews
Reviewed By M6281VPmarks - Scottsdale, United States
Must visit this UNESCO world heritage site of a fortress in Helsinki south harbor across several islands which was built by the Swedes in the 18th and 19th centuries to unsuccessfully prevent Russia from capturing Finland. It is a remarkable piece of engineering, architecture and history. Visit the several museums on the connected islands. There are also fortifications, barracks, residences (people live there full time), church, workshops, shops, cafes and restaurants. You will need at least half a day to visit and will take a 15 minute scenic ferry ride starting at Market Square but the ferry convenienty runs all day starting very early and ending late in the evening because people live there. Children who are into forts and guns will enjoy. Younger children will have the chance to run around to their hearts content.
3. Olavinlinna Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 630 reviews
The building of Olavinlinna, castle of St. Olaf, began in 1475. The Danish-born founder of the castle, knight Erik Axelsson Tott, decided that a powerful fortification should be build to protect the strategically important Savo region. The castle was supposed to repel Russian attacks from the east and to guarantee the control of the Savo region for the Swedish Crown. The history of Olavinlinna is a mixture of medieval arms clashing, cannons roaring and every-day chores inside the security of the castle's thick walls. The changes in the ownership of the castle left their mark on Olavinlinna: this can be seen in the varied architecture of the castle. These days the castle's halls and rooms can be rented and used for all kinds of events.
Reviewed By OliwaVasicek - Helsinki, Finland
This is a lovely, almost magical, setting for a castle in the large lake. The fort may be small but it's definitely interesting and the quality of the interior signage and renovation punches above its weight.
4. Malmgard
5. Turku Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,126 reviews
Reviewed By Lilli_Hoi - Finland, null
Turku Castle was an important bastion and administrative centre when Finland was under the Swedish rule. All Finnish kids remember mid-16th century period and the reign of Duke John and Catherine Jagellon from the history books. Castle was badly damaged during the years (Fire, WWII etc) but has been lovingly restored. It is relatively sparsely furnished but displays an interesting collection of artefacts from the different periods of its history up in the ‘attic’ and has a temporary exhibition space, too. Current exhibition is about merchant etc women of Turku, very interesting. Castle is about 2.5km away from the city centre, very leisurely and family friendly bike ride along the river Aura (pre-register for Föli city bikes, from EUR 5 / day). Guided tour in English recommended as an introduction to the history, most rooms have also helpful and knowledgable attendants (dressed in historical costumes) who are happy to explain the background to the paintings and furniture not covered on the tour. All signage in English and Swedish as well. Highlight for our nine year old boy was the opportunities to dress up in historical costumes. We all have new appreciation for the Knights after having tried on their full, heavy armour! Lots of steps up and down so do wear comfortable shoes. Allow minimum 2 hours for the visit with the tour, it took us 4 hours with dressing up and a game of chess. Shop has nice souvenirs, coffee and snacks tasty in the restaurant. Highly recommended!
6. Raseborg Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 78 reviews
Reviewed By Tufftey - Helsinki, Finland
We visited Raseborg Castle today, after reading some of the comments here that there is not much information at the site,we decided first to get as much history as we could from the Internet. We found a visual guided tour which we could see from our telephone in English, if the need should arise. In the end we joined the proper Guided tour in Finnish and our Guide was brilliant, humorous and full of information and stories, the tour took an hour. He really brought the castle to life. When inside the castle, please be careful as it is a ruin and with steps dating back hundreds of years, it can be difficult to walk. Some of the rooms have been fitted with wooden floors to give some idea of what they looked like inside. After the tour we walked about 500 metres, through a field where sheep are kept, remembering of course to close the gate, to the house museum. It was built in the 1700's and I believe brought from the archipelago to its present site. It's a bit of a walk but well worth it. The house consists of four rooms, a dining room, a kitchen with a lot of utensils, a smaller single bedroom and a study or living room. The young lady looking after the house was very friendly and helpful. Back at the castle there is also a large picnic area I nice little cafe and a gift shop. Well worth a visit.
7. Stone Castle of Pirunvuori
8. Hame Castle
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 233 reviews
Häme Castle is one of Finland's medieval royal castles. It is believed to have been built at the end of the 13th century, following the crusade by Swedish Earl Birger to Häme region. During the Middle Ages the original fortified camp was built into a residential castle for its commandant. In the 18th century a third storey was built and curtain wall buildings partly replaced the original outer walls. The castle and its surroundings were in prison use from 1837 to 1972. The main castle is now presented as a historical monument. The Häme Castle and its redbrick barracks are on the shore of Lake Vanajavesi. The promontary has been a meeting place for centuries, and the walls almost echo the voices from the Middle Ages.
Reviewed By visithame - Tavastia Proper, Finland
Häme Castle is beautiful castle right next to lake Vanaja. Guided tour is included to the price and with great guides you will definitely get most of the castles histories and stories. There are also nice events during the year for example Buhurt battles and Horse Tournament. Häme Medieval festival is also in august in the castle and its surroundings. There is also different workshops during the events and also to groups. Those are nice and fun way to learn about history. Restaurant is open in summer times and other times of the year you can order lunch or dinner to groups. I have visited this place several times and it is always interesting and every time I learn something new!
9. Kemi SnowCastle
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 245 reviews
SnowCastle Resort is now open every day of the year in Kemi. The wintry attraction; SnowCastle is built annually totally from snow and ice in Kemi. SnowHotel, SnowCafé, amazing snow art and tube slide available from January to April. SnowCastle main building with various services and snow&ice experience in now open all-year-round. Seaside Glass Villas are located by the sea in the Resort area. New part of the SnowCastle, SnowExperience365, is open year-round in the main building.
Reviewed By globetrotter_delhi
the experience was better than we expected it to be... the carvings, drawings were so exquisite... so detailed that you can only imagine the amount of hard work put in it being encased in a castle made entirely of snow and ice....its a feeling hard to describe you feel like a child discovering each new stature, mural, sculture... would give it 6 stars if available
