Finland’s hidden archipelago gems remain untouched by mass tourism

Finland’s archipelago offers unique destinations still unknown to most tourists, according to a feature by Finnish public broadcaster Yle.

Visit Finland’s Katarina Wakonen describes the archipelago as a one-of-a-kind attraction with no equivalent elsewhere. She notes a growing demand among travelers for rare, peaceful locations over mass tourism.

Yle highlights four such islands: Bergö in Maalahti, Pirttisaari in Porvoo, Pähkinäinen in Naantali, and Tammio. Each provides natural tranquility, fishing culture, and wartime history, all accessible by public transport.

Bergö, a Swedish-speaking village with around 480 permanent residents, lies 25 kilometers southwest of Vaasa. A 10-minute ferry connects it to the mainland. The island’s museum is run by Per-Erik Berglund, a former sea captain who values the surrounding sea’s silence.

Pirttisaari in Porvoo features a historic fishing village atmosphere, varied forests, and wartime fortifications, including gun emplacements and bunkers from World War II. The island has year-round residents and basic facilities for visitors, such as a cooking shelter and toilets. Free ferries run daily from Sipoo’s Kalkkiranta.

Pähkinäinen in Naantali is a lesser-known island in the Turku archipelago, co-owned by the city of Turku and Metsähallitus. Half the island is a nature reserve and a key habitat for the small Apollo butterfly. A guest harbor serves boaters, and a daily ferry—except Mondays—connects the island to the mainland.