The Archipelago Sea & Åland Archipelago Cruise
The Finnish archipelago - Nauvo
Prices from £559 per person
Period: June – August 2010
Route: Helsinki – Jussarö – Tammisaari – Jurmo – Utö – Kökar – Nauvo – Helsinki
The ship sails to the west from Helsinki and the first stop is on the Island of Jussarö, where the first lighthouse was built in 1811. Iron ore was excavated here in 1954-1967 and afterwards the Armed Forces took the control of the island. It was opened to the public only in the summer of 2005.
The cruise continues making zigzags through the archipelago to reach the idyllic town of Tammisaari, which received city rights already in 1546. The well-preserved historical town has parks with oaks which are several hundred years old and the skilful merge of old traditions with the present day – this is Tammisaari at its best.
Next you will cruise out to the open sea and arrive at the Island of Jurmo, famous for its moraine fields. What a mighty sight! Seven kilometres of stone fields reaching to the sea and continuing for a couple of miles under the water. Here, at the southernmost part of Salpausselkä, the sea stretches as far as the eye can see.
In the afternoon you will arrive at the Island of Utö, which is situated at Finland’s southernmost point and known for its fort and pilots. The third day of the cruise will take you to Åland’s Kökar. During the middle ages there was a Franciscan monastery on its main island. Hansa ships might have needed help, thus the Gray Friars settled in. The present church was built on the same place where the monastery stood earlier.
You will cross Kihti and arrive at Nauvo to discover a traditional village with grey stone church, handicraft and coffee shops and an exhibition of ships’ models. Nauvo has also a popular guest marina. On the next morning you will sail back to Helsinki taking home lots of memories of this unique archipelago.
Example of a cruise itinerary:
SUN: Departure from Helsinki 9:00
Island of Jussarö 14:30-16:30
Arrival at Tammisaari 18:15
MON: Departure from Tammisaari 3:00
Island of Jurmo 10:00-13:30
Arrival at island of Utö 15:00
TUE: Departure from Utö 5:30
Island of Kökar 8:00-12:00
Nauvo 16:00-19:00
WED: Arrival in Helsinki 8:00
Package prices
View departure times and detailed package prices here (pdf)
What is included in the price?
- Scheduled return flight from London Heathrow airport to Helsinki
- One night in a city centre hotel in Helsinki with breakfast
- 4 day (3 nights) cruise on m/s Kristina Brahe in chosen cabin class according to itinerary
- Full board (3 x breakfast, 3 x lunch and 3 x dinner) during the cruise
- Onboard entertainment and shore excursions
Price for one person includes accommodation in a single room and accommodating one cabin. Please note that transfers are not included in the price.
Although our prices include flights from the UK, we are able to sell this cruise on its own i.e. without flights. Please ask for a quote.
Departures from airports such as Manchester, Birmingham, Aberdeen, Newcastle and Edinburgh are also available. Please ask for a quote.
Shore excursions included in the price
Jussarö: Walking Tour approx. 1 hour
Enjoy the guided tour on the island which is famous for its lighthouse and iron ore. This island was opened to tourism in summer 2005. Before that it was controlled by the Finnish Armed Forces.
Tammisaari: Walking Tour approx. 1 hour
Tammisaari is a green town in the archipelago, situated on the southernmost point of Finland. The atmosphere of the town is idyllic and peaceful, yet it offers rich cultural choice and good services. During the walking tour you will visit eg. the wooden old town.
Jurmo: A Gem in the Finnish Archipelago approx. 2 hours
The Island of Jurmo in the outer archipelago is the largest of a number of islands which belong to the magnificent Salpausselkä ridge, one of the biggest territorial moraines in Northern Europe stretching from Karelia in the east to the Hanko area in southwest Finland. This 5 km long barren island, with an unusual plant life, is mentioned in a document as early as 1270. No trees grow on Jurmo, save a small number of planted pines and few birches and alders in a marsh. Jurmo is now part of the South western Archipelago National Park.
Utö: The oldest Lighthouse Point in Finland approx. 1,5 hours
The most southern inhabited island in Finland lies far away from the mainland. The rugged nature, spectacular landscape and inhabited village community are part of the uniqueness of this island. From there you can view the Baltic Sea. The island has a pilot station, a defence fort and the oldest place for the lighthouse in Finland. The new lighthouse was rebuilt in 1814. The lighthouse chapel is its speciality. The island has some historical memorials and a harbour. The museum of local history and culture tells about the life of lighthouse guards, pilots and soldiers.
Kökar: Finland’s Southernmost Commune approx. 3 hours
Kökar is the unique archipelago community, where the sea is always close at hand. The rocks are barren and there is practically no forest. It is indeed a magnificent sea-washed and wind-swept island. Kökar has a rich and colourfull history. The first inhabitants were sealers who settled at Otterböte approx. 100 B.C. During the 15th century a Fransiscan monastery was founded on Hamnö. This place became a spiritual and cultural centre of the entire archipelago. Kökar’s museum of local history and culture gives a wonderful insight into times gone by. Kökar today is a vital archipelago community. Shipping, tourism and the commune employ most of the inhabitants. At Karlby harbour you will have some free time.
Nauvo: Walking Tour approx. 1hour
This idyllic archipelago village is a very popular place to visit, especially with private boats. The Finnish archipelago is a desirable place for summer houses and Nauvo is one of the favourite areas. You will have a guided tour in the village, visit the grey stone church and see a small exhibition of ships’ models. There are also handicraft shops with unique products made in the archipelago.
We reserve the right for changes.
