This post was originally published on June 8, 2022 and was most recently updated on June 26, 2026.
When most people think about Finland, the images that come to mind are the pine trees and pristine lakes of the Lakelands, the snowy expanses and northern lights of Lapland, or the distinctive historic and modern architecture of Helsinki.
However, Finland is a coastal country, and the southwestern region is home to the world's largest archipelago by number of islands (approximately 40,000). One of the best ways to experience this part of Finland is the Small Archipelago Trail, which can be explored by bike, car, or mass transit. This guide focuses on traveling the Small Archipelago Trail by car, but much of the information is also relevant to other forms of transportation.
What is the Small Archipelago Trail?
The Small Archipelago Trail is 120-kilometer scenic drive that takes you across over a dozen islands that are connected by bridges and three ferry crossings. The route is open mid-May through the mid-September.
By car, driving the Small Archipelago Trail takes one day. We started and ended our journey in Turku—as the largest city along the route, it makes a good base. We set off at about 9:30 a.m. and got back to our accommodations by 7:00 p.m.
The Small Archipelago Trail is a shorter version of the Archipelago Trail, which is 250 kilometers long and takes at least two days to drive.
Finland's two official languages are Finnish and Swedish, and most of the cities and towns along the Small Archipelago Trail have a unique name in each language. Turku, Naantali, and Rymättylä are usually referred to by their Finnish names, while Nagu and Pargas are typically known by their Swedish names. In the recommended stops section below, I have included both the Finnish and Swedish names, listing the most commonly used name first.
What is the route like?
You can drive Small Archipelago Trail in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. We opted for counter-clockwise because it made more sense based on the M/S Östern ferry timetable (more information on ferries below).
We navigated the Small Archipelago Trail by putting the next destination into our car's navigation system at each stop. There is also plenty of signage along the route, indicating the direction and distance to various cities. Once we left Turku, we basically stayed on the same road, with a brief detour to see the Kuusisto Bishop’s Castle Ruins.
The entire route is paved, and ranges from a narrow, unstriped road in the rural portions of the route to highways and urban driving in Turku.
The Small Archipelago Trail includes three ferries. The first is the Hämmärönsalmi ferry, which takes about 5 minutes and runs every 20 minutes. This ferry is free of charge, and you stay in your car throughout the ride.
The second ferry is the M/S Östern, which takes about an hour and runs three times per day (make sure to check the timetable and plan your day accordingly!) As of June 2026 it costs €42 per car, including passengers. The M/S Östern has outdoor seating, bathrooms, and two restaurants serving light meals, snacks, and alcoholic beverages. This ferry ride is one of the highlights of the route—the views of the archipelago from the ferry's sundeck are incredible.
The third and final ferry connects Nauvo/Nagu to Parainen/Pargas. It takes about 10 minutes and runs every 15 minutes. This ferry is free of charge, and you stay in your car throughout the ride.
We found ample parking at each stop along the route. In Naantali, the parking closest to the Old Town is metered (machines accept credit cards), but there is ample free parking a little further out.
Where should I stop along the Small Archipelago Trail?
Turku/Åbo: Turku is one of Finland's largest cities, so I recommend making it your base and spending two or three nights here.
Since Turku was the capital of Finland during the 500-plus years of Swedish occupation, it's home to the oldest buildings in the country: Turku Castle and Turku Cathedral. Start at one and walk along the Aura River to the other—it's a beautiful walk, with dozens of riverside cafes and restaurants along the way.
Turku is also home to some engaging, immersive museums. Luostarinmäki Museum Quarter is a historic 18th and 19th century neighborhood that has been preserved as an open-air museum, providing a fascinating glimpse into the daily life of Turku's past residents. Aboa Vetus Ars Nova (the Museum of Archaeology and Contemporary Art) preserves medieval ruins discovered during the art museum's construction, as well as exhibiting modern Finnish and Western art.
Turku Kauppahalli (Market Hall) is located in the city center and is well worth a visit. Built in 1896, it combines a picturesque setting with a wide selection of vendors, including traditional Finnish bakeries, sushi, and vegan cuisine. Turku is also known for its quirky public transportation, including Föri the pedestrian ferry and a funicular.
More information about Turku is available here.
Naantali/Nådendal: Naantali has a old-fashioned seaside resort vibe, with a harbor ringed by cafes, restaurants, and shops. It is also home to the Moominworld theme park and the Naantali Spa & Hotel.
Since the Old Town is quite compact, you only need an hour or so to see the highlights—I recommend visiting the striking medieval church and walking around the harbor area. If you're a Moomin fan, The Peculiar Cafe is worth a visit for dessert in a cute themed setting.
More information about Naantali is available here.
Rymättylä/Rimito: The small town of Rymättylä is the lowest-key stop along the route and my favorite. The medieval church and graveyard share a parking lot with a supermarket, and a nearby cafe, Kahvio Tuulisolmu, serves coffee, sweet and savory pastries, and a buffet lunch.
After leaving Rymättylä, you will take the Hämmärönsalmi ferry and M/S Östern to continue along the Small Archipelago Trail.
Nagu/Nauvo: The M/S Östern deposits you at the Nagu Harbor, which is a small and very touristy assortment of restaurants and shops, plus a medieval church. Köpmans Cafe & Restaurant has a stylish dining room and lovely outdoor seating area, and it's a good place to get tasty (if pricey) gelato.
More information about Nagu is available here.
After leaving Nagu you will take the Nauvo/Nagu to Parainen/Pargas ferry to continue along the Small Archipelago Trail.
Pargas/Parainen: Unlike other stops along the Small Archipelago Trail, Pargas's historic old town is mostly a residential area. You can explore it via a self-guided walking tour, but shops and cafes are located in a modern commercial area on the other side of the canal. I got a scoop of ice cream from a kiosk and enjoyed it from a bench along the canal.
The town's most unique feature is the Pargas limestone quarry, which has been continuously mined since the 1200s and is a 10-15 minute walk from the town center. You can view the quarry from a designated overlook that has parking spots and interpretative signs in Finnish, Swedish, and English (access the viewpoint at the intersection of Skolgatan and Storgårdsgatan).
More information about Pargas is available here.
After Pargas, you can continue along the Small Archipelago Trail and return to Turku. Alternatively, you can take a short detour to see the Kuusisto Bishop's Castle Ruins. In the 1400s, the castle was the height of luxury, with glass windows, a rudimentary version of central heating, and Finland's first indoor toilet. Now the ruins are a national park, with interpretive signs in Finnish, Swedish, and English. The site is not staffed and entry is free of charge.
Is exploring the Small Archipelago Trail by car worth it?
Yes! Driving the Small Archipelago Trail is one of my favorite experiences in Finland. In a relatively short drive, you get to see beautiful scenery, medieval buildings, and rural areas, and you're never very far away from ice cream and pastries—that's my kind of road trip.
Further reading:
- 10 foods to try in Finland
- 12 delicious things I ate in Finland (2026)
- 17 delicious things I ate in Finland (2022)
- 20 tips for traveling in Finland
- 9 fun things to do in Helsinki
- Lillan Hotel: A luxurious stay in Tampere, Finland
- Porvoo, Finland: A picturesque day trip from Helsinki
- Vääsky: A base for exploring Finnish Lakeland
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