By Katja Alaja

Lonna is Helsinki's newest island destination. Still under restoration and re-construction, the tiny island is fast developing into an attractive and cozy recreational site for residents and visitors..

Lonna is full of life. Visitors to the island are met by people and old buildings right at the pier. The island allows visitors to marvel both the Market Square and the Suomenlinna islands.

Some visitors may choose to linger on the terrace of the island’s café restaurant enjoying a drink or grilled treats. Others may prefer to walk around and admire the landscape. The walks are not long, as the island is only 150 metres across. You might say that Lonna does not allow you to escape from others.

“But why should you? We want Lonna visitors to enjoy themselves spending time with others. Surely anyone can enjoy the island by themselves, too,” says Ville Wäänänen of Fregatti.

Wäänänen steers the vessel operator Fregatti and Pauli Waroma the advertising agency Sherpa, which manage the island’s operations.

Completed step by step

Wäänänen says that the island is still being prepared for its new role. The Governing Body of Suomenlinna is managing the restoration of the buildings. A playground will be completed this summer and larger event facilities next summer. A public sauna will open in 2016.

“We want to hear what visitors hope from the island.”

Wäänänen and his partners are planning various different activities for the island, for example, club events for young Helsinki residents and toy-boat making for children.

The island’s nature and history are alway present. Lonna is closely connected to naval mines: the island served as a storage area for these mines in the late 19th century. In 1944, a demagnetizing station was opened on the island – the hulls and equipment of minesweepers had to be demagnetized in order that they would not detonate the magnetic mines.

“Visitors can view the demagnetizing equipment for free in the restaurant and in the activities room,” Wäänänen assures.

The journey to Lonna takes 10 minutes on a JT-Line vessel. The return is via Suomenlinna.

www.lonna.fi

Translated by Johanna Lemola

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