Winter lifeline spans Helsinki Harbour

Photos and text by Tim Bird, January 2013

Photo: Tim BirdThe ferry forms a vital winter link between Helsinki and the island fortress of Suomenlinna – and the voyage in winter is one of the most exotic short sea-hops in the world. (An uncropped version of this photo is included in the slideshow below.)

A community of some 800 people inhabits Suomenlinna, the group of historic islands in the entrance to Helsinki’s South Harbour. Ferry service forms a vital link to the mainland for them – not least when the harbour freezes over in winter.

Incredibly, there used to be a winter bus service running across the ice between Kaivopuisto – the park at the southern tip of Helsinki – and Suomenlinna’s small archipelago, but a change in sea traffic lanes put paid to that. These days public transport takes the form of a ferry that shuttles from Market Square on 365 days of the year. The quick voyage is like a miniature Arctic exploration, a dazzling, spectacular adventure, as the ice groans around the flat deck of the ferry.

See also on thisisFINLAND:

Finns walk on water in winter
Helsinki’s uniquely beautiful winter soul
Cool steps inside Kemi Snow Castle
 

Link:

Suomenlinna website