Lonna

Island Small Helsinki island used for recreation and events

Tiny island in Helsinki’s harbor, a brief ferry from Market Square. Used seasonally for cafés, events and short walks, offering harbor views and a compact coastal atmosphere.

Lonna is a small island in the Helsinki archipelago, located close to the fortified island of Suomenlinna and to Helsinki’s harbour. The island is publicly accessible in summer and is a short boat trip from the central ferry terminals.

Onsite facilities in warmer months typically include a café and a public sauna, and the island is used for short visits, events and leisure rather than overnight tourism. It is also visited for its shoreline and harbour views and as part of boat-based itineraries in the city archipelago.

The island has historical military uses as part of Helsinki’s coastal defences, with former fortification works and storage buildings on site that have been repurposed over time. In recent years it has been developed for public recreational use while preserving elements of its military past.

Lonna lies in the outer harbour of Helsinki, south-west of the city centre and adjacent to the larger island fortress of Suomenlinna, within the Uusimaa region of southern Finland.

Ferry access: Regular summer ferry services run from Helsinki's Market Square, making the island a short boat trip from the city centre.
Seasonal facilities: Seasonal amenities include a café and a public sauna that typically operate in the warmer months.

How to Get to Lonna #

Short passenger ferry rides run from Helsinki’s Market Square and nearby central piers in the summer months; times and operators vary seasonally so check current schedules online or at the Market Square pier.

Tips for Visiting Lonna #

Lonna's ferry runs from Helsinki Market Square in summer - check the Suomenlinna ferry timetable and private operators' schedules.
The island has cafés and small event spaces; check opening hours as services vary by season.
Bring a jacket for sea breezes and arrive early to enjoy quiet before excursion groups arrive.