Espoo’s archipelago season 2026 begins on 14 May

The Espoo archipelago traffic season begins on the long weekend of the Ascension Day, when the routes to Island Iso Vasikkasaari start operating at the Haukilahti, Nokkala and Suomenoja marinas. During the other weekends of May, the routes will operate on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

In the summer, from 2 June to 9 August, all four archipelago routes in Espoo will run from Tuesday to Sunday. After this, some of the routes will only be available on weekends.

Archipelago boats serve the islands of Iso Vasikkasaari, Pentala, Gåsgrund, Rövaren and Stora Herrö. Possible destinations for boaters include Espoo’s Korkeasaari, Käärmesaari, Kaparen, Knäpperskär, Rövargrundet, Torra Lövö and Tvijälp.

“The island hosts have worked at the islands for several weeks already to ensure that the islands will be ready for visitors,” says Jari Järvi, Sports Manager.

Islands Gåsgrund, Rövaren and Stora Herrö are slightly further from the coast. These recreation islands have cooking shelters, campfire sites and firewood for visitors. There are also toilets on the islands. Otherwise, you can enjoy the peace and quiet of nature on the islands. They are also suitable for camping, for example.

However, Järvi reminds visitors to look after their environment and comply with forest fire warnings.

“The same rules apply in the islands as elsewhere in nature and outdoor recreation areas. Pick up and take your rubbish with you, put up your tent in an area designated for camping and walk on the marked trails. This way, we can avoid putting too much strain on nature so that future visitors can also enjoy it,” says Järvi.

Islands Iso Vasikkasaari and Pentala are ideal for those who enjoy physical activity and culture. Iso Vasikkasaari is located a short boat distance from Nokkala, and its routes are partly accessible and

relatively easy to navigate. For example, the island has a nine‑hole disc golf course, permanent orienteering control points, a beach, an observation tower, a playground and cooking shelters. You can also enjoy some events on the island, such as the Espoo Archipelago Day in June.

Pentala, on the other hand, is known for its archipelago museum, where you can get to know historical buildings and learn about the lives of the island’s former residents. There is an admission fee for the Gurli House home museum. Admission to all other buildings and exhibitions is free of charge.

The nature of the island is also unique. There is a lake on Island Pentala. The nature trail starts in the museum area next to the archipelago boat pier and runs to the natural sand beach at Diksand and Lake Pentala.

For those who enjoy outdoor activities, Järvi recommends visiting Espoo’s archipelago by a canoe, for example. A few years ago, the barbecue shelter in Island Lilla Hallonklobben, or Pieni Vadelmasaari, was restored, and a toilet was built. The small island is therefore a perfect destination for canoeing. It is located between the main islands of Suvisaaristo and Island Miessaari.

“You should always choose your canoeing destination based on your own skills and the canoe”. 

See the timetables, operating days and price list for scheduled Espoo archipelago boat service.

Explore the islands of Espoo. 

Explore the Pentala Archipelago Museum.