Photo by Anna Gröning
Archipelago Sea, Finland
The Archipelago Sea
The Archipelago Sea consists of 40,000 islands and is divided into the inner and outer archipelago. Main islands, such as Parainen, Nauvo, and Kemiönsaari, can be reached by car, while the outer archipelago and the Archipelago Sea National Park need to be reached via boat or ferry. There are plenty of unique islands offering both beautiful nature experiences and authentic culture, like Jurmo, Aspö and Brännskär.
The region is filled with activities for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, ranging from kayaking and sailing to calming nature walks and mushroom picking. The Archipelago Trail, a 250 km long route, is perfect for cycling enthusiasts looking to explore the scenic beauty of the area. This trail links many of the islands, providing a comprehensive tour of the archipelago’s landscapes and culture.
Kayaking is a particularly great activity here, with many small islands and skerries to explore. Island hopping via kayak allows you to experience the natural beauty and tranquility of the Archipelago Sea up close. On land, there are plenty of nature trails varying from 2 to 20 km, offering something for every level of hiker. The Archipelago Sea National Park, located in the outer archipelago, provides a protected area for wildlife and is a haven for birdwatching enthusiasts, especially in places like Jurmo and Utö.
For the food lover there are plenty of opportunities to spoil your tastebuds year round with restaurants from fine dining to homestay experiences. The focus is on local ingredients with fish and seasonal vegetables being staples in the archipelago cuisine.
The easily recognizable yellow ferries operate year-round to even the farthest reaches of the archipelago, with the journey to the southernmost inhabited island Utö taking as much as 4.5 hours. The best part? They are free of charge, giving an amazing opportunity for travelers to explore freely!
For food lovers, there are plenty of opportunities to spoil your tastebuds year-round with restaurants ranging from fine dining to homestay experiences. The focus is on local ingredients, with fish and seasonal vegetables being staples in the archipelago cuisine.In autumn, the harvest market is a must-see, celebrating the region’s agricultural bounty and offering a taste of local produce.
Welcome to the Archipelago Sea!

Photos by
Alexandra Degtiareva
Anna Gröning
Jarina Leskinen
Jasmin Yuchun Photography
Linda Baarman
Lotta Tamminen






Regional partner
The Light in the Dark project team consists of partners from many different regions across five different countries around the Baltic Sea – Finland and the Åland Islands, Sweden, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. All the regions offering unique off-season experiences to visitors!
The lead partner of the project is Novia University of Applied Sciences, representing the regions Turku and the Archipelago Sea (also referred to as the Turku Archipelago, the former meaning a broader area).
Contact
Novia University of Applied Sciences
+ 358 (0)50 466 1230
E-Mail
Web
