Simpnäs: Harbor and Maritime History

Simpnäs is a harbor town with a distinctly maritime history. When planning your trip, it’s worth exploring several different subjects: the Björkö-Arholma Sjöfartsmuseum in the harbor, the area’s former pilotage activities, Näskubbens fyr and hiking routes on Björkö. Boats also run from Simpnäs to Arholma year-round. This lets you choose where to stay based on the destinations that really matter to your trip.

Maritime history in the harbor and on land

The Björkö-Arholma Sjöfartsmuseum is located in the harbor of Simpnäs. It has a representative collection of objects and images from the heyday of sailing in the 19th century. The combination of artifacts and visual materials makes a visit a fitting introduction if you’re interested in sailing at the time. Guided tours are available. If a guided tour is important to you, check the dates in advance.

A pilot station was built on the rocky ridge between Simpnäs harbor and Näskubbens fyr. The Simpnäs pilot station was decommissioned on January 1, 1996. In connection with the construction of new quays and terminals for Finland traffic, its operations were moved to Kapellskär. These details complement the museum’s collection with the history of pilotage and its relocation.

Simpnäs redargård also broadens the perspective on the maritime past. The farm is one of six well-preserved shipowner’s farms on Björkö. Its main building was constructed in the 1830s. Unlike the collection in the harbor, the focus here is on architectural history, offering another way to explore the history of seafaring on Björkö.

Lighthouse, hiking route and landscape

Näskubbens fyr is a channel lighthouse on Björkö. It stands on a cliff just north of Simpnäs harbor. A narrow footbridge leads to the lighthouse, which is open to visitors. Its location and the footbridge provide a clear guide for your visit. As a channel lighthouse, Näskubbens fyr also reflects the town’s maritime character.

On Björkö, the “Fyrstigen Simpnäs–Östersjö” hiking route is one of the designated trails. Its name gives you a specific starting point if you’d like to include a hike connected with Simpnäs in your plans. Nearby Skeppsmyra, in the south of Björkö, is also part of the local area. Its landscape is shaped by a peaceful archipelago of forests, fields, sea and beaches. Compared with the harbor, museum and lighthouse, this natural setting adds a nature perspective to the town’s maritime history.

Boats to Arholma and choosing where to stay

Boats run from Simpnäs to Arholma year-round. If you’d like to include Arholma in your trip, check the timetable in advance and plan your day around the specific departures. Then check the details provided by each hotel against your personal requirements.

For the broader travel overview: Björkö.