Restaurant Walhalla

Frommer's Review

On the fortified island many historians view as the cradle of modern Finland, this restaurant provides a cheerful and historic insight into Finnish cuisine and culture. Open only in summertime, it requires access by ferryboats, which depart from Helsinki's harbor adjacent to the Havis Amanda statue at intervals of every 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the time of day, daily from 9am to 11pm. The return trip to the center of Helsinki occurs at equivalent intervals daily between 9:30am and 11:30pm. Round-trip fares are 5.50€ ($7.15) per person. Once you land on Kustaanmiekka Island, walk for about 5 minutes to a series of brick-and-granite vaults in the center of the Viapori fortress. There's a simple pizzeria on the premises that operates daily from noon to 8pm (June-Aug only), but the preferred spot is the more formal restaurant that's set atop a panoramic terrace. The menu focuses on traditional Finnish specialties such as salmon soup, filet of reindeer, fried snow grouse, and different preparations of salmon, lamb, pike-perch, and duck. The cooking is competent in every way and the ingredients first-rate, although the setting might outshine the food offerings.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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