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Routes Finland Finnish Archipelago The Archipelago Trail
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Bicycle Touring Toprecommended route Multi-stage route

The Archipelago Trail

Bicycle Touring · Finnish Archipelago · Open
Logo St. Olav Waterway
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St. Olav Waterway Verified partner  Explorers Choice 
  • Saariston Rengastie
    Saariston Rengastie
    Photo: Juho Kuva, Business Finland – Visit Finland
Mirko Nõmmsalu
on the July 12, 2022

Should I definitely buy the ferry tickets in advance or I ...

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The Archipelago Trail is the perfect way to explore the idyllic Finnish Archipelago and coastline. Travel by car, bus, bike, motorbike or walk – the choice is yours!
Open
moderate
Distance 231.9 km
Duration17:04 h
Ascent564 m
Descent546 m
Highest point52 m
Lowest point-11 m

Get the most out of your visit to the Finnish Archipelago - Explore The Archipelago Trail!

Shiny yellow car ferries and smaller blue and white passenger ferries, fantastic views from bridges and causeways, cute red wooden buildings, marinas brimming with sailing boats, these are all memories you will take home from The Archipelago Trail. The sea is never far away in one of the world’s most beautiful archipelagos.  

You will visit most of the major islands in the archipelago. Each island has its own special charm. The route meanders through historic villages where you can find plenty of things to do during the summer.

There are many hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants that are open throughout the year so you can easily plan a visit outside of the main summer season. The ferry between Houtskär and Iniö only operates from mid-May to the end of August; the other ferries operate the year around.

Ferries: 8-9

Length 230 - 250km

Recommended time: 3-5 days

Fully open: Normally mid-May until end of August. Please check the tab “CURRENT INFORMATION” for updated information. 

Author’s recommendation

Take a detour away from the main route to explore smaller villages and lesser-visited islands. The outer archipelago with islands such as Utö and Jurmo is something unique and easily accessible for those who have an extra day to spend.
Profile picture of James Simpson
Author
James Simpson 
Update: May 08, 2023
Difficulty
moderate
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Highest point
52 m
Lowest point
-11 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Track types

Asphalt 58.58%Dirt road 3.20%Forested/wild trail 0.79%Path 0.14%Bike pushing needed 0.06%Road 17.46%Ferry crossing 15.82%Unknown 3.91%
Asphalt
135.8 km
Dirt road
7.4 km
Forested/wild trail
1.8 km
Path
0.3 km
Bike pushing needed
0.1 km
Road
40.5 km
Ferry crossing
36.7 km
Unknown
9.1 km
Show elevation profile

Safety information

The number one rule is: wear a helmet! 

  • Make sure you are familiar with traffic rules in Finland.  
  • Be visible. Make sure that the lamps of your bike function normally. In Finland, your bike lights must be on when biking at dusk or in the dark. Wearing a safety vest makes you more visible to others.
  • Biking alone is not recommended. When biking in a group, aid is near if you need it. 
  • Summer weather in Finland can be unpredictable. Daylight hours are plentiful in the summer, but nights can be cold. Whenever the temperature drops below freezing, roads and paths can get icy and slippery. Studs in tires are recommended in spring, fall and winter. 
  • Help us to prevent forest fires and grass fires. In Finland, a fire warning is given when the risk of quickly spreading forest fire or grass fire is high. Don’t make a fire when there’s a fire warning in effect. It is your responsibility to be aware of warnings in effect. For up-to-date warnings of storms and forest fire hazards, see the website of the Finnish Meteorological Institute (en.ilmatieteenlaitos.fi).
  • Carry a fully charged mobile phone. However, do not rely on it. Not all areas have mobile network coverage. Battery may also run out. 
  • Emergency number in Finland is 112. You can call 112 from a foreign mobile phone connection, too. Consider downloading the 112 Suomi application beforehand. It enables the automatic delivery of your coordinates to the emergency service dispatcher when dialing 112.

Text from Biking in Finland

Tips and hints

The trail has attracted cyclists, bikers and motorists for over 20 years. Island hopping is the route’s specialty.

Cycling is great in the Archipelago May through to the end of September but the whole trail is only open for a round trip between mid-May and the end of August. Out of the main season, you can make a return journey by bus, continue to The Åland Islands or use the pick-up, drop-off bike hire service. E-bike hire from 10bikes.

The Small Archipelago Trail is perfect if you are short on time but want to experience the most of the archipelago.  

There are many charming small islands to visit near the trail such as the Island of Seili and its grim past. Find more tips and information on www.visitpargas.fi 

Start

Turku (16 m)
Coordinates:
DD
60.452302, 22.276825
DMS
60°27'08.3"N 22°16'36.6"E
UTM
34V 570241 6702465
w3w 
///reminder.version.ignites
Show on Map

Destination

Turku

Turn-by-turn directions

Stage descriptions under "STAGES" tab. 

Public transport

Public-transport-friendly

The archipelago is well served by buses, ferries and tourist boats enabling you to make round trips or shorten longer stages. The ferries are free for foot passenger and along the main trail ferries depart up to four times an hour.

The ferry between Houtskär and Iniö only operates during the summer and charges for passengers, bikes and cars. There are no reservations for any of the public ferries.

A bike hire service is available where you can pick-up and drop-off at different locations.

By road

The Archipelago Trail starts in the centre of Turku in the southwest coast of Finland and can be cycled clockwise or counter-clockwise.  

Turku is easily reached from Helsinki, Tampere and the rest of Finland by both bus and train. There are even direct busses from Helsinki airport. Turku (TKU) has an international airport with direct flights and onward connections to a wide variety of destinations.  

Four daily sailings connect Turku with Stockholm and the Åland islands. The operators are Vikingline and TallinkSilja. 

Tourist boat routes serving the archipelago are found on www.visitpargas.fi and ferries on www.lautta.net or the Finnferries app.  

A good bus service operates between Turku and Pargas, Nagu, Korpo and Houtskär, busses 810 and 901 - 904  http://tlo.fi/reitit-ja-aikataulut/saaristobussi/  

Naantali can be reached by local bus from Turku and there are daily buses to Kustavi for onward travel to Iniö by ferry.  

There are direct tourist boats from Turku via Seili to Nagu during the main season. 

Parking

There is plenty of free parking in the villages and towns along the route. 

Coordinates

DD
60.452302, 22.276825
DMS
60°27'08.3"N 22°16'36.6"E
UTM
34V 570241 6702465
w3w 
///reminder.version.ignites
Show on Map
Arrival by train, car, foot or bike

Book recommendation by the author

Guide book available in Finnish:

Saariston rengastien opaskirja

Omatoimimatkailijan opaskirja Saariston Rengastielle vie sinut matkalle halki upean saariston! Kirjasta löydät vinkkejä rengastien nähtävyyksistä, matkailukohteista ja muista kiinnostavista poikkeamisen arvoisista paikoista.

https://www.saaristonrengastie.fi 

All publications

Equipment

The first thing you need is a bike. For paved roads, a regular road bike will do. If you plan to travel along unpaved paths, a mountain bike is recommended. The second crucial item is a helmet. Before hitting the road, check that brakes, lamps, and gear of your bike function normally. Depending on the length of your bike tour, you may also need: 

  • Bike bags, preferably waterproof
  • Multi-tool, bike tools, a patch kit and a wheel pump 
  • Drinking water, snacks, meals and cutlery
  • Up-to-date map of the area
  • A backpack with rain cover
  • Clothes and personal belongings - the archipelago can be cooler than the mainland because of the sea although there is generally less rainfall in summer. 
  • Ferry timetables or the Finferries app. 

Text from Biking in Finland

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The most beautiful bicycle tours in Finnish Archipelago
Finland › Southwest Finland › Turku

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Questions and answers

Profile picture of Mirko Nõmmsalu
Question from Mirko Nõmmsalu · July 12, 2022 · Community
Should I definitely buy the ferry tickets in advance or I can buy a ticket on the way? Are the ferries running frequently between the Archipelago trail islands? Or do the ferries only run a few times a day and I should plan my trip accordingly?
More Show less
Answered by James Simpson  · July 12, 2022 · St. Olav Waterway
Only the ferry between Houtskär and Iniö costs, you buy from the ferry staff: https://www.finferries.fi/en/ferry-traffic/ferries-and-schedules/the-archipelago-houtskari-inio.html all the others are free and are quite frequent. the timetables are all linked from the maps. If you travel by car i recommend to travel anti-clockwise Turku - Iniö etc as there is less traffic this way, by bike, no difference in direction. If you travel by bike, I recommend the Hakkenpää-Teerssalo ferry (not for cars) as it is on beautiful, quiet roads , but check the timetables as they are less frequent. The ferries Iniö-Kustavi (Heponiemi), Iniö-Houtskär and Houtskär-Korpo are not so frequent so check those timetables, all the others are up to four times an hour.
Answer
Profile picture of Andrew Halper
Question from Andrew Halper · June 18, 2022 · Community
Hi. We are going to do the tour (beginning and ending at Turku) next month. Do you think it makes any difference whether one does the tour in a clock-wise or anti-clock-wise direction?
More Show less
Answered by James Simpson  · June 22, 2022 · St. Olav Waterway
You can do the tour in either direction, there is no difference at all. If travelling by car anticlockwise the ferries can be quieter, especially the ferry between Iniö and Houtskär. By bike, both directions are great!
Answer
Profile picture of Briigen Janda
Question from Briigen Janda · February 02, 2022 · Community
How much does the tour cost, from all the options?
More Show less
Answered by James Simpson  · February 03, 2022 · St. Olav Waterway
Hello, This depends on where you stay and if you book a package, there are many options, the trail is basically free except for one ferry. All accomodation options are found linked on the stage descriptions and map. There are both cheap places to stay and eat as well as boutique hotels and fine dining restaurants. You should reserve 2-3 days by car in order to enjoy all the sights, more if cycling according to the schedule you have. I found your email enquiry and will send more links and details there. Have a great trip!
Answer
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James Simpson 
February 03, 2022 · St. Olav Waterway
Hello, This depends on where you stay and if you book a package, there are many options, the trail is basically free except for one ferry. All accomodation options are found linked on the stage descriptions and map. There are both cheap places to stay and eat as well as boutique hotels and fine dining restaurants. You should reserve 2-3 days by car in order to enjoy all the sights, more if cycling according to the schedule you have. I found your email enquiry and will send more links and details there. Have a great trip!
More Show less
Comment

Photos from others


Status
Open
Difficulty
moderate
Distance
231.9 km
Duration
17:04 h
Ascent
564 m
Descent
546 m
Highest point
52 m
Public-transport-friendly Circular route Multi-stage route Scenic Refreshment stops available Family-friendly Cultural/historical interest Flora

Statistics

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Maps and trails
  • 6 Stages
Bike Riding · Parainen
Archipelago Trail - 1. Turku to Pargas
Toprecommended route Difficulty moderate Stage 1 Open
Distance 23.1 km
Duration 1:45 h
Ascent 119 m
Descent 134 m

An easy cycle from the historic center of Turku to the bustling Archipelago Town of Pargas along cycle paths.  Cycle in a couple of hours or stop ...

from James Simpson,   St. Olav Waterway
Bike Riding · Finnish Archipelago
Archipelago Trail - 2. Pargas to Nagu
Toprecommended route Difficulty moderate Stage 2 Open
Distance 39.2 km
Duration 3:00 h
Ascent 151 m
Descent 153 m

Ferries, bridges, sea views, small villages and tasty local food. Today you'll take the first ferry of many, deeper into the archipelago.  

from James Simpson,   St. Olav Waterway
Bike Riding · Finnish Archipelago
Archipelago Trail - 3. Nagu to Korpo
Toprecommended route Difficulty moderate Stage 3 Open
Distance 30.7 km
Duration 2:15 h
Ascent 68 m
Descent 74 m

Enjoy the vibrancy of Nagu, featuring one of Finland’s busiest pleasure boat marinas, before cycling on smaller roads towards Korpo, the ...

from James Simpson,   St. Olav Waterway
Bike Riding · Finnish Archipelago
Archipelago Trail - 4. Korpo to Houtskär
Toprecommended route Difficulty moderate Stage 4 Open
Distance 32.4 km
Duration 2:35 h
Ascent 82 m
Descent 82 m

Houtskär- something extraordinary - 700 islets of different sizes and 520 year permanent inhabitants. The roads are narrow and winding and the sea ...

from James Simpson,   St. Olav Waterway
Bike Riding · Finnish Archipelago
Archipelago Trail - 5. Houtskär to Iniö
Toprecommended route Difficulty moderate Stage 5
Distance 21.2 km
Duration 1:36 h
Ascent 26 m
Descent 28 m

Iniö - the real archipelago! The smallest part of The Archipelago Trail, packed with charm. With only 10km to cycle there is still plenty of nature ...

from James Simpson,   St. Olav Waterway
Bike Riding · Finnish Coast and Archipelago
Archipelago Trail - 6. Iniö - Kustavi - Naantali - Turku
Toprecommended route Difficulty moderate Stage 6 Open
Distance 85.4 km
Duration 5:55 h
Ascent 226 m
Descent 227 m

Artisan shops, Manor houses, Moomins and Presidents. The last stage of The Archipelago Trail is diverse and full of surprises. Stop at Naantali, a ...

from James Simpson,   St. Olav Waterway
Distance  km
Duration : h
Ascent  m
Descent  m
Highest point  m
Lowest point  m
Push the arrows to change the view
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