Archipelago Road & Island Hopping
The Archipelago Road (Saariston rengastie)
The Archipelago Trail is one of Europe's most spectacular circular routes: 250 kilometers over islands, bridges, and ferries through the archipelago off Turku. You can travel the route by car, bicycle, or motorcycle — the ferries are free! The route passes through the islands of Parainen, Nagu, Korpo, and Houtskär and can be traveled in both directions.
By bicycle: The most popular way to experience the Archipelago Road. 250 km in 3–7 days, relatively flat, with inns and campsites along the way. Bicycle rental in Turku from €20/day. The best time: June–August. The route is well signposted with the green archipelago road symbol.
Islands & Villages
- Nagu (Nauvo) — The largest island on the route with restaurants, art galleries, and a charming guest harbor. The restaurant L'Escale serves excellent seafood.
- Korpo — Quiet island with a medieval stone church (14th century), hiking trails, and the feeling of being at the end of the world.
- Houtskär — The outermost island, almost open Baltic Sea. Fishermen, seals, and a silence you can hear.
- Pargas (Parainen) — The next archipelago island from Turku, connected by bridge. Limestone quarry, old town, cozy cafés.
Åland Islands
The Åland Islands (6,700 islands, 30,000 inhabitants) are an autonomous, Swedish-speaking region between Finland and Sweden. Politically Finnish, culturally Swedish, with its own flag and stamps. Mariehamn, the capital, has an excellent maritime museum (Pommern sailing ship). Getting there: Ferry from Turku (5.5h) or flight from Helsinki (30 min). The Åland Islands are tax-free — hence the large Baltic Sea ferries (Viking Line, Tallink Silja) dock here.
