Turku Archipelago Trail

The Archipelago Trail is a signed loop of around two hundred and fifty kilometres that stitches together the islands south-west of Turku by small roads, bridges and a chain of free cable ferries. Cyclable in a few unhurried days, it is one of the classic ways to experience the largest archipelago in the world by island count.

The landscape

• The free ferries - the little cable ferries that link island to island along the loop.
• Island villages - fishing harbours, red cottages and small churches.
• Nagu, Korpo and Houtskar - the main islands strung along the route.
• The open Baltic - sea views, coves and swimming spots throughout.

When to go

Summer, when the ferries run to full timetables and the weather suits cycling; outside the season ferries thin and services close. Book island accommodation ahead in July.

Before you go

It is a multi-day journey rather than a single sight, and its pleasure is the slow rhythm of pedalling and ferry-hopping - a car version is possible but misses the point. Ferry timetables shape the days, so plan around them. Summer weather on the Baltic is changeable.

Nearby

Turku with its castle and cathedral is the hub; the route can extend toward the Aland ferries.

Key facts