recommended route
St Olav Waterway - 2b. Alternative route over Pensar
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MS Viken the ferry to PensarPhoto: Jouni Lappi, St. Olav Waterway
There are short walking sections and plenty of opportunity to let your mind wander on the ferry crossings. You can begin the stage in Pargas, Sattmark or straight from Turku by early morning bus. Be sure to spend a night on either Björkholm or Hotel and Restaurant Sandvik, the owners will help you book the onward ferries.
The roads are peaceful and scenic and there are ample places to have a picnic by the seashore. Waiting for ferries is a part of archipelago life, a lifeline for island communities. Both Hotel Sandvik and Björkholm rent rowing boats or kayaks if you wish to explore the islands from the sea.
Enjoy the quiet as the ferry leaves you on the island, now there is no hurry until the next departure. You have time to explore the island, the charming chapel on Björkholm or the interesting history and nature path on Pensar for example. Depending on the weather, search for a sunny place outside or in a bracing storm a cosy warm place inside for quiet reflection.
Author’s recommendation
Track types
Safety information
The stage is mainly along secondary tarmacked roads. When walking along roads without pavements or cycle paths, please walk on the left side, facing the direction of traffic and be aware of oncoming cars.
The route is marked with the square logo of St Olav Ways and arrows. On easier sections, there may only be a couple of signs per kilometre. There are no path markings on the islands of Björkholmen and Pensar.
The archipelago is a sensitive area; please respect the nature and inhabitants of the archipelago. You can read about your rights and responsibilities according to everyman's right. Lighting fires is only allowed with the permission of the landowner when there is no general fire warning.
Ticks are prevalent in long grass and damp vegetation. Although it is very unlikely to pick up a tick if you keep to the trail it is a good idea to conduct a tick check in the evening especially if you have been in places of lush vegetation. Tick tweezers are a good idea. You can find more information about ticks here
Snakes enjoy the archipelago and love rocky warm places. They are normally shy and will slither away but it is wise to keep an eye out for them. There are two snake species in the archipelago grass snakes and adders.
You should carry a first aid kit and mobile phone, 112 is the emergency number in Finland. We recomend the
112 Suomi smart phone app which can helps the emergency services locate you if needed.
Weather forecast and weather and fire warnings: http://en.ilmatieteenlaitos.fi/
More information: www.stolavwaterway.com
Tips and hints
Soratie/ dirt road/ grusväg 5.8 km
Tie/ road/ väg 16.4 km
Lautta/ ferry/ färja 17.7 km
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
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The stage is often started in Pargas/ Parainen adding an additional 9km to the stage (Stage 2).
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Leave the main archipelago road at Sattmark and follow the signs to GRANVIK. You should only do this this alternative route if you have booked accommodation with Hotel Sandvik or on the island of Björkholm. Both companies will help you book the local ferry between Pensar and Kirjais.
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The road to Granvik is 8km, be sure to check the ferry times and arrive in good time before the crossing, this ferry does not run frequently and there are no other services along the road.
There is a nature reserve quite close to the ferry pier in Granvik, there are paths here but no services or signposting. It is a nice spot for a quiet picnic. -
The first ferry departure at 6am needs to be booked in advance. Björkholm is a request stop and you will need to tell the ferry crew on departure. There is no café on the ferry.
Björkholm is a lovely small island with rental cottages and offers some self-catering accommodation for pilgrims; please bring your own food with you. There is a charming chapel on the island.
On Pensar the trail is not signposted so you should follow the signs to Hotel and Restaurant Sandvik when staying there and take care when finding the correct ferry pier to continue your journey to Kirjais on the main island of Nagu. The ferries arrive and leave from different sides of the island.
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From Kirjais you have the possibility to either continue on the ferry to the island of Bränskär or walk towards the main village in Nagu.
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Kirjais village is a 3km walk, here you can find Kirjais kursgård which offers Bed and Breakfast. A summer restaurant and seasonal shop are situated near the shore.
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Lillandsvägen is a 9km walk from the ferry terminal. From here, the trail continues as stage 3.
Note
Getting there
A regular bus service takes you to the starting point of Sattmark from both Pargas and Turku. Buses 901-904 http://tlo.fi/reitit-ja-aikataulut/saaristobussi/
Ferry timetables are found on www.lautta.net. The ferry Granvik to Björkholmen and Pensar. The ferry Pensar to Kirjais and Brännskär. Please note, these ferries arrive and depart on different sides of the Island of Pensar. The ferry from Pensar to Kirjais needs to be booked the day before. These ferries are free for passengers.
To make a round trip from Turku you can return with the tourist ferry from Nagu to Turku or take the bus.
Coordinates
Related Offers
St. Olav Ways/ St Olav Waterway pilgrim passport/ pilgrim's credentials. Price includes postage.
Guide book in Finnish along St. Olav Waterway and other routes connected to St. Olav in Finland. https://www.tammi.fi/kirja/harri-ahonen/pyhan ...
The St. Olav Waterway starts in Turku (Finland) and ends in Eckerö (Åland). It follows the trail pilgrims walked and sailed in the Middle Ages on ...
Statistics
- 14 Waypoints
- 14 Waypoints
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