3 great islands to visit in Finland

Islands oh, islands. Most of my dream travel destinations include islands and I'm very much an island girl. Whether large or small, there is something very special, about taking a voyage over the water onto an island, and knowing that here you are now in a very special, often secluded, location, and you have to make the most of the experience without access to city amenities. For me, being on an island often gives me the chance to leave my worldly worries of city life behind, and to connect with nature. Often islands inspire me to look at the world artistically. I am not surprised at all that so many artists choose to live on islands. 

Here are three of my favourite islands that I've visited this year. That is if we don't count the island my summer cottage is on. It is and will continue to be the best island there ever was. 

Yo-Ho! We are off for an island adventure!

Suomenlinna

Suomenlinna is inhabited all through the year, but you can still find your quiet corner

Nature blends into the cultural landscape seamlessly

These stone walls are ideal to entice a curious tourist

Look out for invaders 

Check out this weekends cool horror inspired cabaret in Suomenlinna.    Photo by: Tanja Ahola.

Suomenlinna is the classic island destination with easy access from the Helsinki market square away from the hustle and bustle of Finland's capital city.  The island itself is a World Heritage site, and has a very wide range of interesting historical buildings to roam around. The island also has quite a park like value, so it makes for a nice location for a picnic. You could easily spend several days exploring Suomenlinna, as it consists of four different islands, has six different museums, and plenty of scenic places for photography. One glorious summer day I was exploring the rocky beaches of Länsi-Mustasaari with my sister, when we saw something glittering more than normal amongst the rocks. When we approached we saw that there were two nude women, covered with glitter posing to a camera. So yes, Suomenlinna can have some mind blowing views to capture. 

Whilst the island fortress is most alive in the summer, it is inhabited year round, and has cool cultural events even in the darker seasons. For example, this weekend the island has a horror cabaret to celebrate the Halloween season. The cabaret is inspired by local horror stories, and I could not think of a better setting for celebrating this dark season than watching a range of ghosts and other creatures get loose in Pirunkirkko (which translates literally as the Devil's church). Will you join me in the audience?

Travel: There are several ferries going to Suomenlinna, but by far the cheapest is the HSL ferry, that leaves on the corner of the Helsinki market square and costs the price of a local travel ticket (AB region). On the actual island you will need to walk or cycle to get around. 

Food: The island has a small supermarket near the ferry point. There is also a large variety of different cafes and restaurants. 

Activities and Attractions: The island hosts several museums, including a toy museum and a submarine. There are also several art galleries and gift shops. The most interesting sites are free to visit though, as you can roam around the old fortress buildings or along the shoreline on your own. The island has a rich cultural life with events all year round. There is also a small beach.

Accommodation: Hostel accomodation at Hostel Suomenlinna.

More info: Suomenlinna island https://www.suomenlinna.fi/en/

Horror Cabaret https://www.facebook.com/events/516766912200189/ . 

Vallisaari & Kuninkaansaari

The islands of Kuninkaansaari and Vallisaari have lots of beautiful shore line.
Be sure to stick to only the dedicated paths though to not blow up

There is lots to photograph on island adventures

The nature in Kuninkaansaari is wild and wonderful

Sometimes you see beauty in the little details

Dipping your feet in water on a hot summer day. What could be better?

The islands of Vallisaari and Kuninkaansaari are connected via a walkway and are accessed with a boat that leaves also from the Helsinki market sqaure. The islands lie very close to Suomenlinna, and Vallisaari has views to the impressive fortresses of it's World Heritage Site neighbour. Vallisaari and Kuninkaansari also have interesting fortress structures of their own  having been in military base use for decades. The islands opened to the public only a few years ago, so they have a lot of rich nature which has thrived in almost isolation. Vallisaari has perhaps a more interesting cultural history than Kuninkaansaari, having had it's own village life. Kuninkaansaari on the other hand has a more peaceful atmosphere where you can connect with the surrounding nature. 

When visiting the island it is mandatory to stick to only the allocated paths and areas that are deemed safe. You will see lots of signs all around the islands forbidding walking on certain areas. This is to insure your safety as the island has plenty of derelict structures that could collapse and there may still be explosives in the ground. 

My favourite path is to take the Kuninkaansaari walk which travels 2,5 kilometers through the awesome nature and fascinating military buildings of the island. There is also a small (unofficial) beach area, where one can take a dip or have a picnic on the warm rocks next to the sea. 

Travel: A boat from the Helsinki market square will take roughly 20 minutes. The boat companies are JT Lines and Suomen Saaristokuljetus. Tickets will cost around 10 euros. 

Food: The islands have several cafes, some of which also do hot meals. The range is restricted though, so bringing your own picnic might be a good alternative.

Accomodation: You could easily do Vallisaari and Kuninkaansaari as a day trip. You can also stay the night at an eco tent, but the pricing is of that of a good hotel. 

Activities and Attractions: Kuninkaansaarenkierros walk 2,5 km (More nature orientated, fortress structures, a beach)

Aleksanterinkierros walk 3km (Displaying village life, impressive fortress structures, and great sea views)

More info: https://vallisaari.fi/

 Hailuoto

Marjaniemi's sandy beaches have a lot to explore

The beach is a perfect place for inspiration for the old and the young

Climb the bird watching tower - if you dare

Lying close to the northern city of Oulu this large island houses a variety of beautiful landscapes. The island is a favourite amongst bird watchers and it has several bird watching towers. The islands sandy beaches and fishermen's huts bring the sea element close, whereas in the middle of the island there is plenty of traditional farm land. There are several cute gift shops where you can buy beautiful handicrafts or perhaps some top notch framed photography to hang on your living room wall. The island also hosts several cool festivals. I have personally been twice to the theatre festival, and have seen some cool and thought provoking theatre pieces set in the raw nature of the island. This island is just perfect for an artistic getaway. Just grab your paints and canvas and set up a painting station on the beach, or seek inspiration from the texture of the pine trees of the forest. This island really lets you connect with the nature. You just need to choose your preferred element: the sea, sandy beaches, forests, wetlands, they have it all. 

Travel: In the summer months you can take a free ferry as a walking passanger, by bike, in your own car or in a bus. The easiest by far is taking your own car, but Hailuoto is also quite a tranquil cycling destination, although only some of the island road has a pavement to cycle on. During the winter access is through an ice road, once the ice is thick enough. Do note that most of the tourism is focused on the summer months.

Food: The Hotel has quite a good buffet. There are also smaller restaurants and cafes on the island. It might be worth it to also bring your own picnic from mainland supermarkets. The island has a few grocery stores of it's own, but it is 10 km from the shops to the main beach, so do your shopping on the way. 

Activities and attractions: The Marjaniemi beach enables a lot of fun for people from all walks of life. It creates a cool backdrop for kids' play. You could take a dip in the sea, make your own sand art or just admire the views. Marjaniemi also has a lighthouse and pictoresque fishing huts. The island has an emu farm and local history museums. There are also art galleries and gift shops. The island  has several striking nature features that you can observe and learn more about with helpful nature boards or by popping in at the nature exhibition in the hotel for a quick lesson. 

Accommodation: There are plenty of accomodation options. You can bring your own tent or camper and set up at a camping site, rent a cottage or a room in farm house or enjoy your stay at the hotel. 

More info: https://www.hailuoto.fi/en/

Have you been to any of these islands? Does the sea breeze relax you? What's your favourite island?
Next summer I want to conquer some new islands. Any tips to share?