Six easy-access lighthouses in the Finnish archipelago

Most Finnish lighthouses have been automated but luckily not abandoned, with many now making ideal destinations for day trips and weekend escapes. You can enjoy fresh food, a sauna and even an overnight stay. The distant locations guarantee visitors peace and quiet. Gaze at the open sea, listen to the wind, watch the birds and indulge in the stress-free environment. These are the six best lighthouse islands to visit, from easy to year-round access.

Day trip from Helsinki – Just a one-hour boat trip from Helsinki, the 150-year-old lighthouse is located in the middle of a beautiful nature preserve. To protect rare sea bird species, only designated cruise boats are allowed to dock on the island. During the summer season, the lighthouse is served by daily cruises from Helsinki and nearby city of Sipoo. Hop on board and enjoy the rugged nature of outer archipelago, or visit the exhibition at the lighthouse where you can learn how the lighthouse keepers once lived.

For the latest information visit Söderskär site.

Sauna by the sea – A 45-minute boat ride from the mainland, this charming little island serves retreaters and nature lovers equally well. For those staying overnight, a steaming sauna followed by a cooling drink on the cliffs is a must. Watching the sun set on the horizon with only birdlife for company is a cinematic experience. The Kylmäpihlaja island is part of the Bothnian Sea National Park and rich in birdlife.

For the latest information visit Kylmäpihlaja site.

Postcard perfect – The picturesque island of Tankar is dotted with traditional Finnish summer cottages that are still used by locals. A daily boat service allows visitors to enjoy the homely atmosphere and salmon soup served in the family run café restaurant. Staying overnight at the old lighthouse keeper’s house, the old pilot station or in a cottage is rather inexpensive. Walking the nature trail, paying a visit to the sweet 18th century wooden church and the seal hunting museum are all highly recommended. The lighthouse itself, built in 1889, is of the classic shape and style, and makes for terrific photos.

For the latest information go to Visit Kokkola site.

Southernmost stronghold – Utö had the first lighthouse in Finland, built in 1753 and later demolished in a war between Sweden and Russia. Yet, the current lighthouse from 1814 is the oldest still working lighthouse in Finland – and most likely the first lighthouse church in the world. On top of this, Utö is the southernmost Finnish island that’s inhabited throughout the year: 40 people live there regularly. The Utö Havshotel is in the barracks of Utö stronghold, once used by the army. Even today, the island has areas and caves forbidden for civilians.

For the latest information go to Visit Parainen site.