FAQ & useful links
Useful links
Turku airport | Arriving and departing flights at Turku Airport: |
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The National Railroad Service VR | Check out the routes and more information here: |
Ferries | Finnferries Ferry maps |
Restaurants and services in the archipelago | |
Local transport | Local transport in Turku (Föli) Local transport in the archipelago (Seutu+) |
Weather and fire-warnings | |
Do's and dont's in nature | |
Maps of the Archipelago National Park | |
The Archipelago Trails | The Archipelago Trail The Small Archipelago Trail |
Accommodation
Hotels in the city
Bob W Turku City Center
Located near the Turku Market Square. Offers modern apartment-style accommodation with kitchen facilities, suitable for short and long stays.
www.bobw.coHotel Kakola
Set on Kakolanmäki Hill in a renovated former prison. Offers stylish rooms, bakery, restaurant, and spa within walking distance of the city center.
www.hotelkakola.fi/enOriginal Sokos Hotel Kupittaa
Located next to Kupittaa train station and the university area. Offers easy connections, modern rooms, and a rooftop restaurant.
www.sokoshotels.fi/en/turku/original-sokos-hotel-kupittaaOriginal Sokos Hotel Wiklund
In Turku’s city center above the Wiklund department store. Offers modern rooms and restaurants, close to the Aura River and shopping areas.
www.sokoshotels.fi/en/turku/original-sokos-hotel-wiklundRadisson Blu Marina Palace
Located on the Aura River, near Turku Castle. Offers full-service accommodation with restaurant, gym, and riverside terrace.
www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-blu-turkuScandic Hamburger Börs
At Turku Market Square. A modern city hotel with restaurants, meeting spaces, and a rooftop terrace overlooking the square.
www.scandichotels.com/hotels/finland/turku/scandic-hamburger-borsScandic Julia
Centrally located near the Aura River and Market Square. Offers parking, a gym, and easy access to the city’s main sights.
www.scandichotels.com/hotels/finland/turku/scandic-juliaScandic Plaza
Located on Yliopistonkatu in Turku’s shopping area. Offers comfortable rooms, restaurant, and easy access to transport connections.
www.scandichotels.com/hotels/finland/turku/scandic-plazaSolo Sokos Hotel Turun Seurahuone
A historic boutique-style hotel in central Turku. Offers elegant rooms and Brasserie Turku restaurant known for Nordic cuisine.
www.sokoshotels.fi/en/turku/solo-sokos-hotel-turun-seurahuoneRuissalo Spa Hotel
20 minutes from Turku city center on Ruissalo Island. Offers spa services, swimming, and access to nature trails.
ruissalospa.fi/enNaantali Spa Hotel (Naantali)
In Naantali, 15 minutes from Turku by car or bus. Large seaside spa hotel with pools, restaurants, and a short walk to Naantali Old Town.
naantalispa.fi/enKultaranta Resort (Naantali)
Situated 20 minutes from Turku, near Naantali. Offers a golf course, spa, restaurant, and modern accommodation surrounded by coastal nature.
www.kultarantaresort.fi/enHotels in the archipelago
Hotel Hyppeis värdshus (Houtskari)
In the village of Hyppeis on Houtskari Island, reachable by ferry from Korppoo. A small inn offering local food, quiet surroundings, and sea views.
www.hotelhyppeis.fi/enHotel Nestor & Restaurant Back Pocket (Korppoo)
Located in Galtby on Korppoo Island, around two hours from Turku. A small family-run design hotel with an award-winning restaurant focusing on seasonal archipelago ingredients.
www.hotelnestor.com/enVilla Wolax – Archipelago Hotel (Hirvensalo, Turku)
Located on the island of Hirvensalo, 15 minutes from Turku city center. Offers accommodation, sauna facilities, and a restaurant with sea views.
www.villawolax.fi/enKustavi Lootholma – Quality Holiday Apartments by the Sea (Kustavi)
Located in Kustavi, about two hours from Turku by car. Offers modern holiday apartments, marina services, and nature trails by the sea.
www.lootholma.fi/enLanterna Hotel (Nauvo)
Located close to Nagu village center and harbor. Offers comfortable rooms, an on-site restaurant, and easy access to ferry routes and local attractions.
www.hotellilanterna.fi/enProject Ö – Private Island (Kustavi)
A private island retreat in the outer archipelago near Kustavi. Offers luxury villas, saunas, and services focused on privacy and nature experiences.
www.projecto.fiSpahotel Kasnäs (Kemiönsaari/Kimitoön)
Located in Kasnäs, Kimitoön, about two hours from Turku. Offers hotel rooms, a spa, restaurant, and ferry access to Rosala and Bengtskär lighthouse.
www.kasnas.com/enArchipelago Centre Korpoström (Korppoo)
Located at the southern tip of Korppoo Island, about two hours from Turku. Offers hotel rooms, a restaurant, guest marina, and exhibitions on archipelago nature and research.
www.korpostrom.fi/enArchipelago Hotel Vaihela / Saaristohotelli Vaihela (Naantali)
On Velkua Island near Naantali, about 40 minutes from Turku. A waterfront hotel with a marina, restaurant, and accommodation surrounded by sea and forest.
www.vaihela.fi/enHerrankukkaro – Finnish Archipelago Resort (Naantali)
Located in Rymättylä, southwest of Naantali. A unique resort built in an old fishing village setting, featuring smoke saunas, sea pools, and conference facilities.
www.herrankukkaro.fi/enTaattisten tila – Bed & Breakfast and Artist Residency (Laitila)
In Laitila countryside, an hour from Turku. A working farm offering bed & breakfast accommodation, sauna, and artist residencies.
www.taattistentila.fi
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Saaristo? | Saaristo is stunning year-round, and every season has something special to offer. Summer is lively, with more services available and events to attend, while spring and autumn bring their own charm to the island landscapes. Winter offers a unique traveling experience, complete with snowy Arctic landscapes and the frozen sea. |
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Can I go on a day trip to Saaristo? | While it’s recommended to spend more than just a day in Saaristo to get the most out of your visit, day trips are also popular. The urban archipelago offers easy-access experiences just a short trip from the Turku city center. You could take a morning ferry to a nearby island, explore – and return to the city by evening. |
Where can I find convenience stores? Are there towns in Saaristo? | The urban archipelago includes city hubs Turku, Naantali and Parainen. In the inner Archipelago, you’ll find villages with shops, cafes, and other services. The outer archipelago is more remote, ideal for adventurous travelers who don’t mind being farther from comforts. |
Do I need a car or boat to explore Saaristo? | Not necessarily! Many areas can be explored without your own car or boat. A network of ferries connects the islands, making it easy to explore Saaristo by bus, bicycle or the nearest islands to Turku even on foot. Renting a bike or booking guided tours is also a great way to get around. Car rentals are also available for example in Turku. |
What is the local food like? | Fresh, seasonal, and varied! Cuisine in Saaristo ranges from casual outdoor cooking to refined fine dining, with local specialties like the traditional malt-bread along with familiar options like pizza and burgers. Even in smaller spots, you’ll often find vegetarian options. For more variety, Turku and Naantali offer a wide range of restaurants. |
How should I pack for a trip to Saaristo? | Depending on the season and your plans, you might want to pack anything from sturdy outdoor gear to party attire. Seasonal layers are essential for all trips since the weather in Saaristo can vary. When you have activities planned, your guide will ensure you’re well-prepared. Local businesses rent high-quality gear, like bikes and kayaks. |
Is Saaristo accessible by wheelchair? | Saaristo offers accessible services in the urban and inner archipelago, although they may not be available everywhere. Many local businesses provide accessible experiences and will be happy to advise you on any specific accessibility features they offer, making sure you’ll have everything you need for a memorable visit. |
Planning your trip to Saaristo, the Finnish archipelago? Here you'll find useful links and answers to common questions.