Kimitoön is one of the largest and most diverse areas in the Turku Archipelago, Southwest Finland. The region encompasses charming coastal villages — Kimito, Kasnäs, Dragsfjärd, and Västanfjärd among them — each with its own character, and a handful of remote islands that are among the most rewarding destinations in the entire archipelago.
What sets Kimitoön apart from other parts of the archipelago is practical as much as anything else: most of the coastal villages are reachable by car without a single ferry crossing, meaning visitors can explore several places in a single day. From there, the remote islands — like Högsåra, Örö, Rosala and the lighthouse island of Bengtskär — are all within reach by boat or local ferry.
Söderlångvik Manor is the perfect spot for a day trip. The classicist main building, originating from 1511, serves as a museum. The estate also has a sculpture park, gardens, apple orchard, hiking trails, café, restaurant, a japandi-style sauna, and farm shop. Just 1.5 hours from Turku by car or bus via Kimitoön.
A historic fortress island in the Archipelago Sea. Stunning archipelago, cozy accommodation, and delicious local food. Reachable by ferry ride from Kasnäs.
Kasnäs is a village in the municipality of Kimitoön. There's a spa and great saunas available in Kasnäs, as well as restaurants and cafés. Ferries to the smaller islands of the municipality depart from Kasnäs.
Midnight sun in Högsåra island.
Högsåra is the one that tends to surprise people. The island has a storybook quality to it — a lively creative community, a strong local culture and the kind of idyllic atmosphere that is immediately easy to understand. Parking is limited, and leaving the car on the mainland is strongly recommended. Visitors from Turku can reach Högsåra by bus to the ferry connection, making it one of the more accessible island experiences in the outer archipelago. Don't miss the famous Farmor's Café when you visit!
Örö is a full day well spent. Accessible by water taxi from Kasnäs during the summer months, the island is one of the most compelling entry points to the Archipelago National Park.
Rosala medieval village is one of the most interesting destinations in the region, while the lighthouse island of Bengtskär is one of those places that is hard to describe without sounding like you are exaggerating. A lighthouse rising from a bare rock in the open sea, nothing around it for miles. Worth the boat trip.
Back on the mainland side of the municipality, the ironworks heritage of Dalsbruk and the mansion at Söderlångvik add another layer to the destination. Kimitoön does not have one identity. That is the point.
©© Niclas Warius
Orchard in Söderlångvik Manor.
Ullman's Villa is a beautiful boutique hotel.
Rosala island is inhabited year-round by approx. 140 people.
Accommodation
Food & drink
Sauna & wellness
Outdoor & activities
Sights & culture
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Hidden gems
Kemiönsaari is reachable by Matkahuolto bus from Turku. Visitors travelling by car can reach most of the coastal villages without any ferry crossings, which makes independent exploration straightforward. For the remote islands — Högsåra, Örö, Rosala and Bengtskär — boat connections run from various points along the coast, with water taxi service to Örö operating from Kasnäs during summer months. If you are heading to Högsåra specifically, leave the car on the mainland — the island is small, walkable, and parking on the island itself is limited.