What to do
Explore the Archipelago’s underwater world!
What to see
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Brackish water affects the marine species and the sea is inhabited both by fresh water and marine species.
Vegetation in the national park is very sparse. The main characteristics of which are windswept dwarf pines, stunted deciduous trees and barren rocks. Along the edges of the meadows, used for grazing for centuries, it is possible to find such flowers as bloody cranesbills and vincetoxicum growing.
A large number of sea birds make their nests and breed on the rocks and small islands of the Archipelago; including gulls, Arctic terns, eiders, razorbills and black guillemots. The wildlife of Archipelago also includes a number of threatened species such as the White-tailed eagle, the Caspian tern, the Grey seal and the Ringed seal.
What to do
Go with the flow and explore the Archipelago by paddle. There are no marked canoeing routes in the national park area. Beginners should start with a guided tour.
Follow the rope with underwater signs about the area’s nature on Stora Hästö Island.
Set sail and plow the waters Vikings used to cross. There are several harbours and landing places in the archipelago. On some islands landing is prohibited during the nesting season from April to July. In the areas of Trunsö (Nagu) and Grimsörar (Korpo) boating and landing are not permitted at all.
Watch flocks of sea birds arrive for the nesting season in the spring. More than 130 bird species breed in the Archipelago, among them the white-tailed eagle, the national park’s emblem.
Study the Archipelago’s flora and fauna and go hiking along the park’s ten nature trails. The paths range from 0.5 to 3 km and take in scenic vistas, lakes and old fishing towns.
Explore the Archipelago’s underwater world! During the nesting season divers are restricted to certain areas only.
Turn pirouettes on the Baltic Sea! Late autumn and spring are the best seasons for ice-skating.
Adventure tips
PAN Parks offer a wide variety of wilderness experiences. In Archipelago entering the wilderness area is prohibited so you can enjoy wilderness features in other areas of the park: we collected those adventures that help you best experience these.
The first underwater trail in the Archipelago is about 200 m long and is located in the west side of Stora Hästö which is a rugged outer island. The trail can be travelled either by diving deep beneath the surface or by snorkelling with swimming goggles. The trail is equipped with information boards featuring the Baltic Sea’s landscape and natural features.
Observe the grey seal which is becoming more and more common in the whole area of the national park, or look for the Baltic ringed seal which also lives inside the national park.
Sea kayaking is a great way to explore the national park. It can also be combined with hiking on the small islands. The sea is spotted with smaller and larger islands – some covered with old-growth forests, others can be totally bare of rocks polished by water.
Local partner offering an activity related to this adventure:
Pensar Syd
Strandbo Group - Kayak, canoe and bike tours with or without guiding, trekking, bird-watching, fishing, Nordic walking and all sorts of nature-related experiences.
The marine national park offers excellent possibilities for boating. There are campfire places in some of the islands, with camping sites and dry toilets.
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