The islands of Kimitosskären by bicycle
THE ARCHIPELAGO TRAIL
THE ARCHIPELAGO TRAIL - a short description for cyclists (approx. 250 km)
From the centre of Turku follow the cycle path towards Helsinki. After
Kaarina turn onto Skärgårdsvägen/Saaristotie following signs for Pargas/Parainen and Korpo. Immediately after Kaarina you leave the mainland behind you. Crossing your first bridge you come to Kuusisto where you can take the opportunity to visit the ancient ruins of Kuusisto castle.
The middle of the impressive Rävsund/Kirjalansalmi suspension bridge marks the border between the cities of Kaarina and Pargas/Parainen. Piles of white limestone rocks act like sea markers leading you on to Pargas/Parainen 27 km from Turku. Arriving in Pargas/Parainen the white sails on the roundabout give you your first real feeling of the archipelago. Pargas/Parainen is a true archipelago town being bordered on all sides by the sea. Turn left at the roundabout and you quickly come to the centre of this busy market town. Pargas/Parainen offers a comprehensive range of services to the visitor and the local tourist information centre will be happy to provide you with all the information you need about the Turku archipelago.
Continuing your journey from Pargas/Parainen, follow the road Skärgårdsvägen/Saaristotie once again. The next bridge you come to is at Sattmark where you will find the popular new Sattmark and Lenholm hiking and nature trails. Further along the road, 17 km from the center of Pargas/Parainen, you come to your first ferry at Lillmälö. These yellow ferries are both free and frequent. It is worth noting that local people and those who work in the archipelago are given priority on ferries. Their vehicles display either green, yellow or white plates. Cyclists however can board the ferries without queuing.
The crossing to Nagu Prostvik takes about 10 minutes and the journey from the ferry to the centre of Nagu is about 10 km and includes two bridges. The bridge spanning Norrströmmen affords especially outstanding views.
The popular guest harbour in the centre of Nagu is just one of the services you will find in this picturesque small town. Don’t forget that Nagu also has the last bank cash dispenser before Kustavi. If you like you can shorten your trip by taking the new ferry from the centre of Nagu to Hanka in Rymättylä (via the island of Själö)
15 km after leaving Nagu you arrive in Pärnäs. The 5 minutes ferry crossing from Pärnäs is free and brings you to
Korpo. To avoid the sometimes very heavy traffic choose the Storlandet sand road. Turn right immediately after the centre of Nagu towards Mielis. This is part of the national cycling route.
The road Skärgårdsvägen/Saaristotie continues for 7 km until you come to the Galtby crossroads and the centre of Korpo. Here you will find a popular market in the middle of the village. The Handicrafts shop, pottery and art gallery are all worth visiting. You can also have a game of mini-golf. The views from Rumar viewing tower make the 7 km trip from the town centre worth the effort.
From Galtby take the free ferry and follow the Archipelago Trail to Kittuis on
Houtskär. Alternatively you can visit Norrskata, also accessible by ferry from Galtby. Norrskata offers accommodation and meals if you want to stay overnight. From Galtby there are connections to Åland, via Kökar to Långnäs. You will find timetables for these crossings in the brochure entitled Skärgårdstrafiken. Ferries between Korpo and Houtskär are not that regular so check the timetables and make your plans accordingly. Morning and evening ferries are the busiest so why not stay overnight in Korpo or Houtskär?