GoglandAbout Gogland
Gogland, also known by its Finnish name Suursaari, is an island in the Gulf of Finland that is administered as part of Leningrad Oblast, Russia. The island has rocky shores, sparse vegetation and a small number of built structures concentrated near landing points.
The island contains a historic lighthouse and visible military fortifications and defensive works from the 20th century. Wildlife on and around the island includes seabird colonies and marine life typical of the eastern Gulf of Finland.
Gogland has been of strategic and navigational importance through the 20th century and saw military activity in multiple conflicts. The island’s infrastructure reflects both civilian and military use over time.
Located in the eastern Gulf of Finland, the island lies off the coasts of what are now Russia and Finland and is reached by sea from regional ports with prior permission.
- Access restrictions: Historically had military and navigational significance; access can be limited due to past and present security controls on the island.
What to See#
- Gogland lighthouse: A lighthouse and navigational point that marks the island to shipping in the Gulf of Finland.
Tips for Visiting Gogland
- Travel during the summer months (June-August) when sea conditions in the Gulf of Finland are calmer and access by boat is most reliable.
- Arrange landing through an experienced operator from St. Petersburg or Kronstadt and confirm any required permits in advance-Gogland is remote and visits are usually organized rather than independent.
- Once ashore, focus on the island's military ruins and old lighthouse-the historical fortifications and panoramic seaside viewpoints are the features many day‑trippers miss.
Best Time to Visit Gogland
The best time to visit Gogland (Suursaari) is summer (June-August) when sea conditions and weather are most favorable for boat access.
Weather & Climate near Gogland
Gogland's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -8°C to 20°C. Moderate rainfall (587 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -7° - -2° | -10° | 35 mm | overcast | 91% | 4.4 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.4h |
| February | Poor | -9° - -3° | -12° | 28 mm | overcast | 93% | 3.9 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.8h |
| March | Poor | -5° - 0° | -7° | 33 mm | partly cloudy | 91% | 3.8 m/s | 0.2 low | 11.6h |
| April | Acceptable | -1° - 5° | -2° | 33 mm | partly cloudy | 87% | 3.8 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 14.4h |
| May | Good | 4° - 12° | 6° | 34 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 3.6 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 17.0h |
| June | Very Good | 10° - 18° | 14° | 47 mm | partly cloudy | 83% | 3.4 m/s | 1.2 high | 18.5h |
| July | Very Good | 13° - 21° | 17° | 60 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 3.4 m/s | 1.2 high | 17.8h |
| August | Good | 12° - 19° | 16° | 75 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 3.3 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 15.4h |
| September | Acceptable | 8° - 14° | 11° | 69 mm | overcast | 83% | 3.7 m/s | 0.4 low | 12.7h |
| October | Poor | 4° - 8° | 3° | 65 mm | overcast | 85% | 4.4 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.9h |
| November | Poor | -1° - 3° | -3° | 60 mm | overcast | 88% | 4.8 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.2h |
| December | Poor | -4° - 0° | -7° | 48 mm | overcast | 89% | 4.7 m/s | 0.0 low | 5.5h |