Biking in the Finnish Archipelago

Arrival to Turku. Turku is the oldest city and the former capital of Finland. Some of the main attractions are the Cathedral, Turku Castle, Aurajoki riverside, Forum Marinum maritime centre and its ship museum. In the summer the city holds many events and festivals with themes like middle age, music, theatre, art, design and much more. The river is the heart and soul of the city where you can walk along the Aurajoki River and admire the old ships. There are many nice cafés and restaurants in the centre and by the riverside.

Today you cycle in the lovely and calm Finnish countryside. In the summer you can take a swim in the small lakes along the way in Rusko and Masku. Then you arrive to Naantali by the Archipelago Sea. Naantali is one of the oldest towns in Finland and 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. The official summer residence of the President of Finland, Kultaranta estate, is also located in Naantali.

Once you leave the town of Naantali, you cycle through countryside and cross 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 trips and cycle across two small islands. After today’s cycle tour you can relax your mind and muscles in a Finnish sauna.

Today you cycle in the beautiful Turku Archipelago again. You pedal along the Archipelago Ring Road and hop with ferries from island to island. Finally, you arrive at a lively and idyllic archipelago village of Nauvo.

Today you take a ferry in the afternoon from Nauvo to Turku. Before that, you can visit the nearby ancient stone labyrinth and cycle a wonderful round trip in Nauvo Islands exploring the archipelago. A beautiful sea trip through the Turku Archipelago will bring you back to Finland’s oldest town, Turku. Then you head from Turku city centre to Ruissalo Island, located in the south-west of the city, by the Archipelago Seashore. You can reach the island by cycling or by waterbus (at own cost) with your cycle on board. Ruissalo Island has lovely nature reserves and one of the largest old oak forests in Finland. The Botanical garden of the University of Turku is situated in the middle of the island. The charming 19th-century villas on the island are considered as culturally and historically valuable. You can take a swim in the sea and a real Finnish sauna experience is available year-round! From Ruissalo you can also go paddling in the Archipelago Sea.

Today you cycle in the nearby Turku Archipelago connected to the mainland by bridges. Your first destination is Hirvensalo Island where the famous Finnish sculptor Wäinö Aaltonen also lived.

In Hirvensalo you can visit St. Henry’s Ecumenical Art Chapel which is a pilgrimage site for lovers of architecture. This mystical landscape sculpture was completed on the fringe of the archipelago nature in 2005.

Kakskerta is also an island in the Archipelago Sea in the district of Turku. Like other islands in the Turku Archipelago, it has a large number of summer residences. There is a lake in the middle of the island. In the summer you can take a bath in the lake or in the sea. In Kakskerta you can visit the old stone church and the Brinkhall Manor famous as a filming location for a historical TV-drama.

Departure or extension of your holiday. We recommend you to have an extra day in Turku for more sightseeing or for a lovely walking day tour in the nearby Kurjenrahka National Park, boat trip in the archipelago or any other activity of your choice with a good time.

Note: Tours starting on 5th July will start in Naantali and day shall be a loop ride