Aerial Defence Memorial

Lauttasaari, an island in the western part of Helsinki, became a Russian military fortification during the Crimean War from 1853 to 1856.

During the time, Finland was part of the Russian Empire, which was engaged in a war with a coalition of powers including the Ottoman Empire, Great Britain, France, and the Kingdom of Sardinia. Fearing that the Royal Navy might attack the city of Helsinki, Russians decided to prop up its defenses by installing gun batteries on several surrounding islands. Lauttasaari became home to five.

The fortifications remained in use even after Finland gained its independence in 1914. During the Winter War in 1939 and the Continuation War from 1941 to 1945. Lauttasaari fortifications were converted, arming the battery with six anti-aircraft cannons. One of the few remaining anti-aircraft guns can be seen on site still today.