The Pargas archipelago consists of 5 main islands and countless small islands and islets, far out in the outermost archipelago. Familiarize yourself with the different main islands and with the outer archipelago as an area. A large part of the Pargas archipelago belongs to the Archipelago Sea’s UNESCO biosphere area, which focuses on how the unique nature and people in the local archipelago community with its rich culture and archipelago traditions are in balance with each other.
Only two hours from Helsinki and Tampere, and you are here. Travel around the archipelago – by car, bus, boat, bicycle or on foot. In addition to the roads, the islands can be reached by ferries and transfer vessels.
Great news! 🌞🎉: The amazing Archipelago Trail and Small Archipelago Trail both get a longer season from year 2025, when the ferries MS Antonia and MS Östern traffic the routes between May 9th and September 14th. Autumn is a great time to enjoy the Finnish archipelago and now there is a great way to accomplish this! See more about the routes on www.archipelagotrail.fi .
Ilouutinen 🌞🎉: Saariston rengastie ja Pieni rengastie saavat vuodelle 2025 kausipidennyksen niin että reitit ovat kauttaltaan kierrettävissä 9.5.-14.9.. Syksy on upeimpia aikoja saaristossa, ja MS Östernin ja MS Antonian pidennetty liikennöinti reitellä avaa uusia mahdollisuuksia kokea saariston alkusyksyä! Lue lisää reiteistä sivulla www.saaristonrengastie.fi . #saaristonrengastie #saaristonrengastie #saaristonrengastiellä
Glada nyheter 🌞🎉: Skärgårdens ringväg och Lilla ringvägen får en viktig säsongsförlängning för år 2025 i och med att färjorna MS Antonia mellan Houtskär och Iniö och MS Östern mellan Nagu och Rimito trafikerar från 9.5 ända till 14.9. Hösten är en av de härligaste tiderna i skärgården, och den förlängda säsongen öppnar nya möjligheter att uppleva skärgården. Läs mer om rutterna på www.skargardensringvag.fi .
Over the past week, there has been high solar activity, resulting in beautiful northern lights all around the archipelago. Were you lucky enough to catch a glimpse?
Ruska is at its peak in the archipelago, and the colors are truly stunning! Some great spots to enjoy the fall foliage include the Lenholmen nature trail in Pargas, the Westerholm nature trail in Nagu, the island of Seili, and the village centers around the churches.
A beautiful autumn morning with the sun shining through the mist and sparkling frost on every leaf — autumn in the archipelago is perfect for those who love stunning landscapes! Our best photography tip is to head out early in the morning; you might even be lucky enough to spot a deer or a fox sneaking through the frosty grass.
The leaves on the trees and bushes will soon start changing from lush green to fiery red, orange, and yellow colors. The fields take on a golden-brown hue, and the evenings become darker. This means that autumn is here, and with it, mushroom season – perhaps the most delightful time of the year!
In Finland, we have the right of public access, which means that as long as you’re not on marked private land, near someone’s house, or damaging nature, you have the right to enjoy the forest’s treasures. What a luxury to be able to gather fresh ingredients directly from nature!
Here are a few simple ways to make the most of autumn’s mushroom harvest. A creamy bacon and mushroom pie, where salty bacon meets hearty mushrooms, is a classic that’s always appreciated. For those who prefer something vegetarian, leave out the bacon - mushrooms are incredibly tasty on their own too! If you want to extend the season, you can preserve mushrooms in vinegar – perfect as a side dish for dinner or as a tasty gift. Dried mushrooms are also a favorite; use them as a spice in sauces and stews to enhance the flavors in your food. And finally, what could be better on a chilly autumn day than a warming chanterelle soup served with freshly baked bread?
PLEASE NOTE: Always be careful when picking mushrooms. Bring a mushroom guidebook or someone who knows their mushrooms well, to be sure of what you’re picking. If you’re uncertain, leave the mushroom in the forest. There are many poisonous mushrooms that should absolutely not be eaten!