Submarine Vesikko

Overview

Tucked away within the historic maritime fortress of Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Helsinki, Finland, lies the compact yet powerfully historic Submarine Vesikko. This vessel offers a rare and immersive glimpse into naval history, serving as a poignant memorial to a pivotal era. Vesikko is not merely a submarine; it is a meticulously restored museum ship, inviting visitors to step inside a cramped, authentic World War II-era underwater war machine. [4, 16, 21, 22]

As the last surviving example of its kind in the world, Vesikko stands as the Military Museum's most popular attraction, drawing thousands annually to experience the realities of early 20th-century submarine warfare. [4, 6, 15, 16, 19, 22, 25]

History & Cultural Background

The story of Vesikko begins long before its service to Finland, intertwining with the complex geopolitics following World War I. Originally launched on May 10, 1933, at the Crichton-Vulcan dock in Turku, the submarine was known by its yard number, CV 707. [2, 3, 4, 19, 23]

It was secretly ordered by Ingenieurskantoor voor Scheepsbouw (IvS), a Dutch engineering company that was, in fact, a German front. This clandestine operation allowed Germany to circumvent the Treaty of Versailles, which prohibited the nation from building or operating submarines, and to secretly develop a new submarine fleet. CV 707 served as the prototype for what would become Germany's formidable Type II submarines. [2, 5, 7, 17, 19, 22, 23]

Finland purchased the submarine in 1936, renaming it Vesikko, meaning 'European mink' in Finnish. [2, 4, 5, 7, 16] It went on to play a crucial role in the Finnish Navy during both the Winter War (1939–1940) and the Continuation War (1941–1944) against the Soviet Union. [2, 5, 7, 13, 16, 19]

After the 1944 cease-fire, and under the terms of the Paris Peace Treaty of 1947, Finland was forbidden from maintaining a submarine fleet. While its four sister submarines were scrapped, Vesikko was miraculously spared, thanks to the foresight of the Finnish Defence Forces and the efforts of military historians and former officers who hoped for its future use or preservation. [2, 3, 5, 7, 13, 15, 17, 22]

Following a decade-long restoration, Vesikko was transformed into a museum ship, opening its hatches to the public on July 9, 1973, forever cementing its place in maritime history. [2, 3, 4, 5, 17]

What Makes It Special

Vesikko's true uniqueness lies in its dual identity as both a wartime vessel and a design marvel. It is the sole surviving Type II submarine in the world, representing a crucial developmental stage in naval engineering. [22, 25] Its construction, notably entirely welded rather than riveted, was advanced for its time, providing a significantly greater crush depth than previous designs. [17]

Visiting Vesikko offers an unparalleled opportunity to physically traverse the tight corridors and operational spaces that defined life aboard a submarine during World War II. It allows you to feel the claustrophobia and appreciate the ingenious design packed into such a confined space. Unlike many static exhibits, Vesikko presents a tangible link to a bygone era of underwater warfare, making history not just seen, but felt. [4, 7, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 20, 21]

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

During its active service, Vesikko's crew of approximately 20 members operated in incredibly challenging conditions, navigating the Gulf of Finland for convoy protection, safety, and patrol duties. [13, 14, 15, 20] The submarine's most notable wartime action was the sinking of the Soviet merchant ship Vyborg on July 3, 1941, marking its only confirmed victory. [2, 5, 7, 19]

The journey to becoming a museum was fraught with its own challenges. After being decommissioned, Vesikko lay in storage and was even subject to vandalism. The extensive restoration process, spanning over a decade, required immense dedication, donations, and voluntary work to bring the vessel back to its former glory. [2, 3, 5] Adding to the authenticity of the visitor experience, a carefully crafted sound environment recreates the hum of engines and crew commands, transporting you back to a time when silence was paramount beneath the waves. [21]

Visitor Perspective

Stepping aboard Submarine Vesikko is a profound experience, inviting visitors to literally walk in the footsteps of the submariners who once called this vessel home. The interior is a fascinating labyrinth of gauges, valves, and tightly packed machinery, including the original diesel and electric engines and torpedo tubes. [4, 6, 7, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 20, 21]

It’s a powerful reminder of the confined and intense environment in which these brave individuals lived and worked, often for extended periods, far beneath the surface. Located on the picturesque island fortress of Suomenlinna, the visit to Vesikko is seamlessly integrated into a broader exploration of this historic site, offering a unique contrast between the vast open spaces of the fortress and the compressed world within the submarine. The experience provides a deep appreciation for the ingenuity of its design and the human endurance of its crew, leaving a lasting impression on any curious traveler.