IISI Long Table Dinner on the Fortress Terrace

A multi-course wine dinner served communal-style on IISI Bistro's harbour terrace at Torpedolahti. Each course paired with wines introduced by the sommelier. The setting — a former torpedo bay turned restaurant terrace, overlooking a small marina with fortress ruins behind — exists nowhere else. Dinners run on select evenings through the summer season (May-September). Limited to about 50 seats per evening.

What to do there

5 things to do

1. 1 Take the ferry to Vallisaari Adventure · Price: moderate

   The journey is part of the experience — watching Helsinki's skyline shrink as the fortress island grows larger.

   Board the HSL waterbus from Kauppatori (Market Square) in central Helsinki. The 20-minute crossing to Vallisaari runs regularly May-September. Round-trip ticket EUR 13.90, children under 7 free. HSL travel cards accepted. Evening ferries run later on dinner event nights — check the IISI website for return schedule.

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2. 2 Walk to the harbour terrace at Torpedolahti Adventure · Free

   The walk through the forested former military island sets the mood — gun emplacements and bunkers visible between birch trees.

   From the ferry dock, follow the signed path through the forest toward Torpedolahti harbour (about 10 minutes). The IISI Bistro terrace is right at the harbour — you'll see the long communal tables set with wine glasses overlooking the small marina. Arrive 15-20 minutes early to explore the torpedo bay ruins behind the restaurant.

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3. 3 Sit down for the multi-course wine dinner Wine · Price: high

   Communal dining in a former torpedo bay harbour with fortress ruins as your backdrop — this setting exists nowhere else on earth.

   Take your seat at the communal long table on the harbour terrace. The sommelier introduces each course and its wine pairing. Typical format: 4-5 courses with matched wines, EUR 69-89 per person depending on the menu. Communal seating means you'll meet fellow diners — conversations across the table are encouraged. Tickets must be pre-booked at iisivallisaari.fi/tapahtumat.

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4. 4 Watch the midnight sun from the fortress walls Adventure · Free · Optional

   A wine-warmed walk through military ruins in the endless Nordic twilight.

   After dinner, walk up to the Vallisaari fortifications above Torpedolahti. In June-July, the sun barely sets — the golden light reflecting off the water at 10-11 PM is unforgettable. The fortress walls give a 360-degree panorama: Helsinki to the north, Suomenlinna to the west, open Baltic to the south.

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5. 5 Catch the last ferry back to Helsinki Adventure · Free

   The ferry ride home under the Nordic summer sky, city lights reflected in calm Baltic water.

   IISI coordinates dinner service with the last ferry departure. Check the return time when you arrive — typically around 22:00-23:00 on dinner nights. The night crossing back to Helsinki with the city lights approaching is the perfect nightcap.

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