City: Uusimaa
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What to do and see in Uusimaa, Finland: The Best Military Museums
Uusimaa (Swedish: Nyland, Finnish: [ˈuːsimɑː]; Swedish: [ˈnyːlɑnd]; both lit. “new land”) is a region of Finland. It borders the regions of Southwest Finland, Tavastia Proper, Päijänne Tavastia, and Kymenlaakso. Finland’s capital and largest city, Helsinki, along with the surrounding Greater Helsinki area, are both contained in the region, which makes Uusimaa Finland's most populous region. The population of Uusimaa is 1,638,469.
Restaurants in Uusimaa
1. 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.
2. Hanko Front
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By tarjanneli - Hanko, Finland
Informative exhibition telling history of Hanko as Soviet Naval Base during 1940-41. Also a War Path behind the building. Also good coffee and doughnuts!
3. Submarine Vesikko
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 112 reviews
Submarine Vesikko was built in 1933 in Turku and operated as a part of the Finnish navy during the wars in 1939–44. It was opened to the public as a museum after restoration work in 1973. Onboard Vesikko, the visitor can experience the crowded working and living spaces of the submariners in the midst of diesel and electric engines and torpedoes. Closed during winter.
Reviewed By MumbaiRiders - Mumbai, India
My main reason to visit Suomenlinna Fortress Island was actually to visit the submarine Vesikko that was preserved on land in its original form. The opening time of the museum was 1100 hrs.Finally at 1100 hrs was one of the first person's to purchase a ticket and enter the submarine along with a lady tourist. On entering the submarine was surprised at the cramped accommodation of the crew and officers as also the machinery space. A Naval officer on duty in this authentic original submarine museum explained me various parts of the submarine and the lifestyle on board.The Vesikko was launched on 10th May 1933 as a commercial submarine for a Dutch Engineering company.She was later purchased by the Finnish Govt and served in the Winter War and World War II .Sinking of the Russian Merchant ship Vyborg was her only victory among the submarine fleet.After the War in 1944 she was retired and later converted into a museum ship that i was now viewing.Finally at last i had been inside a submarine and was amazed at the similarity of the engine room in comparison to sailing ships although the technology of the era was different .
4. Military Museum's Manege
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 102 reviews
Due to Corona situation, Military Museum is closed until 30 April 2021. The exhibition at the Military Museum's Manege, "Finnish Defence Forces - 100 Years at War and Peace", portrays the wars Finland has fought during its independence: the Civil War in 1918, the Winter War in 1939-1940, the Continuation War in 1941-1944 and the Lapland War in 1944-1945. The exhibition continues in the adjacent building, telling the story of the Finnish Defence Forces in the post-war period up to the present day.
Reviewed By MartyB719 - Jensen Beach, United States
This is a superb museum for those that are military and WWII history buffs. There are actually 200,000 artifacts in this museum that was once a storage artillery facility for the Russians. The current museum opened in 1989. If you have the Helsinki card the museum is free. The entrance ticket is good for the adjacent museum concerning Finnish Defense Forces from post WWII to the present. Finally, the ticket is good to see the submarine Vesikko built in 1933. It is the only Finnish submarine that survived from WWII. The museum is filled with memorabilia from the 19th century. The main focus is WWII. There are numerous uniforms, arms, canons, missiles, a sea mine, flags, a rebuilt bunker, a German tank and vehicles. There is even a Maxim machine gun from WWI. These guns could shoot 600 rounds per minute. There is no wonder why millions of soldiers died from 1914-1918. The 1915 Rolls Royce is most interesting. It was called “The Silver Ghost.” This vehicle had 230 horse power and could go 170 kilometers/105mph. It was taken from the “Reds” during WWI and later given to the “Greatest Finn of All Time,” General and President Carl Mannerheim. What I found most interesting was to learn about the only soldier buried in Arlington Cemetery—located in the USA—who was a Waffen SS. Lauri Torni—aka Larry Thorne—was considered Finland’s best frontline fighter during WWII. When Finland dropped out of the war, Lauri joined the Germans as a Captain in the Waffen SS. He fought along the Eastern Front against the Russians. He did spend two years in prison for that stint. Larry emigrated to the USA and later served in the U.S. Armed forces in Vietnam. Tragically, he died in a helicopter crash on a mission. His body was found in 1999. Lauri Torni—aka Larry Thorne—was buried in 2003 at Arlington as a major. Rick Steves, the American travel writer, does not give much credence to this museum. I think he was in one too many café’s while visiting Suomenlinna, or finding his way out of the various tunnels, or more than likely jumping up and down the canons along Lion’s Gate. I may be partial to WWII museums as my dad landed on the D-Day beaches. He served seven months on the front-line and was wounded in the Huetgen forest on December 16, 1944. His gift to me was his life. We should never forget what happen and the price that was paid in the 1940’s. This museum is particularly dedicated to the price that Finland paid, particularly against the Russians to keep their freedom. If you found this review “helpful” in any way, please press “LIKE” to let me know.
5. Ehrensvard Museum
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By MikaelF413 - Vantaa, Finland
This museum is located in the official residence of the fortress’s commandants. The first proprietor of the building was the founder of the fortress, Augustin Ehrensvärd. The museum showcases the history of the Swedish period of the fortress. The collection consists of several portraits, oil paintings of Suomenlinna, weapons, and Gustavian furniture dating back to the 1760s. On our visit, many people were dressed in old costumes. It made the museum visit more authentic. Augustin Ehrensvärd's grave is located next to the museum building.
6. Ilmatorjuntamuseo
7. Sotilasmuseo Torpin Tykit
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
