Things to do in Archipelago Sea
Discover the best attractions and experiences Archipelago Sea has to offer
Historic Monuments
Explore enduring fortresses and old towns that tell the Archipelago Sea’s layered history.
Turku Castle
A medieval fortress overlooking the Aura River; now a well-preserved museum and cultural site.
Kastelholm Castle
Medieval fortress on Sund with towers and a picturesque lakeside setting.
Old Rauma (Rauman vanha kaupunki)
UNESCO-listed historic wooden town known for its colorful houses and atmospheric streets.
Museums
Dive into maritime heritage, regional culture and contemporary art across the archipelago.
Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova
A museum in Turku blending ancient ruins with modern art and varied exhibitions.
Ålands Museum
Comprehensive history and culture of Åland, from ancient times to modern island life.
Maritime Museum of Åland
Exhibits exploring Åland’s seafaring heritage and island maritime culture.
Religious Monuments
Seaside churches and sacred sites that reflect regional traditions and island life.
Turku Cathedral
Finland’s iconic medieval cathedral, perched along the Aura River and steeped in history.
Naantali Church
Historic church in Naantali with a charming seaside setting and town history.
Kastelholm Church
Historic church connected to Kastelholm Castle, highlighting Åland’s religious heritage.
National & Theme Parks
Natural beauty and scenic routes showcase the archipelago’s unique landscape.
Archipelago National Park
Protects the Turku Archipelago’s rugged islands and sea with diverse hiking and sailing options.
Archipelago Trail
A scenic route weaving through islands by road, ferry and foot for multi-day exploration.
Teijo National Park
Forest and lake landscape near Salo offering trails, wildlife and tranquil scenery.
Neighborhoods
Characterful towns and coastal quarters each offer their own flavor of island life.
Turku City Centre
Historic city core with riverside walks, markets and buzzing cafes.
Naantali Old Town
Compact, picturesque harbor quarter full of charm and seaside vibes.
Mariehamn City Centre
Capital district of Åland with waterfront promenades and local shops.
Free Things to Do
Great value experiences that let you soak in the archipelago’s atmosphere without breaking the bank.
Walk the Archipelago Trail segments
Follow coastal paths and islands’ shorelines for scenic views and fresh air.
Swim at public beaches
Dip into Baltic Sea waters at freely accessible beaches in summer.
Wander Old Rauma
Roam through the UNESCO-listed wooden streets and absorb centuries of history.
Gastronomy
Sea-to-table flavors and regional pastries define the archipelago’s culinary scene.
Baltic herring & archipelago salmon dishes
Freshly prepared seafood featuring regional flavors in harbors and taverns.
Åland pancakes & cinnamon buns
Sweet traditions and seaside bakery specialties worth savoring.
Seafood chowder & archipelago platters
Hearty, shareable portions featuring local catches and herbs.
Nightlife
Cozy bars and lively venues along the coast offer warm hospitality after sunset.
Riverside bars in Turku
Casual venues along the Aura River with live music in summer.
Pubs in Mariehamn
Lively spots with local brews and island ambiance.
Seaside venues in Naantali
Relaxed bars by the harbor ideal for sunset drinks.
Entertainment
Family-friendly attractions and cultural hotspots across towns.
Moomin World
Whimsical theme park in Naantali inspired by the beloved characters.
Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova
Turku museum combining ancient ruins with contemporary art.
Turku Market Hall
Historic indoor market with local vendors, foods and crafts.
Sports
Active ways to enjoy the sea and the archipelago’s terrain.
Sea kayaking in the archipelago
Paddle among islets, coves and sea lanes with various routes.
Archipelago cycling
Bike along coastal roads and ferry links with scenic stops.
Ruissalo Golf
Golfing on an island course with sea breezes and lush views.
Off the Track
Venture beyond the obvious to uncover hidden corners and history.
Örö fortress island
Day trip to a fortified island with rugged scenery and heritage sites.
Bomarsund Fortress ruins
Ruins of the Crimean War-era fortress in Åland, set against the archipelago backdrop.
Local island-hopping day trip
Custom itineraries by boat to lesser-known islets and coves.