Discover The Finnish Archipelago by bike

DISCOVER THE FINNISH ARCHIPELAGO BY BIKEThis summer, consider experiencing the breathtaking Turku archipelago. Hailed as the most beautiful road in Finland, the Archipelago Trail is a 250-kilometer (155 miles) route that traverses two main roads, 12 bridges and nine ferries, joining hundreds of islands. Open only in the summer months, the trail offers a great opportunity for a personalized summer adventure by car or bike.The Archipelago Trail links the islands of the Turku archipelago and over 190 kilometers (118 miles) of public roads and 50 kilometers (31 miles) of waterways. Open from the 1st of June to the 31st of August, the circular trail gives travelers the opportunity to get to know the archipelago’s unique islands by land. You can travel by bike or car and hop from island to island by bridge and ferry. Cable ferries are an essential part of everyday life in the archipelago and take travelers from one island to another. The Turku Archipelago is characterized by a rugged and unspoiled natural land- and seascape. Along the route are countless quaint villages, beaches, harbors and other tempting spots to stop for a quiet rest or picnic. The trail can be completed by car in a single day, but to truly surrender to islands’ atmosphere, take the time to travel by bike. The stress-free pace is ideal even for those who are new to cycle tours. With so much to see and explore you can easily spend a few days on the trail.The brightly shimmering sea and small islands are a distinctive facet of Finland, influencing the archipelago’s unique way of life. Many of the islanders are virtually self-sufficient: the sea provides fish, while wheat is harvested and cattle are grazed in nearby fields. Even the sushi in the archipelago is made from fresh seafood from local fishermen. Open in the summer months, Samurai Sushi is a charming restaurant in the Nauvo harbor. Visitors and locals alike enjoy the sun and fresh sushi on the restaurant’s terrace. Samurai Sushi also makes deliveries to nearby islands or to yachts. Continue to soak in the surroundings at Hotel Nestor on Korppoo Island, which can be reached only by cable ferry. Renovated from a barn, the Nestor is a fully equipped hotel that features an art gallery where exhibitions by visiting artists are held. The Archipelago Trail starts from Turku and goes through Kaarina, Parainen, Nauvo, Korppoo, Houtskär, Iniö, Kustavi, Taivassalo, Velkua, Askainen, Merimasku, Naantali and Raisio. Create your own island adventure by designing your own route.  You can travel the trail either clockwise or counter-clockwise, leaving the mainland from either Kustavi or Pargas. To get around the Turku Archipelago, you can rent bikes from a number of outlets both in Turku and on the Ring Road itself. Bike rental costs around 20 Euros ($25) per day. Plenty of international car rental companies and local outlets can also be found in Turku. For accommodations, there are plenty of options, whether you are looking for a larger hotel in the city or an idyllic cottage on the Baltic. Most islands also have a caravan and camping areas where you can rent a small cabin or pitch your own tent. For more information about the Archipelago Trail please visit Turku Touring at http://www.turku2011.fi/public/default.aspx?contentId=20440  -More information about the Turku Archipelago can be found at www.saaristo..orgFor more information about tourism in Finland, visit www.visitfinland.com and the Visit Finland image bank at www.imagebank.visitfinland.com