Planning an island-hopping trip through Finland’s Archipelago can feel overwhelming at first. With hundreds of islands, various ferry routes, and different rules for each destination, it can be hard to know where to start. But don’t worry. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
Whether you're starting your day in Turku or already exploring the archipelago, we’ll show you how to visit five unforgettable islands: Brännskär, Nötö, Aspö, Gullkrona, and Pensar, each offering something unique. You’ll learn what to expect on each island, plus, you’ll find day trip tips, booking info, and local highlights to help you plan your adventure with confidence.
New to using the ferries? Find your guide to how the ferries work and where to catch them here.
Ferries connect islands in the Finnish arhipelago.
Brännskär is one of those rare places where the line between visitor and local feels beautifully blurred. Once a humble fishing homestead, this tiny island has grown into a lively retreat powered by nature, creativity, and a strong sense of community.
What sets Brännskär apart isn't just the postcard views, it’s the people. Two families live here year-round, running the harbour, baking bread, firing up the sauna, and welcoming guests into a rhythm shaped by the sea and the seasons.
Visitors can arrive by boat or take a scheduled ferry from Kirjais. From the moment you step onto the dock, the island draws you in. There’s a charming waterfront café with a pizzeria, and a wood-fired sauna tucked just a few steps from the sea. You can stay overnight in a classic log cabin or try glamping in a seaside tent where the lull of waves becomes your soundtrack.
Brännskär invites both stillness and adventure. Paddle through calm waters, walk through forest trails, or try your hand at archery, frisbee golf, or traditional Finnish lawn games like Kubb and darts.
Despite its size, Brännskär has found its way into international travel lists alongside destinations like Madeira and Corfu. But here, the pace is slower and the vibe more intimate.
Day trip tip:
In summer, you can visit Brännskär on Tuesdays and Thursdays by ferry from Kirjais. The boat leaves early in the morning (around 6:30), giving you a full day to enjoy the island. Start with breakfast at the café, stroll through the harbor, explore the surroundings, and pick an activity or two. The return ferry departs around 16:00, getting you back to Kirjais before 17:30, just in time to continue your journey or unwind for the evening.
Brännskär's quiet charm draws you in.
Within the Archipelago Sea National Park lies Nötö. An island where time seems to slow and history lingers in the air. Once a bustling trading hub and peasant village, Nötö still holds onto its roots, offering visitors a quiet, soulful pause along their island-hopping route.
Wander down the island’s sandy paths and you’ll pass weathered fences, blooming gardens, and the red wooden chapel built in 1757, still standing proud among the pines. There’s even a windmill, beautifully preserved, hinting at the island’s working past.
At the heart of it all is Nötöboden, fondly known as “the Stockmann of the Archipelago.” It’s more than a shop. It’s a meeting point for locals, a supply stop for visitors, and a place to grab a coffee and catch the latest news. Just down the path, Café Skolan welcomes you into the island’s old schoolhouse, where cinnamon buns and local art exhibitions are served with a side of slow, summery charm.
Nature here speaks softly but clearly. Trails weave through spruce forest and granite outcrops, while open meadows bloom with wildflowers in early summer. If you're lucky, you might spot a deer ambling down the village road as if headed to the café.
During summer, the island wakes up with seasonal life. Mailboats arrive, artists return to their studios, and locals prepare for small-scale summer festivals. But even then, Nötö stays grounded in its calm rhythm.
Day trip tip:
You can visit Nötö from Korpo on Mondays and Tuesdays with M/S Utö. The ferry departs at 8:30, arriving around 10:15. On Mondays, the return ferry leaves at 16:15, while on Tuesdays you can stay a little longer since departure is at 18:45. That’s plenty of time to walk, rest, explore, and breathe in Nötö’s quiet magic.
Time slows down in the Nötö island.
Some islands demand attention. Aspö doesn’t. Instead, it gently invites you in with its wind-shaped pines, red and white houses, and the kind of quiet that sinks beneath your skin.
Aspö is one of the outer archipelago’s most peaceful gems. Just a handful of people live here year-round, and even in summer, the island never feels crowded. It’s the kind of place where not much happens, and that’s the point.
When you arrive by ferry from Pärnäs, the shoreline opens slowly: weathered buildings scattered along hills, boats bobbing in the harbor, and sea birds circling above. The island’s heart beats from Fiskeboden, a café-shop that serves up smoked fish, island-grown potatoes, strong coffee, and stronger local gossip. On a sunny day, the terrace becomes the village square, where time seems to stand still.
Aspö’s charm lies in its simplicity. A narrow trail winds through pine forest and over smooth stone, leading to hidden beaches and panoramic views. During summer, you might hear the hum of folk music floating across the harbour, there’s a proud musical tradition here, kept alive through small concerts and spontaneous performances.
You’ll also find a white church with a red roof, standing watch over a small cemetery where familiar surnames appear again and again. It’s a reminder that while visitors may come and go, this island has known generations.
If you can, stay overnight. There’s a guesthouse by the water, a wood-fired sauna, and a silence so complete you’ll hear your own breath between the waves.
Day trip tip:
In summer, Aspö is reachable with M/S Utö from Pärnäs:
Return trips:
Only a handful of people live in Aspö year-round.
Along the southern route from Nagu, you’ll find Gullkrona, an island as delicate as its name (Gold Crown) suggests. Reopened after more than a decade of silence, this cherished spot has returned to life slowly and intentionally, offering a haven for those seeking peace, history, and nature in perfect balance.
The harbour is small by design, with space for just 40 boats. That’s not an oversight, it’s a choice. Gullkrona is part of Finland’s largest privately protected marine area, with nearly 5,000 hectares of sea and seabed preserved for future generations.
Visitors are welcomed with quiet charm. The Gullkrona Bistro serves up daily meals with fresh, local ingredients like fish, vegetarian dishes, and hearty plates rooted in sustainability. On lucky days, you might catch a batch of just-smoked fish cooling beside the kitchen door
There are no official accommodations on land, but for boaters or those carrying a tent, the island offers a unique overnight experience: a small camping area, the rustle of leaves, the stars above, and the sea murmuring in the background.
Children, and the young at heart, will find delight in the island’s legendary rope ferry, still faithfully crossing the narrow bay. The Peikkopolku (Troll Trail) adds a sense of wonder to short hikes, while cultural sites like the 1800s Luotsimökki offer glimpses into Gullkrona’s seafaring past.
Some say that Queen Blanche of Namur once stood on these cliffs and, so enchanted by the view that she tossed her golden crown into the sea. Whether true or not, the island’s name, Gullkrona, “Golden Crown”, feels entirely fitting.
Day trip tip:
During summer, you can visit Gullkrona on Tuesdays and Thursdays with a ferry from Kirjais, departing at 6:30. After a short journey, you’ll arrive on the island in time for a full day of exploring.
The return ferry departs around 16:00, getting you back to Kirjais before 17:30, just in time to continue your journey—or simply reflect on a peaceful day well spent.
©© Lotta Tamminen
The ruggedly beautiful island of Gullkrona in the Archipelago Sea.
Pensar is a place where peaceful nature and gentle comforts go hand in hand. This isn’t the kind of island you rush through on your way somewhere else, it’s the kind you settle into, slowly. For island hoppers exploring Saaristo, Pensar is the perfect breather.
At the heart of the island experience is Hotel & Restaurant Sandvik, a relaxed coastal retreat offering a range of stays: from cozy inn rooms and private apartments to beachside cabins and group-friendly lodges. Wake to birdsong and sea breeze, enjoy breakfast in the restaurant, then spend your day however you please. For some, that means a long walk along forest trails. For others, it’s a slow afternoon in the wood-fired sauna by the water, followed by a dip in the sea and a glass of wine at sunset.
Kids have room to roam here. There's a big field to run across, games to play, and safe nature trails to explore. It’s the kind of place where even children seem to breathe a little deeper.
Come mealtime, the restaurant turns local ingredients into delicious seasonal dishes, from relaxed lunches to full-course dinners served on weekends. The menu shifts with the harvest, but the vibe stays the same: welcoming, local, and deeply satisfying.
Day trip tip:
You can reach Pensar by taking the free ferry M/S Viken from Granvik:
Return ferries depart from Pensar at:
©© Pensar Sadvik
Pensar is the perfect breather for island-hoppers.
Island hopping in the Finnish archipelago is a magical experience, but it does take a bit of planning. Here are a few things that will make your journey smoother:
If you're starting your day in Turku, there are a few different ways to reach the departure points for your island-hopping adventure:
Planning your route ahead helps you make the most of your day. Whether you're catching the sunrise on deck or spending the evening in a seaside sauna, timing matters in the archipelago, but so does letting go of the rush.
The Finnish archipelago has a way of changing your pace, and your perspective. Here, life is measured not in minutes, but in tides, trail walks, and shared coffee on sun-warmed piers. Just bring your curiosity, and the sea will do the rest.
