I’m sure Tripadvisor has already given you the details on what this Fortress Island offers since it’s usually the #1 “thing to do in Helsinki.” However, want to hear a little secret they don’t disclose to tourists?

The island also functions as an open prison. (This is the point where you think we’re joking, but we’re not). There are prisoners on the island who work during the day, then are mandated to return to their quarters for the night. This is one of the forms of slowly re-integrating prisoners back into society. So most likely, you will be walking amongst convicted criminals during your stroll. Now that’s something different, right?