Before visiting the park
There are more than two thousand rocky islands in the park.
Climate
Winter weather is not easy to predict as ice and snow is not present every year. Spring is always beautiful and breathtaking, summer is the time of the year when most visitors are found and autumn is often warm (due to the warm sea) and calm.
What to bring
Check the conditions and weather forecast before travelling. Mostly wind-proof clothes are needed.
Maps
http://www.retkikartta.fi
http://www.retkikartta.fi/?lang=en&id=862
http://www.outdoors.fi/destinations/nationalparks/archipelago/directionsandmaps/Pages/Default.aspx
How to get there
By air
The closest international airport is in Helsinki, which can be reached in 3 hours from Turku. There is a smaller airport in Tampere, mostly for budget flights.
By bus
There are regular buses from Turku, platform 3. Please visit www.vainionliikenne.fi and buses for Nagu and Korpo. There are buses going from Turku and Helsinki to the ferry departure points at Kasnäs (in Dragsfjärd), Prostvik and Pärnäs (in Nagu). Timetables can be found e.g. for bus company Vainion liikenne (www.vainionliikenne.fi)
By boat and ferry
The guest harbours and boat ramps are listed in a book called Käyntisatamat - Besökshamnar (www.finnlake.com), which is published annually. There are ferry services (www.saaristo.org) to some of the national parks islands, for instance Holma, Jurmo and Berghamn (Nagu). Ferry timetables are found at www.fma.fi.
By car
It is not possible to drive to the national park. However, Blåmusslan Visitor Centre is accessible by car. In addition, there are ferries (www.saaristo.org) to all inhabited islands. Of these, there are national park services on the Jurmo Island in the municipality of Korpo, on the Berghamn Island in the municipality of Nagu, and on the islands of Holma and Högsåra in the municipality of Dragsfjärd.
Visitor Centre
Blåmusslan Visitor Centre
The best place to obtain up-to-date information on the wide range of services and facilities available in Archipelago National Park is the Blåmusslan Visitor Centre.
The interesting exhibitions explain the archaeology, history, flora and fauna of the Southwestern archipelago. Visitors can see old shipwrecks, dive down to the bottom of the sea, listen to Finnish myths or step back in time and walk the museum’s geological trail. For in-depth information a reference library provides books and magazines on nature and the environment as well as microscopes and herbariums. Blåmusslan visitor center is located at the Southern tip of the municipality of Kimitoön in Kasnäs.
There is no entrance fee. Groups should make reservations in advance. There is a charge for guided tours.
Street Address: Blåmusslan Visitor Centre, Meripuistontie, 25930 Kasnäs, Finland
Postal Address: Blåmusslan Visitor Centre, 25930 Kasnäs, Finland
Tel. int. +358 205 64 4620
Fax: +358 205 64 4621
E-mail: sinisimpukka [at] metsa [dot] fi
The Visitor Centre is managed by Metsähallitus.
For more information http://www.outdoors.fi/customerservicepoints/visitorcentres/bluemussel/Pages/Default.aspx
Korpoström Archipelago Centre
The Centre provides visitors with information regarding sights in the National Park and maintains temporary exhibitions on the natural environment and way of life in the Archipelago. The Centre organises seminars, lectures and themed events on the subject of the archipelago.
Park Facilities
Trails in the park
http://www.outdoors.fi/destinations/nationalparks/archipelago/trails/Pages/Default.aspx
More about the trails in the region please visit www.saaristo.org
Equipment rental
Sailing boats, kayaks and bikes can be rented in the area.
Rescue service
Rescue service is available from 112 and coast guard + 358-(0)204 1000
Services for disabled
There are trails that can be accessed by the disabled on Jungfruskär Island.
Useful links and downloads
http://www.luontoon.fi/page.asp?Section=5300 (Archipelago NP)
http://www.outdoors.fi/customerservicepoints/visitorcentres/bluemussel/Pages/Default.aspx (Blamussian Visitor Centre)
http://www.skargardscentret.fi/?menu=6&lang=en (Korpoström Archipelago Centre)
Overnight stays in the park
The huts are open for visitors; these are found at Konungsskär and Oxharun and are meant for occasional stays therefore they cannot be booked. http://www.outdoors.fi/destinations/nationalparks/archipelago/services/Pages/Default.aspx
Rules
Please familiarise yourself with the special regulations. http://www.outdoors.fi/destinations/nationalparks/archipelago/instructionsandrules/Pages/Default.aspx
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