Discovering Kimitoön: a German’s Perspective on Finland’s Archipelago

My name is Patrick and I grew up in southern Germany, close to the Alps. In 2006, I relocated to Finland, where I currently work in the IT department of a company based in Helsinki.

I came across Kimitoön island while searching for interesting outdoor destinations in southern Finland. My interest grew when I discovered Bengtskär Lighthouse and Örö Fortress Island. Handily, its proximity to Helsinki makes it a convenient destination to escape to and to explore the beautiful Finnish archipelago further.

During my first visit to Kimitoön, I visited Söderlångvik Manor, home to the impressive Amos Anderson art collection. Afterward, I made my way to Kasnäs, where I paddled with my packraft to Örö Fortress Island – a former military island where you can still see big canons. There, I camped overnight in a tent before returning by ferry.

I explored Söderlångvik Manor, paddled to historic Örö Fortress Island, and camped under the stars before returning by ferry

During my second visit, I collaborated with VisitKimitoön, where my primary task was to capture photographs throughout the journey. I cycled along the Coastal Route from Salo to Kasnäs, making stops at notable locations such as Lake Matildanjärvi and the Dalsbruk Ironworks Museum. The experience of cycling over the 473-metre-long Lövö Bridge was one that will stay with me.

From Kimitoön, I took a ferry to Rosala, where I spent the night and visited the Viking Centre, which proved to be a worthwhile destination. The following day, I continued my journey by ferry to Hanko, with a stopover at Bengtskär to explore the lighthouse, recognised as the tallest in the Nordic countries.

On another cycling trip, I visited Sundsvedja lean-to shelter, where I stayed overnight and enjoyed the views of Purunpää and the Archipelago Sea National Park that unfolded behind it. I have visited several lean-to shelters, or laavus, in Finland, but this one stands, probably out for its stunning scenery.

At Sundsvedja lean-to shelter, I stayed overnight, enjoying stunning views of Purunpää and the Archipelago Sea National Park.

In comparison to the views in southern Germany, the landscapes here are quite different. At home, I can see the Alps, but here, I am treated to expansive vistas that stretch far into the distance. During the summer, I might describe the coastal area as the Mediterranean of the north.

Text and photos: Patrick Dormischian