It was previously known as the Suomenlinna penal colony.
The prison is located at the southern tip of the island of Iso-Mustasaari.
The prison was founded to help in the repair and restoration work of the Suomenlinna fortress; the prison co-operates with the Governing Body of Suomenlinna belonging to the Finnish Ministry of Education.
Prisoners in the open prison, nicknamed Konnala (roughly translated as "Crook-land") work on weekdays in various jobs all over the island, under supervision.
Most particularly they repair the buildings and stonework in Suomenlinna or maintain the scenery.