Finland and the Aland Lakes

Day 1 Arrival to Naantali

Individual arrival to Naantali. If you arrive early why not take a walk through the idyllic old town or harbour and enjoy good food in one of the beautiful seaside restaurants. Naantali is one of the oldest towns in Finland. It was founded around the medieval Brigittine convent of which the church still dominates its skyline. Known as the Sunshine Town, Naantali attracts local and foreign visitors from around the world with the ever popular children’s favourite Moomin World theme park, as well as with the largest Spa in Scandinavia.

The official summer residence of the President of Finland, Kultaranta estate, is also located in Naantali, on Luonnonmaa Island. The beautiful garden of Kultaranta estate can be visited in the summertime on guided afternoon walks. Don’t miss the traditional evening vesper drumming, just before eight o’clock by the corner of Naantalin Kaivohuone.

Day 2 Naantali to Kustavi 33 miles 53 km (+ ferry trip)

Your cycle tour today begins in the Turku Archipelago. Once you leave the town of Naantali, you cycle through the countryside and cross some pretty bridges with characteristic archipelago seascapes. The route follows partly the historic Great Mail Route that once passed from Turku to Stockholm. Then you make your first ferry trip. After a long cycling day, you can relax your mind and muscles in a Finnish sauna!

Day 3 Kustavi to Brändö Islands 25 miles 41 km (+ cable ferry & 2 ferries)

Today you leave the Turku Archipelago and travel with the ferry to the Brändö Islands, the northernmost part of the Åland Islands. Before heading to the Brändö Islands, we suggest you visit the Artisan Village of Kustavi, where you can find local artisan workshops and reputable artisan pottery. The Great Mail Route leads you through the island chain of the Brändö Islands. In the middle of the Archipelago Sea, one after another, the bridges connect the numerous small islands together. Here you can really feel the connection with the surrounding nature and the sea. The geological evidence and the effect of the Ice Age can be well discovered on the bare ice scratched “whale-back” formed rocks. Enjoy the silence and fresh air in this unique environment.

Day 4 Brändö Islands – Kastelholm / Godby  14-20 miles 23-32 km (+ ferry & cable ferry).

A ferry trip through a beautiful seascape will bring you to the main island of Åland. This day is dedicated to attractions, culture and history. The Great Mail Route first brings you to the district of Bomarsund ruins. The fortress of Bomarsund was once the most magnificent structure on the Åland islands. The fortress was constructed as an important outpost to the west by the Russian Empire and was bombarded during the Crimean War in 1854. In consequence, the Åland islands were demilitarised and the fortress was never rebuilt again. Today the area is a historical monument, easily accessible to visitors. The main fort has a beautiful location on the shore and sheep are taking care of the environment and its biodiversity by pasturing around the ruin area.

Then you arrive at Kastelholm, where the Kastelholm castle, Great Mail Route exhibition and open-air museum Jan Karlsgården lies. At the Great Mail Route exhibition, you can see the entire itinerary of the historic Great Mail Route. Worth visiting is also Smakbyn, a famed restaurant of Åland and Nordic cuisine with distillery and shop, and the local small brewery Stallhagen.

Day 5 Kastelholm / Godby – Havsvidden  15-22 miles 25-35 km.

Today you cycle to the northern tip of the main island. The route leads you first through a characteristic countryside landscape with apple tree plantations every here and there. As you approach the north, the scenery gets more intact and wild. Before taking the route to Havsvidden, you can deviate to Getabergen, a popular viewing point and tower with a vast view over the thick green forests and the blue sea. Finally, you arrive at your accommodation in Havsvidden, a special place by the edge of the island. Here the barren red granite rocks, the windswept stunted pines and the blue sea create a wonderful contrast. The day’s cycling will be rewarded with warm sauna, refreshing sea pool and comfortable jacuzzi.

Day 6 Havsvidden – Mariehamn 29 miles 47 km.

Today you head to the capital of the Åland Islands, cycling through the inland countryside. You pass Jomala church, which is one of the oldest churches in Finland. Finally, you arrive to Mariehamn, a reputable shipping town on the peninsula with two important harbours. The town’s entire history and development reflect the lives of people living surrounded by water. Worth visiting are the maritime museum and the museum ship Pommern, the Maritime quarter and St. George church.

Day 7 Mariehamn – Turku 3 miles 5 km (+ optional 7,5 km / 23 km)

It’s time to leave the Åland Islands behind and return to the mainland of Finland. Before that, you have still time to explore the lovely Mariehamn and its surroundings. You can make a circular cycling trip to a charming neighbourhood and continue with a back and forth trip towards the south through a wonderful island chain where the scenery to the sea and beautiful villas will enchant you. A pleasant cruise with luxurious cruise ship M/S Viking Grace will bring you to Turku. You travel through a wonderful archipelago of tens of thousands of islands. The cruise starts in the afternoon and lasts five and a half hours. You arrive at 20.00 o’clock in Turku, in the oldest city of Finland. From Turku harbour, you have a nice ride along Aura River to the centre of Turku.

Turku is the former capital of Finland and European Capital of Culture 2011. In the summer the city overflows with events and festivals with themes like tango, middle age, music, theatre, art, design and much more. Some of the main attractions are the cathedral, Turku Castle, Aurajoki riverside, market on the Market Square, Forum Marinum maritime centre and its museum ship fleet (including the full-rigger Suomen Joutsen), Luostarinmäki Handicrafts Museum, Turku Art Museum, Market Hall, Sibelius Museum and the magnificent Main Library. The river is the heart of the city. Walk along the Aura River medieval cobblestone streets and admire old sailing ships. There are many nice cafès and restaurants in the centre and by the riverside.

Day 8 Departure