Discover Southwest Finland: Archipelago Sea, island nature and culture

Southwest Finland offers a range of options for a trip focused on nature and culture. The landscape of the Archipelago Sea region is characterised by shallow, maze-like sea areas, rocky skerries, forested islands and open expanses of water. Seili is known for its island nature, Paimio for its functionalist architecture, and Turku for its history, museums and art. These themes offer different starting points for planning a stay.

Archipelago landscapes and island nature

Seili is accessible only by boat. Make sure to include the necessary boat journey as a separate item in your travel plans. On the island, a 1.7-kilometre nature trail passes through herb-rich forests, valuable cultural landscapes and rugged coniferous forests. The trail length gives you a concrete idea of the scale of the excursion; it also passes through several types of landscape. Two different considerations are therefore central to planning: the boat journey and a nature trail as an island experience.

Architecture in Paimio

Paimio Sanatorium was designed by Aino and Alvar Aalto, built in 1933 and set in a pine forest as a functionalist architectural complex. The design of the complex and its location in the forest offer two distinct perspectives for your visit. You can explore the grounds freely; there is also an architecture trail with QR code information and additional facts about the building. Check the latest visitor information before your visit, as access arrangements may change.

History and culture in Turku

Turku Castle has stood by the Aura River since the 1280s and became a centre of court life during the time of Duke Juhana. Turku Cathedral is Finland’s national shrine; it is closed for renovation from 9 February 2026 to 2 December 2028. The Cathedral Museum in the South Gallery traces its history back to the early 14th century. The Luostarinmäki Museum Quarter offers themed tours on the history of Luostarinmäki; Aboa Vetus Ars Nova is part of Turku’s museum and art scene. Turku thus brings together historic buildings, guided tours and art as distinct cultural themes. The sanatorium and the castle also differ in age: the sanatorium was built in 1933, while the castle has stood by the Aura River since the 1280s.

Getting there and finding a hotel

Ferries from Stockholm serve Turku daily. The terminals are close to the city centre and connected to public transport. Timetables and operators may change, so check the connection for your travel date. Unlike the ferry journey to Turku, Seili is accessible only by boat. Take this difference into account when planning your trip. Choose based on what matters most to you.

Discover more destinations

Turku, Naantali, Uusikaupunki, Nagu, Merimasku, Dragsfjärd, Somero, Västanfjärd, Loimaa, Pargas, Salo, Kaarina, Harjattula, Raisio, Kustavi, Härkälä, Rymättylä, Koski, Uro, Korppoo, Askainen, Taivassalo, Sauvo, Somerniemi, Kiviniemi, Yläne, Perniö, Lieto, Pöytyä, Kimitoön, Marttila, Laitila, Mynämäki, Masku

For the full travel overview: Finland.