The Archipelago Trail (250 km/155 miles)

The Archipelago Trail is a circular route that can be taken by car from Naantali via Kustavi (in the west) or from Parainen via Nauvo (from the east).

Take your time driving the route to fully enjoy the beautiful islands and their sights and attractions. Like other Finnish tourist routes, the Archipelago Trail is marked with brown signboards, but it is advisable to obtain a map of the area and the ferry schedules in advance. Both can be ordered from the Archipelago Tourist Information service, tel. +358 2 4585 942, info@lansi-turunmaa.fi, www.saaristo.org, www.visitarchipelago.com.

Route: From Turku via road 110 (the King's Road) or highway 1 to Kaarina – road 180 via Parainen (Pargas) in Länsi-Turunmaa to Nauvo (Nagu) and Korppoo (Korpo) (two cable ferry connections) – ferry to Houtskar (Houtskär) – road 1800 to Mossala – ferry via Keistiö to Iniö – road through the island of Iniö, then cable ferry to Jurmo – from Kannvik in Jurmo to Kustavi (Gustavs) – road 1922 and 192 via Taivassalo to Mietoinen – road 1930 via Askainen to Merimasku – road 189 to Naantali and road 40 via Raisio to Turku.

You can also continue your journey to the Åland Islands along the so-called Mail Route. The best starting point is Kustavi.

THE MAIL ROUTE ACROSS ÅLAND ISLANDS (80 km / 50 miles)

In 1638, Queen Christina of Sweden issued an order starting regular mail service from Stockholm via Åland to Turku. This route was called the Mail Route, and it traversed both sea and land. From Turku, the route continued east as the King's Road all the way to St. Petersburg. The Mail Route is still a living, historic route that tours nine municipalities in Åland and has many exquisite experiences waiting for the traveller. Diverse natural landscapes, beautiful scenery and historical monuments can be found along the road, many parts of which still follow the original 15th century mail route.

Many comfortable lodgings, pleasant cafés and restaurants line the well-marked road. Ferry services link the islands of the archipelago. Churches, museums, fine art and arts and crafts galleries and theatre and music performances offer experiences that enrich your journey. For more information, please see www.postvagen.com and www.visitaland.com.

Route: From the Vuosnainen (Osnäs) harbour in Kustavi to Långö harbour in Åland – road across the islands of Åva and Brandö to Torsholma harbour – ferry to the island of Lappo – ferry via Kumlinge to Hummelvik harbour in Vårdö – road 2 via Prästö, Finby, Godby, and Jurmala to Maarianhamina (Mariehamn) – road 1 to Eckerö. Car ferry connections to Sweden are available from Eckerö.