Cycling Holiday on Finland's Archipelago Trail

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Cycling Holiday on Finland’s Archipelago Trail

Discover one of Finland’s most amazing and unique regions, a stunning area of natural beauty. The Turku Archipelago lies off the south-west coast and consists of over 20,000 islands, and is waiting to be explored. Cycle your way over islands and bridges, through small towns and villages, and where the road ends a ferry will take you to the next island.

The Archipelago trail is easy to explore by bicycle, with quiet roads, stunning coastal scenery and small boutique accommodation, where a warm welcome is assured. A planned route is provided for each day but with the flexibility to set your own pace and to stop at places of interest along the way. You really can enjoy the serenity, good food and archipelago atmosphere that makes this part of Finland so special.

Included in the 7 day package is accommodation in a combination of island boutique hotels, converted school houses and barns, bicycle hire with waterproof panniers and helmets, a route information booklet plus .gpx files to navigate, maps and emergency contact, as well as two evening dinners.

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BOOK THIS TRIP

From £967 per person (excluding flights)

This is based on 6 nights’ accommodation with breakfast and two evening means, listed bicycle hire, ferry fees and route information provided.

This roughly converts to 1,151 EUR | 1,247 USD

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Departure Days: These trips operate between June to Mid-August.

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ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive in Turku

On arrival in Turku, take public transportation or a taxi to your accommodation for a 1 night stay on breakfast basis at Solo Sokos Hotel Turun Seurahuone. Turku is Finland’s oldest town and the former capital, with main attractions such as the medieval castle and cathedral, the old main square and Luostarinmaki museum. There is a good range of bars, cafes and restaurants to choose from, perhaps enjoy your evening meal aboard one of the numerous river boats.

Important Information:

Your upcoming adventure is self-guided and there are a few important things to note before booking this trip.

We work closely with local partners to design and execute the self guided cycling routes. These trips offer a balance of adventure, sight-seeing and flexibility, whilst keeping to safe and quiet roads throughout. There’s usually time to stop, take in the views or visit a place of interest or local eatery – all of which will be contained on your MNT app. The app will help you to navigate using GPX file mapping technology and will be available to download to your device and available even when out of range of Wifi or phone reception.

Because you’ll be travelling without a guide, the adventure requires a degree of technical knowledge of bicycle maintenance. By joining this trip, you will be responsible for changing a flat tyre should it occur, using the puncture repair kit and/or the inner tube provided. You will also need to be able to put the chain back on the bike if it comes loose. All other mechanical failures of the bike will be supported and fixed by our local partner. You’ll have a contact number to reach them on should you need to. You’ll also have the support of the Magnetic North Travel team throughout your trip; we’re happy to help and make recommendations to make the most of your adventure.

If your trip includes luggage transfer, you’ll receive instructions on how to label your luggage and what time and place to leave your luggage each day so it can be transferred to your next destination. There is a strict limit on how much luggage is included in your transfer: 1 piece per person.

Finally, there may be other cyclists enjoying this route at the same time as you, so you may get to know other each other. But there's no obligation to cycle together of course. The beauty of self-guided adventures is that you’ll be able to take it at the pace to suit you and your fellow travel companions.

Solo Sokos Hotel Turun Seurahuone

The Solo Sokos Hotel Turun Seurahuone is an elegant boutique hotel situated in the centre of Turku. The historical hotel has been brought from the 1920’s into the modern age, with a charming atmosphere and facilities to ensure you have a very comfortable stay. The spacious rooms are well-equipped and hotel facilities include a fitness room and sauna, breakfast room and the Gunnar Eatery and bar. The central location makes it easily accessible from the airport and train station using a taxi service.

Day 2: Turku to Nauvo (Cycling distance - 57km)

Today you’ll collect your bicycles and embark on a south-east journey out of the city. Navigate your way through a well-organised network of bike lanes, ensuring a traffic-free ride as you venture into the archipelago. A brief ferry ride (included) will transport you to the enchanting island of Nauvo, where you’ll spend the night by the sea, at Hotel Strandbo on a bed and breakfast basis.

Hotel Strandbo

Conveniently situated by Nagu Marina, Hotel Strandbo is an excellent base for travellers on the scenic Archipelago Trail. The snug rustic atmosphere of the rooms, the child-friendly beach and the wide range of leisure activities make this an attractive option also for a longer stay. The hotel consists of 36 rooms and a 3-4 person apartment. There is also one large sauna possible to rent for 8-10 persons, and one smaller sauna suitable for up to 4 persons. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi and free parking, and the in-house restaurant serves brunch and á la carte during summer. A buffet breakfast is served every morning.

Solo Sokos Hotel Turun Seurahuone

Day 3: Nauvo to Houtskar (Cycling distance - 38km)

There is a choice of routes that takes you across a couple of small scenic islands to Houtskar, with plenty of time to stop and admire the scenery. This evening, indulge in a fabulous 3-course dinner at your accommodation, Hyppeis Vardhus.

Please note, if you have pre-booked the luggage transfer service, it is not available for this leg of the journey to Houtskar.

Hotel Strandbo

Hyppeis Vardshus

The family-owned hotel Hyppeis Vardshus is located in the beautiful archipelago near Turku and by the sea in the peaceful village of Hyppeis. Hyppeis Vardshus was originally a village school, built in 1929. The school ceased operation in 1969, after which the building has, amongst other things, housed a small textile factory, a handicraft shop and now it has been transformed into a welcoming hotel. The hotel restaurant enjoys a strong following from the locals and passing visitors. The menu is designed around the freshest local seasonal ingredients, and whether you are having a full meal or just a cup of coffee and some cake you will not be disappointed. All of the rooms are decorated honouring archipelago traditions and style, and of course with a sea view.

Day 4: Houtskar to Korpo (Cycling distance - 20km)

Experience a leisurely ferry journey, connecting two of the largest islands in the archipelago. The cycling distance today between the two hotels is 20km, with multiple options available to extend the time in the saddle if you wish. The overnight stay is at Hotel Nestor with dinner and breakfast included. The evening meal features a delightful 5-course local tasting menu at the esteemed hotel restaurant, Back Pocket. The tasting menu changes according to the ingredients available for the season. You may want to treat yourself with the ‘cherry on top’ wine selection, perfectly matched with each dish (not included).

Hyppeis Vardshus

Hotel Nestor

Hotel Nestor is named after the last farmer on the property, Nestor Johansen. The property belongs to the farm Arvids-Vastergard, which dates back to the early 1700s. Hotel Nestor is today a family business, founded in 2009 by artist Pia Rousku and industry designer Frank Hellgren. In 2016 their son and great grandson of Nestor, William Hellgren, opened his own restaurant, Back Pocket, in the building’s renovated barn and has since then taken over the ownership and management of the hotel. Every room at Nestor has a special character. Built on top of an old barn, the rooms are named after earlier inhabitants that once lived and worked at the farm. The room’s differences in size and style gives you the possibility to choose the room that best adapts to your needs.

Day 5: Korpo to Naantali (Cycling distance - 57km)

As you head back to Nauvo, the main archipelago island, board the ferry heading north to the mainland. Then continue the exploration by bike, reaching Naantali - a charming harbour village adorned with cobbled streets and historic wooden houses. There is a good choice of local restaurants for your evening meal. Accommodation for tonight is at Hotel Palo on a bed and breakfast basis.

Hotel Nestor

Hotel Palo

Hotel Palo is a cosy wooden house hotel, located in the center of Naantali, at the corner of Luostarinkatu and Torikatu. Built in 1946, the first wooden apartment building in Naantali, here the floors creak with nostalgia. This family hotel is within walking distance of Moomin World Theme Park, waterfront restaurants and the guest marina. During the summer, Hotel Palo is an excellent base for visiting Naantali. After arriving there is no need for a car, since the old city and the city center attractions and services are all within walking distance.

Day 6: Naantali to Turku (Cycling distance - 17km)

You have time to explore the small town of Naantali before cycling your way the short distance back to Turku and returning the bicycles. Your last night is spent at Solo Sokos Hotel Turun Seurahuone with breakfast included.

Hotel Palo

Solo Sokos Hotel Turun Seurahuone

Day 7: Depart Turku

Depending on your departure arrangements, you may have time in Turku to explore the town further. If you wish to extend your stay in this region, or spend time in Helsinki, our Sales team is on hand to make recommendations.

DESTINATIONS

Cycling Holiday on Finland's Archipelago Trail