Suomenlinna

Yesterday we spent much of the day at Suomenlinna, a 17th-20th century fortress and World Heritage Site.  The fortress has been re-purposed in part and largely remains intact.  There are several museums in old fort buildings, a theater, several cafes, a market, shops, and many WCs (some built into old fort tunnels).  

We especially enjoyed views of the Baltic and exploring the many tunnels that remain open to the public.  

We felt like we had unprecedented access to such a wonderful, historic site.  It was beautiful, and we had a great time exploring.

In addition to the fortress, we enjoyed a Finnish Antique Toy Museum . . .

. . . and the Submarine Vesikko.

It was difficult to imagine 20 crew-members spending weeks on end in this space together.  I understand a bit better, the bond that my grandfather (Captain John Keith Leasure (1920-2001)) must have had with the sailors of the USS Rock.

Suomenlinna is on a series of four islands connected to each other by bridges.  We enjoyed the ferry boat to and from the main island.