Best Islands to Visit by Boat in Finland
Best Islands to Visit by Boat in Finland
Finland is an island nation without calling itself one. With over 80,000 coastal islands and hundreds of thousands of lake islands, the possibilities are nearly endless. Here's our selection of the most fascinating islands you can visit by boat.
Suomenlinna – The Fortress Island in Helsinki
Suomenlinna is a sea fortress from 1748, built across six islands right outside Helsinki city centre. With UNESCO World Heritage status, museums, cafés, and a guest harbour, it's Finland's most visited attraction – and an obvious first stop for any boater in Helsinki.
Bengtskär – The Lighthouse Island
Bengtskär is Northern Europe's tallest lighthouse, sitting on a barren islet in the Baltic Sea south of Turku. The lighthouse was built in 1906 and survived combat during World War II. Today, you can stay overnight in the lighthouse, dine, and experience the wild archipelago up close. The trip requires stable weather.
Örö – The Secret Fortress Island
Örö was a military restricted area until 2015 and is now open to tourists. The island in the Archipelago Sea has preserved military installations, nature trails, and a wholly unique atmosphere. Nature has been left undisturbed for decades, and the biodiversity is impressive.
Nagu (Nauvo) – The Heart of Archipelago Life
Nagu is one of the largest islands in the Turku archipelago and a centre for archipelago culture. Here you'll find guest harbours, restaurants, shops, and a charming medieval church. Nagu is a perfect stop on the Archipelago Trail.
Jurmo – The Wild Outer Island
Jurmo is the outermost inhabited island in the Turku archipelago – a flat, windswept islet with only a handful of permanent residents. The landscape is dramatic and different: rocky beaches, bird colonies, and a feeling of being at the edge of the world. Anchor at the guest harbour on the east side.
Seili – The Island of History
Seili (Själö in Swedish) has a dark history – it housed a leper hospital and later a mental hospital for several centuries. Today, the island is a research station for the University of Turku, with a museum telling the gripping story. The guest harbour is small but charming.
Pihlajasaari – Helsinki's Beach Island
Just 20 minutes by boat from Helsinki city centre lies Pihlajasaari, with sandy beaches, barbecue areas, and one of Finland's few naturist beaches. In summer, this is the go-to escape for Helsinki residents.
Vallisaari – The Nature Paradise
Vallisaari was opened to the public in 2016 after serving as a military restricted area. The island just outside Helsinki offers untouched nature, fortress ruins, and quiet trails through forest and meadow.
How to Plan Your Island Hopping
- Check the forecast – Especially for outer islands (Bengtskär, Jurmo), weather is crucial.
- Carry charts – Finnish archipelagos have many shallows. Don't rely solely on GPS.
- Pack smart – Many islands have limited facilities. Bring food, water, and rubbish bags.
- Respect nature – The right of public access applies, but be careful. Many islands have rare species.
Find Your Island-Hopping Boat
Finland's islands offer a unique combination of nature, history, and peace. With Ship O'Hoi, finding the boat that takes you where you want to go is simple.
