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Stage 5
St Olav Waterway - 5. Outer Archipelago Island hopping
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/ Traditional boats in a peaceful marinaPhoto: James Simpson, St. Olav Waterway -
/ M/S EivorPhoto: Harri Ahonen, St. Olav Waterway
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/ The trails on the islands are rocky and beautifulPhoto: Jouni Lappi, St. Olav Waterway
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/ There are many peaceful places for picnicsPhoto: Jouni Lappi, St. Olav Waterway
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/ Brännskär living archipelago villagePhoto: James Simpson, St. Olav Waterway
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/ M/S Eivor. Visiting the outer archipelago can be a real adventure in winter!Photo: meritie.fi, www.meritie.fi
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/ Fighting ternsPhoto: Harri Ahonen, St. Olav Waterway
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/ The sunset in the archipelago can be amazingPhoto: Tim Bird, St. Olav Waterway
In the outer archipelago layers of history unravel before your eyes. These peaceful islands have experienced a bustling past, from busy trading routes to fiery battles during times of war. The paths vary in length giving you plenty of opportunity for exploring slowly and finding quiet spots to admire the landscape and wild seas. Arrange for an islander to guide you around and exciting tales will bring the islands to life.
The boat service is a lifeline for the islanders and has a café where locals congregate to change news. The ferry’s arrival is a focus point for locals picking up post and groceries. Each island has its own character; from stony outcrop to lush farming land, the contrasts are striking.
Make sure you try locally caught and smoked fish and other local produce.
The paths are available on Google hikeview.
Author’s recommendation
Check the timetable carefully and manage two islands in one day.
Safety information
The paths are marked by the respective path owners and signs vary from island to island
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. 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.
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.
Some of this section is part of the Archipelago National Park.
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, hints and links
Pärnäs – Nötö – Aspö – Jurmo – Utö - Pärnäs
Lautta/ ferry/ färja 148.1 km
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Now you can order your own pilgrim passport before the journey.
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
The trails on the respective islands are found here:
- Berghamn Remember there are no services on Berghamn and camping is necessary.
- Nötö Accommodation at Majatalo Backaro is currently closed.
- Aspö
- Jurmo culture Path
Jurmo Accommodation in cottages or Jurmo Inn - Accommodation on Utö, Hannas horisont and Utö hotel
Google street view maps of the paths:
Book your accommodation before you go!
Trails
Berghamn: https://www.nationalparks.fi/en/archipelagonp/services/berghamn?inheritRedirect=true
Nötö: https://notohbf.auf.fi/fi/tietoanotosta/kartta/
Aspö: https://sites.google.com/aspocharter.com/visit-aspo/etusivu
Jurmo: http://visitpargas.fi/outdoor/index-en.html#filter=r-fullyTranslatedLangus-,sb-sortedBy-0&ipd=41317274 or
https://www.nationalparks.fi/en/archipelagonp/services/jurmo?inheritRedirect=true
Utö: http://www.visituto.fi/
Accommodation
Jurmo cottages: https://www.jurmo.com/
Jurmo Inn: http://jurmoinn.fi/majoitus.html
Utö: https://www.utohannashorisont.fi/ and www.utohotel.fi
Note
Getting there
You can reach Pärnäs by regular bus service travels along the main archipelago road between Turku, Pargas, Nagu and Korpo. Buses 901 - 904
The route is serviced by M/S Baldur, operated by www.meritie.fi. The ferry is free for foot passangers. Timetables in Finnish or Swedish: According to the season the route is not operated everyday. Book your accommodation before you leave, as accommodation is limited. It is possible to do a day trip a few times a week.
In summer, a tourist tour boat provides tours to the islands from Korpoström, these can be combined with the regular ferry to make a great round-trip: www.aspocharter.com
Coordinates
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