Coastal Archipelago
Gulf of Finland and Archipelago
Excluding the islands, the Finnish coastline totals 46.000 km. The sea areas have some 81.000 islands (min. size 100m²), the largest (685 km²) being the main islands of the Åland group.Almost all of Finland's coastal towns run boat services as well as organized sightseeing and charter cruises. Finland's coastal towns provide a wide choice of charter and local cruises for holidaymakers. There are also scheduled services in the Åland Islands and archipelago. Cruises are available in all coastal waters, from Kotka in the eastern Gulf of Finland to the northernmost reaches of the Gulf of Bothnia.
Turku arhipelago is a unique travel destination situated in the island area in South West Finland. Here you have the choice of enjoying complete peace and privacy or engaging yourself in many activities.
| It is easy to get about in the archipelago. Fine bridges, spacious ferries and splendid vessels link the islands together. You don’t really need a boat at all. And if you want you can go by using a sea taxi. For people coming in their own boats important arrival points are the guest harbours.
Nature in the archipelago is full of wonders. The enchantment of the sea, the verdant beauty of the inner islands, the barren outer islands, the unbroken peace and the rare flora and fauna give a faith in the future. There are over 20,000 islands in the Turku archipelago. And when moving around in the islands you will also hear reference to the Turunmaa archipelago, which comprises the Swedish speaking municipalities in the islands.
The colourful history and culture of the region offer an interesting place to get to know, and lively happenings, in the midst of the wonders of nature. You will find the real joy of life! Travel and tourism is an important livelihood for the inhabitants of the islands. Holiday villages, restaurants, hotels, lodging places, and sea taxis are there for your enjoyment.
Fishermen and farmers together guarantee fresh and clean delicacies for the traveler's table. You can admire the results of the locals´ hands in the potter workshop or take home some of their handiwork as a souvenir.
Further information: www.saaristo.org |
Archipelago Traffic from Mainland to Åland Islands
It is possible to come to Åland Islands with small archipelago ferries from two different harbours in Finland. The "Northern Route" starts from the harbour of Osnäs in Kustavi/Gustavs some 70 km southwest from Turku. From there you can take the ferry to Brändö and from southern part of Brändö a connecting ferry via Kumlinge to Hummelvik's harbour in the municipality of Vårdö. From Hummelvik it is approx. 40 km to Mariehamn. The other route is called the 'Southern route' and starts from Galtby in Korppoo some 80 km southeast from Turku. From Galtby the ferry takes you via Kökar and Föglö to Långnäs harbour in the municipality of Lumparland. From Långnäs it is some 35 km to Mariehamn. If you plan to travel by car, we recommend you to book a place for the car in advance. Car booking is possible only if you stay, at least one night, in one of the archipelago municipalities along the route.
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