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Travel Guide Finland Southwest Finland
  • Activities
  • Attractions
  • Trip planning
  • Destinations
  • Cycling on the Archipelago Trail
    Cycling on the Archipelago Trail Photo: Juho Kuva, Visit Finland
  • Dawn at Archipelago
    Dawn at Archipelago Photo: Juho Kuva, Visit Finland
  • Cycling the Archipelago Trail
    Cycling the Archipelago Trail Photo: Juho Kuva, Visit Finland
  • Photo: Visit Turku
  • Photo: ©Moomin Characters™ Theme park created by Dennis Livson., ©Moomin Characters™ Theme park created by Dennis Livson.
  • Photo: Visit Turku
  • Photo: Visit Turku
  • Photo: Visit Turku
  • Photo: Visit Turku
  • Photo: Visit Turku
  • Photo: Ruissalon Kylpylä, Ruissalon Kylpylä
  • Photo: Visit Turku
  • Photo: Jemina Sormunen, Jemina Sormunen
  • Photo: Ruissalon Kylpylä, Ruissalon Kylpylä
  • Photo: Visit Turku
  • Photo: Visit Turku
  • Photo: Visit Turku
  • Photo: Visit Turku
  • Photo: Visit Turku
  • Photo: Visit Turku
  • Photo: Visit Turku
  • Photo: Visit Turku
  • Polkupyörien vuokrausta, Visit Uusikaupunki Photo: Finnish Archipelago - Southwest Finland (Varsinais-Suomi)
  • Uudenkaupungin upea kirjasto. Photo: Uusikaupunki
  • Uudenkaupungin kaupunnginlahti. Photo: Uusikaupunki

Southwest Finland

Southwest Finland is a unique combination of seaside, archipelago, and urban culture. From the lively cultural centre of Turku, you can comfortably continue your journey to the area’s historic lighthouses, small coastal villages, and thousands of islands. The diverse archipelago area and vast seaside landscapes are ideal for exploring coastal nature and archipelago life – and the Archipelago National Park is the perfect destination for those interested in island hopping.
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Ellare Oy  Verified partner  Explorers Choice 
Author of this page

Activities in Southwest Finland


Crags
bike rides
hikes
scenic routes
mountain biking trails
kayak trips
Pilgrim walks bicycle tours nature trails

Attractions in Southwest Finland


Highlights

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Maps and trails
Bicycle Touring · Finnish Archipelago
The Archipelago Trail
Toprecommended route Difficulty moderate Multi-stage route Open
Distance 231.9 km
Duration 17:04 h
Ascent 564 m
Descent 546 m

The Archipelago Trail is the perfect way to explore the idyllic Finnish Archipelago and coastline. Travel by car, bus, bike, motorbike or walk – ...

from James Simpson,   St. Olav Waterway
Bike Riding · Finland
Hirvensalo Route, Turku
Toprecommended route Difficulty moderate
Distance 29.2 km
Duration 2:00 h
Ascent 83 m
Descent 103 m

Experience a tranquil countryside atmosphere in Hirvensalo, just a short distance from the centre of Turku.

from Vihreät matkaketjut,   Finnish Archipelago - Southwest Finland (Varsinais-Suomi)
Bike Riding · Turku
Ruissalo Route, Turku
Toprecommended route Difficulty easy
Distance 35 km
Duration 3:00 h
Ascent 96 m
Descent 96 m

A leisurely bike ride to Turku’s nature reserve, the island of Ruissalo. As well as unique natural gems, Ruissalo has fascinating cultural sites ...

from Vihreät matkaketjut,   Finnish Archipelago - Southwest Finland (Varsinais-Suomi)
Bicycle Touring · Finnish Coast and Archipelago
The Small Archipelago Trail
Toprecommended route Difficulty moderate Open
Distance 121.3 km
Duration 10:00 h
Ascent 462 m
Descent 425 m

The Small Archipelago Trail is an unique opportunity to discover the picturesque Turku archipelago. Cycle through wonderful Baltic Sea landscapes ...

from James Simpson,   St. Olav Waterway
Bike Riding · Uusikaupunki
Velhoveden rengastie – pyöräillen ja retkeillen Uudenkaupungin saaristossa
Toprecommended route Difficulty easy
Distance 55.9 km
Duration 4:00 h
Ascent 88 m
Descent 88 m

Kappale Suomen kauneinta saaristoa on ulottuvillasi ilman venettä tai huolta lautta-aikatauluista. Siitä pitää huolen saarten lomitse rakennettu ...

from Irmeli Laiho-Andersson,   Finnish Archipelago - Southwest Finland (Varsinais-Suomi)
Bike Riding · Southwest Finland
Aura River Route, Turku
Toprecommended route Difficulty easy
Distance 15.1 km
Duration 2:00 h
Ascent 35 m
Descent 35 m

You won’t even realise how far you’ve travelled on this leisurely Aura River route. As you pedal along, you can take in some historical sites and, ...

from Vihreät matkaketjut,   Finnish Archipelago - Southwest Finland (Varsinais-Suomi)
Scenic route · Finnish Archipelago
Spring and Autumn adventures in the outer archipelago
Toprecommended route Difficulty moderate
Distance 146.2 km
Duration 2:15 h
Ascent 264 m
Descent 269 m

The kidneyworts and migratory birds delight visitors to the inner islands from the start of April. There are often summery days in September, and ...

from James Simpson,   St. Olav Waterway
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Discover the region

Great places to visit with the family
Accommodation
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Ideas for bad weather
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museums
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Discover the Finnish Archipelago

The archipelago area of Southwest Finland with its numerous islands is a real paradise for water activities, such as sailing and kayaking. Here, you can enjoy the most beautiful archipelago scenery in the world and get to know the interesting seaside culture. Each island is unique, the waterways pleasantly labyrinthine, and the wide-open spaces attractive – is there more a water sports enthusiast could ask?

Enthusiastic cyclers can take the Archipelago Trail, a particularly great cycling route to get to know the archipelago area of Turku. Stunning landscapes, picturesque villages and the ever-present seaside make the Archipelago Trail one of Finland’s most popular cycling routes.

Those who enjoy hiking and trekking should visit the Archipelago National Park. The impressive nature of the area can be explored on more than ten different routes. The most popular place to visit in the national park is Örö Fortress Island. A former military area, this island was closed to the public for a long time. As a result, the flora and fauna of the area have developed almost unaffectedly.

Kayaking in Finland
Photo: Visit Finland

Marine atmosphere, rural peace, and beautiful nature in Turku

The Turku region is easy to explore by bike. The enchanting landscapes of the Aura River, the soothing atmosphere of the countryside in the green Ruissalo, or the island of Hirvensalo are perfect for cycling and getting to know the area, and just a stone’s throw away from the centre of Turku. By bike, it is possible to explore the areas in greater depth than by bus or car. All cycling routes in Turku offer stunning scenery and a diverse range of attractions along the way.
  • Bike Riding · Finland
    Hirvensalo Route, Turku
  • Bike Riding · Turku
    Ruissalo Route, Turku
  • Bike Riding · Southwest Finland
    Aura River Route, Turku
  • Bike Riding · Finland
    Kaskerta Route, Turku

Naantali – the gateway to the cycling routes in the archipelago

Naantali is one of the oldest cities in Finland, especially known for its old town and colourful wooden houses. The archipelago, full of things to see and to do, is just outside of the gates of the old town of Naantali. Naantali serves as an excellent base for several different cycling routes in the archipelago: it is a part of a popular cycling route, the Archipelago Trail, as well as the Small Archipelago Trail. Those looking for shorter cycling routes and day trip destinations can head to the Luonnonmaanreitti Route or Luonnonmaa-Särkänsalmi Route.
Finnish Archipelago
Recommended route The Archipelago Trail
Finnish Coast and Archipelago
Recommended route The Small Archipelago Trail

Photo: Visit Turku
Photo: Visit Turku
Photo: © Visit Naantali, Visit Naantali
Photo: Visit Turku
Photo: © Visit Naantali, Visit Naantali
Photo: Visit Turku
Photo: Visit Turku
Photo: Visit Turku
Photo: Joonas Äkäslompolo, Finnish Archipelago - Southwest Finland (Varsinais-Suomi)
Photo: Visit Turku
Photo: Visit Turku
Photo: Visit Turku
Photo: Visit Turku
Photo: Visit Turku
Photo: Visit Turku
Photo: Visit Turku
Photo: Visit Turku
Taustalla Tuorlan observatorio
Photo: Visit Turku
Photo: Visit Turku
Photo: Visit Turku

Authentic Experiences and Guided Tours

  • from €510.00
    Kayaking · Finnish Coast and Archipelago
    St. Olav -paddling
  • from €90.00
    E-Bike · Finnish Coast and Archipelago
    ST OLAV'S eBIKE TOUR – MINI PILGRIMAGE TO ARCHIPELAGO
  • from €72.00
    Ferries & Boat tours · Finnish Coast and Archipelago
    Archipelago Sights Route to the Viking Centre and Bengstkär
  • from €2,100.00
    Pilgrimage · Finnish Coast and Archipelago
    St. Olav Waterway: hikes & packages
  • from €20.00
    Cycling · Finnish Coast and Archipelago
    Bike rental on The Archipelago Trail - Small Archipelago Trail and St Olav Waterway
  • from €1,099.00
    Organized long distance hiking · Finnish Coast and Archipelago
    Eine Pilgerreise zwischen dem Finnischen Festland und den Ålandinseln
  • from €53.00
    Ferries & Boat tours · Finnish Coast and Archipelago
    Archipelago Sights Route Cruise to Bengtskär Lighthouse
  • from €279.00
    Pilgrimage · Finnish Archipelago
    Hiking in the archipelago
  • from €30.00
    Pilgrimage · Finnish Coast and Archipelago
    Pyhän Olavin retkeilyreitit,
  • from €10.00
    Long Distance Cycling · Finnish Archipelago
    Luggage transfer - Matkatavaroiden kuljetus Turun saaristossa
  • from NOK21,327.02
    Expeditions · Finnish Coast and Archipelago
    Redrib Nature Reserve Experience
  • from €6.50
    Handcrafts · Finnish Coast and Archipelago
    Pilgrim Passport/ Pilgrim credentials
Show all offers in Southwest Finland

Trip planning


Weather

Current Conditions

Map / Archipelago Trail - Summer operated ferries
April 09, 2020 – December 31, 2023 ·Finnish Archipelago
Archipelago Trail - Summer operated ferries

Webcams

  • Webcam · Finnish Archipelago
    Pargas › East: Stationsbrygga | Asemalaituri - Själö
  • Webcam · Finnish Archipelago
    Immanen: Naantali - Aurinko Golf
  • Webcam · Finnish Coast and Archipelago
    Karsamaki: Tie40 - Tie 9 Tienpinta
  • Webcam · Finnish Coast and Archipelago
    Kaarina: Tie - Makarla - Turkuun
  • Webcam · Finnish Coast and Archipelago
    Turku: Tie40 Ravattula - Tienpinta
  • Webcam · Finnish Coast and Archipelago
    Kaarina: Tie - Ravattula - Tie 10 Hämeenlinnaan
  • Webcam · Finnish Coast and Archipelago
    Kimitoon: Tie 183 - Engelsby - Perniöön
  • Webcam · Finnish Coast and Archipelago
    Salo: Tie - Pappila
  • Webcam · Finnish Coast and Archipelago
    Raisio: Tie - Tie 8 Turkuun
  • Webcam · Finnish Coast and Archipelago
    Loimaa: Tie - Leppijärvi - Poriin
  • Webcam · Finnish Coast and Archipelago
    Somero: Tie - Somerolle
  • Webcam · Finnish Coast and Archipelago
    Somero: Tie - Saloon
Show all webcams in Southwest Finland

Reviews

  10
St Olav Waterway - 1. Turku to Pargas by Konstantin
September 06, 2022 · Community
Well marked route. Beautiful sights. Second half is along the busy road with lots of cars. Easy to catch a bus if you get tired or want to skip the busy car section.
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1 comment
Sahajärven kierros, rengasreitti, Teijon kansallispuisto by A.
September 09, 2021 · Community
More Show less
When did you do this route? September 06, 2021
Photo: A. Scharfhausen, Community
Photo: A. Scharfhausen, Community
Photo: A. Scharfhausen, Community
Photo: A. Scharfhausen, Community
Comment
Pargas Port cycling daytrip - A taste of the archipelago by Jörg
August 24, 2021 · Community
Great tour, highly recommended! Thank you very much for sharing. :-) The restaurant and hotel at Pargas port is a lovely place to spend some quality time. One remark: we did the tour yesterday and actually it is possible to pass TERVSUND bridge by bike / walking. Just for cars it’s closed.
More Show less
When did you do this route? August 22, 2021
Photo: Jörg Albrecht, Community
Photo: Jörg Albrecht, Community
Photo: Jörg Albrecht, Community
Photo: Jörg Albrecht, Community
Photo: Jörg Albrecht, Community
Photo: Jörg Albrecht, Community
Photo: Jörg Albrecht, Community
1 comment
Show more Show less

Destinations in Southwest Finland


Regions

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Map / Aura
Aura
Our Travel Guide gives you some recommendations for your next stay in Aura. Browse through ...
Map / Kaarina
Kaarina
Our Travel Guide gives you some recommendations for your next stay in Kaarina. Browse through ...
Map / Kemiönsaari
Kemiönsaari
For those who prefer an active vacation, there are numerous sights and destinations to discover in ...
Map / Koski Tl
Koski Tl
We don't have any recommendations for you at the moment in Koski Tl. Have you got any tips on ...
Map / Kustavi
Kustavi
You will remember your vacation in Kustavi for a long time. Find information about fantastic routes ...
Map / Laitila
Laitila
Our Travel Guide gives you some recommendations for your next stay in Laitila. Browse through ...
Map / Lieto
Lieto
You will remember your vacation in Lieto for a long time. Find information about fantastic routes ...
Map / Loimaa
Loimaa
You will remember your vacation in Loimaa for a long time. Find information about attractions and ...
Map / Marttila
Marttila
You will remember your vacation in Marttila for a long time. Find information about webcams and ...
Map / Masku
Masku
You will remember your vacation in Masku for a long time. Find information about fantastic routes ...
Map / Mynämäki
Mynämäki
You will remember your vacation in Mynämäki for a long time. Find information about fantastic routes ...
Map / Naantali
Naantali
Our Travel Guide gives you some recommendations for your next stay in Naantali. Browse through ...
Map / Nousiainen
Nousiainen
You will remember your vacation in Nousiainen for a long time. Find information about fantastic ...
Map / Oripää
Oripää
We don't have any recommendations for you at the moment in Oripää. Have you got any tips on things ...
Map / Paimio
Paimio
Our Travel Guide gives you some recommendations for your next stay in Paimio. Browse through ...
Parainen
The coastal town of Parainen is ideal for active holidays. In the stunning scenery of the world’s ...
Map / Pöytyä
Pöytyä
Our Travel Guide gives you some recommendations for your next stay in Pöytyä. Browse through ...
Map / Pyhäranta
Pyhäranta
You will remember your vacation in Pyhäranta for a long time. Find information about fantastic ...
Map / Raisio
Raisio
Our Travel Guide gives you some recommendations for your next stay in Raisio. Browse through ...
Map / Rusko
Rusko
You will remember your vacation in Rusko for a long time. Find information about fantastic routes ...
Salo
The Salo region is located in the stunning coastal area of southwestern Finland and is the gateway ...
Map / Sauvo
Sauvo
You will remember your vacation in Sauvo for a long time. Find information about fantastic routes ...
Map / Somero
Somero
You will remember your vacation in Somero for a long time. Find information about fantastic routes ...
Map / Taivassalo
Taivassalo
You will remember your vacation in Taivassalo for a long time. Find information about fantastic ...
Map / Turku
Turku
For those who prefer an active vacation, there are numerous sights and destinations to discover in ...
Map / Uusikaupunki
Uusikaupunki
Our Travel Guide gives you some recommendations for your next stay in Uusikaupunki. Browse through ...
Map / Vehmaa
Vehmaa
You will remember your vacation in Vehmaa for a long time. Find information about fantastic routes ...

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