Turku's winter archipelago
Are you looking forward on spending some winter time in the archipelago in Turku? We've got you. In this article we've listed activities such as, winter fishing, winter sports and cozy spas!
Turku’s archipelago is Europe’s largest and the world’s most prolific collection of islands, which the locals also claim to be the most beautiful. The purpose of this article is to showcase that the archipelago is just as spectacular during the colder seasons. Check out even more information on Saaristo's website & get to know our hidden gem.
In fact, it’s well worth experience the archipelago nature after a busy summer season when there is no one else around. Whilst the vast nature is silent, the call from the natural world is still strong. Bed & Breakfast locations are available and hotels have plenty of space, with prices considerably lower than in summer.
The Archipelago Sea is a region of the Baltic Sea, which borders Turku to the east, Åland to the west, Bengskär lighthouse to the south and to the Gulf of Bothnia in the north. The Archipelago Sea has around 40,000 islands and islets, making it the most prolific in the world. To locals and to sailors the area is often simply referred to as the Turku Archipelago.
Although Turku is a world-renowned nature destination, it has been relatively spared the ravages of mass tourism, such as overcrowding, refuse and marginalised authenticity. Boaters love the Archipelago Sea, its idyllic guest harbours, local restaurants and cuisine, as well as the tranquil coves. Cyclists have also discovered the archipelago, with routes including the Archipelago Trail as well as the Coastal Route, which is new in 2018.
“When you know the right places a good catch is guaranteed. The climax of a great day is preparing the catch and cooking a fish supper on an open fire.”
One of the most popular activities with a wilderness guide is winter fishing, which is easy to try even if you’ve no previous experience. All equipment, from the winter fishing suits to all other necessities can be hired, and the guide will take you to the fish grounds.
Some guided fishing trips and other winter services can be found through GetYourGuide!
Weather permitting, in the archipelago you’ll find stunning cross-country skiing routes on both land and sea. When the weather situation doesn’t provide enough natural snow, you can still enjoy skiing at Paimio’s Finnfoam Paippi. The ski tunnel is 700 metres long and the conditions are always excellent for waxed skis.
The Airisto Spa organises a variety of fun activities on the ice, from daring speed to more cautious excitement. Activities include snowmobile safaris, hover crafting, quad biking as well as parasailing behind a snowmobile. If looking for a bit more tranquillity then why not try tour skating or kite surfing instead.
Some of the saunas in the archipelago have access to ice swimming. Many who go to swim in the frozen water praise the positive effects on your mood and levels of stress – what more encouragement do you need? The archipelago in Turku offers many possibilities for ice swimming, in fact, we've collected a list of our recommendations here.
You can also move around the archipelago in winter by sailing or kayaking, depending on the level of ice. The Nagu Sea Kayak company in Nagu is one of the organisers of winter kayaking trips in the archipelago.
If some calming ice fishing is not for you, perhaps you want to jump to the ice yourself. For example, the Airisto Spa organizes cold-water survival for groups. In addition to having enormous fun, the survival training gives you the chance to practice the skills needed on ice.
If you prefer to have your autumn or winter vacation with diverse services of a hotel, try the Kasnäs Archipelago Spa. As the name suggests, there are plenty of heated pools, which are always a favourite with the kids. As an alternative to the hotel rooms there are also seaside cabins, with peace and quiet and their own views of the Archipelago Sea.
Traditional countryside surroundings are offered at Hotel Stallbacken, which operates from an old horse farm in Nagu. Connected to the hotel is Bed & Breakfast Grännas, where guests stay in the idyllic cottage of the former farm manager. Stallbacken is well known for its good food and splendid party facilities, so don’t forget if you have a big to celebration coming up!
INFORMATION
Story in cooperation with Pargas and Kemitö Islands.
Text by Liina Komi. Photos from Pargas and Kemitö Islands.
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