The Coastal Route by bike
The Coastal Route is a 250-kilometer signposted cycle route along the south-west coast and archipelago of Finland.
Cyclists can enjoy an old iron work villages, beautiful islands, three national parks and numerous other natural and cultural sites along the way. That will delight both culture lovers and nature lovers. In summer, the Coastal Route culminates in a boat trip through the beautiful archipelago to Finland’s highest lighthouse Bengtskär. Boats also carry bicycles.
The route offers accommodation options ranging from tents to cottages and from guesthouses to lighthouse hotel. In addition to cycling, you can go hiking, canoeing and visiting museums. Cafés, breweries and restaurants offer the flavours of the archipelago.
To the beginning of the route by train
Public transport is an excellent way to get to the start of the coastal route from Turku and Helsinki. Load your bike onto the train and start your trip from Salo, Tammisaari or Hanko.
Plan your trip
It takes about one week to explore the route and see the sights. It is easy to vary the length of the day trips and the direction of the route is free.
Salo – Mathildedal 30 km
Cycle from Salo towards Teijo National Park through the iron work villages of Kirjakkala, Teijo and Mathildedahl. Mathildedal is the most famous with its alpacas, bakeries and village breweries. Teijo National Park offers a good hiking trails, and you can also go canoeing or rowing.
Mathildedal – Kimito – Dalsbuk 60 km
From Mathildedal, the route continues to Kimito island. Cultural experiences are offered by Finland’s oldest open-air museum Sagalund. The maritime ironworks village of Dalsbruk, with its museums, cultural and nature trails, is well worth a stop.
Dalsbruk – Kasnäs 19 km
On the way to Kasnäs, it’s worth to visit Söderlångvik Manor, which features a museum as well as nature and cultural trails. And don’t miss the idyllic old pilot village of Högsåra with its summer café and bar, just a short ferry ride away! The stunning sandy beach on the western shore of the island, part of the Archipelago National Park. In Kasnäs you can pamper yourself in the spa.
Kasnäs – Hangö (boat tour)
Kasnäs, Rosala and Hiittis have become a crossroads for sea and land transport. You can load your bike onto the ferry and after a short sea trip cycle to the authentic Viking village of Rosala and the village of Hitis. If you haven’t yet visited Finland’s highest lighthouse, take a boat trip via Bengtskär lighthouse to Hanko. From here you can take a ferry to Örö Fortress island in the Archipelago National Park. In addition to its military history, Örö is particularly well known for its magnificent nature.
Hangö – Ekenäs 43 km
Hangö city offers cafés, boulevards for laid-back promenades and sandy beaches for sunbathing. But life in the small town is very much in touch with nature, as almost the entire coastline is part of Hangö National Urban Park. If you’re looking for nature, head to the southernmost tip of mainland Finland to the windswept Tulludden nature trail, or try sea kayaking as an alternative to cycling.
The Coastal Route continues along the sandy seashore towards Ekenäs. It is worth taking a break in Dagmar Park, and refill your water bottles with refreshing Dagmar spring water.
Ekenäs – Tenala 24 km
It takes a while to get around the mazes of Ekenäs wooden villas and the city’s services. Most of the buildings in the old town date from the 1700s and 1800s, and the names of the streets give a hint of life in the old days. If you want to get out into nature, you can head to the nearby Västerby for a hiking or a game of frisbee golf. Alternatively, there is the Ramsholmen nature protecting area just outside the city.If you want to visit Ekenäs Archipelago National Park you’ll need a boat trip or a canoe trip to get there!
The journey continues through the countryside via the village of Tenala towards Salo. It’s worth to visit to Latokartanokoski, one of the most spectacular rapids in southern Finland. You can also linger a little longer at the Särkisalo islands and its summer café atmosphere.
Tenala – Salo 77 km
The journey continues through the countryside via the village of Tenala towards Salo. It’s worth to visit to Latokartanokoski, one of the most spectacular rapids in southern Finland. You can also linger a little longer at the Särkisalo islands and its summer café atmosphere.
Cycle outside the summer season
Boats between Kasnäs and Hanko runs only during the summer season. During the off-season a good alternative route is to cycle from Salo around Kimito island using the coastal sideway, or cycle from Salo to Hangö. You can also plan day trips to the different stages of the Coastal Route from one base camp.
Good to know
- The coastal route is a 250 kilometers cycle route that passes through municipalities of Salo, Kimitoön, Hangö and Raseborg.
- The sea trip between Kasnäs-Bengtskär-Hanko (Hangö) can only be done in the summer season, but the other stages of the Coastal Route can also be cycled in spring and autumn.
- The Ring Route mainly follows quiet minor roads. A small part of the route is on dirt roads, which are not suitable for road bikes.