About Island Hopping by Bicycle 2011
The Turku archipelago are one of Finland's most stunning natural phenomena - 20 000 islands stretching out into the sea from the city of Turku in the country's south-west. Cycling a circular route around the main islands is made easy, and exciting, by a system of local ferry services, constantly going back and forth acting like bridges. As well as the fun of the ferries, there are also picturesque harbour villages to visit, and the true peace of the nature. The cycling route starts and ends in Turku - the formal capital of Finland, and a bustling, attractive market town.
DAY 1
Arrival to Turku - European Capital of Culture 2011
Personal arrival to Turku (by air or by train from Helsinki or by ferry from Stockholm)
Turku is a bustling summer town, on the south-west coast of Finland, with the River Aura cutting right through the heart of the town (see picture). There is plenty to see, including medieval castle and cathe-dral, and a wide selection of excellent cars, cafes, and restaurants.
Overnight in Turku centre BB basis – lots of nearby restaurants to choose from for dinner
DAY 2
Turku- Taivassalo/Kustavi approx. 55 km
Your bicycles are brought to the hotel in the morning. Note : today’s one ferry ride departs at 15:00, approximately 45km from Turku (around 3 hours riding time) so you need to leave early enough from Turku in order to catch this ferry. Continue from Turku via nearby Naantali. Soon after Naantali the island-hopping begins, first with a stunning ride across the bridge to Merimasku and then take a break from peddling with a relaxing 45 minute ferry journey. Continue on by bike to your overnight hotel.
Overnight and dinner in Taivassalo or Kustavi region in a guest house.
DAY 3
Taivassalo /Kustavi -Iniö-Houtskär-Korpoo-Nauvo approx. 57 km
Today is the main island-hopping day with seven ferry journeys reach-ing the very heart of the archipelago region. The tiny peaceful island of Iniö is the remotest spot of the trip. Houtskär island has some of the region’s most challenging cycling, but you can rest on the half hour ferry ride to Korpoo! From Korpoo it’s a short ferry hop to Nauvo, where you overnight in a wonderful B&B, a former barn converted to a guest house located amongst beautiful nature.
Overnight with dinner on Nauvo island
DAY 4
Korpoo - Nauvo (31 km with possibility to do a longer route if desired)
Cross over to Nauvo, the main archipelago island. Nauvo village has a bustling harbour
Overnight on Nauvo island
DAY 5
Nauvo-Rymättylä-Naantali approx. 54 km
Take the ferry north from Nauvo back to the mainland and continue by bike via Rymättylä to Naantali, an idyllic seaside village with cobbled streets and old wooden houses around a bustling harbour.
Overnight in a spa hotel in Naantali, with plenty of local restaurants to choose from for dinner
DAY 6
Naantali-Turku 14 km
Free time in Naantali, or in Turku according to your preference. Short ride back to Turku. Return your bicycles.
Overnight in Turku centre BB basis
DAY 7
Personal departure from Turku