THE EASTERN AREA
TRAVEL
The eastern route
The western route
The northern route
The eastern area of the archipelago comprises the island of Kimito with its islets, and Särkisalo. The region is easily accessible by car or boat.
| There are three municipalities on the
island of Kimito itself: Västanfjärd, Kimito and Dragsfjärd.
The community of Särkisalo is located to the east of the island.
Farming, fishing and small-scale industry, large-scale industry to some extend, the
service trade and tourism are the most important industries in all four municipalities.
There has been a long tradition of seafaring in Västanfjärd, whereas farming has played
a particularly important role in Kimito. The inhabitants of Dragsfjärd, on the other
hand, work in industry as well as in typical island occupations. The service trade and
industry are the largest employers in Särkisalo. Limestone quarrying and processing has been a traditional occupation in Särkisalo since 1882. Opencast quarrying was the method originally used, but today, however, the limestone is quarried underground at a depth of 470 metres.
Kimito is also and island of culture. To satisfy a thirst for culture, we recommend a visit to the Viking dwellings at Rosala and Vänö; traditional culture on exhibition at the Sagalund open-air - museum; the Söderlångvik museum; the countless art exhibitions and artisan culture represented by different crafts. The Baltic Jazz festival held in Dalsbruk recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, and should definitely be included in the July programme of all Jazz freaks and people with boats. Särkisalo invites you to join in the fun at Midsummer, or would you rather take part in the Ferry Dance? |
In summer 1996, the Bengtskär lighthouse was re-opened in time for its 90th anniversary. The Bengstkär lighthouse, which is constructed from granite, is the tallest in the Nordic countries, reaching 52 metres above sea level. The lighthouse was restored in the 1990's, and presently houses a museum, a chapel and a café. Accommodation is also available in the lighthouse; and what could be more exciting than to spend a night in a real lighthouse far from the mainland!
Just a few islands westwards from Dragsfjärd in the Archipelago National Park are the scenic island of Högland, as well as Sandö with its sandbanks. The main information centre of the National Park, the Blue Mussel (Sinisimpukka) Visitor Centre, located in Kasnäs, is visited by more than 20,000 tourists each year. |
