Gulf of Finland Aland Islands Archipelago

   
 
 

Archipelago Sea & Aland Archipelago Cruise

Finland Small Ship Cruise

4 Days / 5 locations in Finland

Kristina Brahe sails to the west from Helsinki. On this route the summer day, the past and the present get intertwined with each other. The first stop is on the Island of Jussarö, where the first lighthouse was built already in 1811. Iron ore was excavated here in 1954-1967 and afterwards the Armed Forces took the control of the island. It was opened to the public only in the summer of 2005.

The cruise continues making zigzags through the archipelago to reach the idyllic town of Tammisaari, which received city rights already in 1546. The well-preserved old town, the parks with oaks which are several hundred years old and the skilful merge of old traditions with the present day this is Tammisaari at its best.

Next you will cruise out to the open sea and arrive at the Island of Jurmo, famous for its moraine fields. What a mighty sight! Seven kilometres of stone fields reaching to the sea and continuing for a couple of miles under the water. Here, at the southernmost part of Salpausselkä, the sea stretches as far as the eye can sea. In the evening you will arrive at the Island of Utö, which is situated at Finlands southernmost point and known for its fort and pilots.

The third day of the cruise will take you to Ålands Kökar. During the middle ages there was a Franciscan monastery on its main island. Hansa ships might have needed help, thus the Gray Friars settled in. The present church was built on the same place where the monastery stood earlier.

You will cross Kihti and arrive at Nauvo to discover a traditional village with grey stone church, handicraft and coffee shops and an exhibition of ships models. Nauvo has also a popular guest marina.

On the next morning you will sail back to Helsinki taking home lots of memories of this unique archipelago.

Itinerary

 
Day 1     Helsinki
On Board the M/S Kristina Brahe
Meals: Lunch / Dinner

Depart Helsinki 9:00 AM

Arrive Jussaro 2:30 PM

Enjoy the guided tour on the island which is famous for its lighthouse and iron ore. This island was opened to tourism in summer 2005. Before that it was controlled by the Finnish Armed Forces.

Depart Jussaro 4:30 PM

Arrive Tammisaari 6:15 PM

Tammisaari is a green town in the archipelago, situated on the southernmost point of Finland. The atmosphere of the town is idyllic and peaceful, yet it offers rich cultural choice and good services. During the walking tour you will visit the wooden old town and the beautiful church.

 
Day 2     Jurmo Island - Uto Island
On Board the M/S Kristina Brahe
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Depart Tammisaari 6:00 AM

Arrive Jurmo, Korpoo 10:00 AM

A Gem in the Finnish Archipelago approx. 2 hours

The Island of Jurmo in the outer archipelago is the largest of a number of islands which belong to the magnificient Salpausselkä ridge, one of the biggest territorial moraines in Northern Europe stretching from Karelia in the east to the Hanko area in southwest Finland. This 5 km long barren island, with an unusual plant life, is mentioned in a document as early as 1270. No trees grow on Jurmo, save a small number of planted pines and few birches and alders in a marsh. Jurmo is now part of the South western Archipelago National Park.

Depart Jurmo 1:30 PM

Arrive Uto, Korpoo 3:00 PM

The oldest Lighthouse Point in Finland approx. 1,5 hours

The most southern inhabited island in Finland lies far away from the mainland. The rugged nature, spectacular landscape and inhabited village community are part of the uniqueness of this island. From there you can view the Baltic Sea. The island has a pilot station, a defense fort and the oldest lighthouse point in Finland. The first lighthouse was built on Utö island in 1751, destroyed during the war in 1808 - 1809, and was then rebuilt in 1814. The lighthouse chapel is its speciality. Noteworthy events on the island have been battles and shipwrecks, which have left evidence of wreckage behind. The island has some historical memorials and a harbour. The museum of local history and culture tells about the life of lighthouse guards, pilots and soldiers.

 
Day 3     Uto Island - Kokar Island - Nauvo
On Board the M/S Kristina Brahe
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Depart Uto 5:30 AM

Arrive Kokar, Aland 8:00 AM

Finland's Southermost Commune approx. 3 hours

Kökar is the unique archipelago community, where the sea is always close at hand. The rocks are barren and there is practically no forest. It is indeed a magnificent sea-washed and wind-swept island. Kökar has a rich and colourfull history. The first inhabitants were sealers who settled at Otterböte approx. 100 B.C. During the 15th century a Fransiscan monastery was founded on Hamnö. This place became a spiritual and cultural centre of the entire archipelago. Kökar's museum of local history and culture gives a wonderful insight into times gone by. Kökar today is a vital archipelago community. Shipping, tourism and the commune employ most of the inhabitants. At Karlby harbour you will have some free time.

Depart Kokar 12:00 NOON

Arrive Nauvo 4:00 PM

This idyllic archipelago village is a very popular place to visit, especially with private boats. The Finnish archipelago is a desirable place for summer houses and Nauvo is one of the favourite areas. You will have a guided tour in the village, visit the grey stone church and see a small exhibition of ships models. There are also handicraft shops with unique products made in the archipelago.

Depart Nauvo 7:00 PM

 
Day 4     Helsinki
Meals: Breakfast

Arrive Helsinki 8:00 AM

 

Notes

3. and 4. passenger in same cabin 30% discount from upper/lower price.

Children 5-15 years in upper berth 40 % discount from upper/lower price.

Price Includes
Accommodations in Select Cabin Category
Conferences and Shipboard Entertainment
Shore Excursions
Meals Daily Shipboard
Sightseeing and Entrances Per Itinerary
Price Does Not Include
 Fuel Surcharge
KRI-1269
1.28.15.WP26