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All Finland Helsinki Lonna Island

Lonna Island

In the waters outside Helsinki, a tiny island once used as a military outpost now welcomes visitors.

Helsinki, Finland

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Stanislav Stanković
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Lonna Island   Courtesy Lonna Island
Lonna   Ninara
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Sauna at Lonna   Courtesy Lonna Island
Lonna in Winter   Anneli Salo
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About

The islet of Lonna is situated between the larger fortress island of Suomenlinna and the mainland of the city of Helsinki.

For much of its history, this tiny island served as a naval outpost. In the 19th century, Lonna was home to production and storage facilities. Up until 1955, it served as a demagnetizing station. Floating magnetic mines were a devastating weapon of maritime warfare against ships with metallic hauls. The demagnetization method was developed as a way to counter these mines. The process itself involved wrapping the vessel with electric cables and running the high-powered current for about six to eight hours. During World War II, Finnish and German warships would stop by once a month for this procedure. The diesel generators used for this purpose can still be seen on Lonna.

The island of Lonna was turned to civilian use in 2014. The old military structures have been converted into a restaurant, cafe, conference venue, and of course a sauna.

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Military Islands

Know Before You Go

Lonna is accessible by water bus from Lyypekinlaituri pier at the Market Square. The journey takes about 10 minutes.

Community Contributors

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stanestane

Edited By

Michelle Cassidy

  • Michelle Cassidy

Published

November 9, 2022

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  • https://finland.fi/life-society/new-island-opens-in-helsinki
Lonna Island
Helsinki, 00190
Finland
60.154274, 24.989854
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Nearby Places

Suomenlinna Church

Helsinki, Finland

miles away

Fortress of Suomenlinna

Helsinki, Finland

miles away

Mattolaituri

Helsinki, Finland

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Helsinki

Helsinki

Finland

Places 27
Stories 4

Nearby Places

Suomenlinna Church

Helsinki, Finland

miles away

Fortress of Suomenlinna

Helsinki, Finland

miles away

Mattolaituri

Helsinki, Finland

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Helsinki

Helsinki

Finland

Places 27
Stories 4

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