MARITIME AND NATURE EXPERIENCES TURKU – UUSIKAUPUNKI – RAUMA – PORI

MARITIME AND NATURE EXPERIENCES

On this tour you’ll get to know the Finnish maritime archipelago, coastal nature and the cultural landscapes. The driving tour leads to old wooden towns, villages, manors and ironworks. It also offers encounters with nature as well as a cruise and a lighthouse is- land. Other highlights along the way include the nesting areas of birds and the dune beaches of Yyteri in Pori.

Duration: 8-9 days Availability: July- mid-August Accessibility requirements: car, own or rental Departure days: Tue-Sat (Isokari)

Day 1 – The route: Turku – Naantali – Uusikaupunki 111 km

The route for day one takes you from Turku to Uusikaupunki via the charming old wood- en town of Naantali. On the way you’ll see islands and coastal wild life, four 15th-16th Cen- tury stone churches, a wooden archipelago church from the 1700’s and a manor estab- lished in the 1600’s. The bay at Mietoinen is a lively breeding ground for birds. On the Tummamäki nature trail can be seen a dramatic mark of the human hand.

Driving direct ions: Turku – Satakunnant ie – Raisiont ie – Raisio Church– Raisiont ie – Aurinkot ie – Tuulensuunkatu – Naantali’s Old Town – Rymättylänt ie 189 – Särkänsalmi – Merimaskunt ie 1930 – Merimasku Church – Kirkonsalmi – Merimaskunt ie 1930 – Askainen Church and Knight’s Park – Louhisaarent ie 1932 – Louhisaari Manor – Louhi- saarent ie 1932 – Mynämäent ie 1930 – Kustavint ie 192 – Saarent ie – Mietoinen Bay and Bird Tower – Saarent ie – Kustavint ie 192 – Y-t ie 194 – Tummamäent ie – Tummamäki Nature Path – Tummamäent ie – Mynämäent ie 1950 – Vinkkilänt ie – Kirkonkylänt ie – Vehmaa Church – Y-t ie 194 – Lokalahdent ie 195 – Uusikaupunki

Raisio Church Raisio’s medieval grey stone church is surrounded by a cemetery and located right in the center of Raisio. The church is one of Finland’s oldest and is believed to have been constructed in 1305. The church is named after St Mart in, whose image is also on the Raisio municipality coat of arms.

Naantali Naantali was founded in the Middle Ages around the Bridgittine convent. The convent was granted the rights of commerce and the town began to grow. It also became a signif icant site of pilgrimage. Naantali began act ivity as a spa town in 1723, when a health spring was founded. In addition to the convent church and idyllic wooden buildings, visitors come to the town for Moominworld theme park, the Finnish president’s gardens and summer residence of Kultaranta, the lively marina, numerous restaurants and cafes as well as the charming boutiques and galleries.

Merimasku Church The Church of Merimasku is a wooden church dating from the year 1726.

Askainen Knight ’s Park & Church The Knight’s Park was founded to honor and recognize the act ions of Finnish war veterans and the recipients of the Mannerheim Cross, as well as the spirit of the time they represent. The park was designed by architect Bey Heng and covers an area of 3400 square meters. Askainen Church is a neo-classical stone church representative of the period of Swedish rule in the 17th Century.

Louhisaari was the home of the Fleming family for over 300 years and home to the Mannerheim family for one hundred years. Finland’s famous Marshall C. G. E. Mannerheim was born there in 1867. Louhisaari is surrounded by an English landscape park. In the park you can explore useful and decorative plants from the 18th Century. Completed in the 1650’s the main building is a rare example of palatial architecture in Finland. The banquet floor and household floor are furbished from the 1600’s, whilst the resident ial floor is renovated in 18th and 19th Centu- ry styles.

Mietoinen Bay Merenlahti is one of Finland’s most valuable locat ions for birds, and together with the surrounding areas makes up a landscape of national significance. The trails and bird-spotting towers are suitable for day trips. Mietoinen Bay is part of the Natura 2000 network.

Tummamäki Nature Path If you circulate the Tummamäki trail you’ll come across a number of granite pit quarries. The quarries are no longer in use with mining activity having ceased in Tummamäki in 1973. The path is easy to walk and estimated to be about 1.5-2 km long.

Vehmaa Church The grey stone church with its parsonage forms an ecclesiastical center inherited from the Middle Ages. Com- pleting the site is the church’s tomb chapel and bell tower from the 1820’s, a hero statue from sculptor Jussi Vikainen, and a summer café in the storehouse next to the church.

Day 2 – Uusikaupunki and the Isokari Lighthouse Island

Uusikaupunki is a town that cherishes its trad it ions, combining modern services within an idyl lic seaside setting. With its beautiful archipelago and a guest marina voted the best in Finland, the town an ideal holiday destination for the traveler with a maritime spirit. The town offers its own individual charm as well as plenty of opportunity for easy- going getaways or active leisure time pursuits. On the guided Culture Trail in Uusikaupunki get to know the town and its history through this independent walking tour. A cruise will take you to Isokari Lighthouse Island in the peaceful outer archipelago. As well as being the highest lighthouse in the Gulf of Bothnia the island’s unique and di- verse nature also add to the appeal. The magnif icent lighthouse dates from 1833 during the period of Russian Imperial rule.

Wahlberg House The Imperial style house presents bourgeois life within the maritime town during its golden period, as well as a history of shipping. In the Sailor ’s Home Museum you can imagine family life for an ordinary seaman in 1900’s Uusikaupunki. The museum building is one of the city’s oldest surviving residential buildings originating from the late 1700’s. Located on the ridge of Vallimäki is the old Naval Pilot Stat ion that tells the dangerous history of the pilot profession.

For more information about accommodation, boutiques, cafes and restaurants, places to visit and other things on offer, go to Uusikaupunki Tourist Information web pages!

MARITIME AND NATURE EXPERIENCES

Day 3 – The route: Uusikaupunki – Velhovesi – Rauma 81 km

The day’s journey goes from Uusikaupunki to Rauma along the archipelago’s Velhovesi Ring Road and through rural village scenery. Take a detour to admire the panoramic sea views at Pyhäranta Church! The old town in Rauma is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the World Heritage walking map is an independent tour that will guide you around Old Rauma’s labyrinthine of streets. Old Rauma is the single largest, preserved wooden town in the Nordic countries. It is where the heart of the city st ill beats throughout the year, with people living, trading, working and socializing in the historical sett ing. The narrow streets follow the path of the original medieval plan, lined with older buildings constructed as far back as the 1700’s. Buildings are also characterized by the grandeur of the 1890’s shipping trade.

Driving direct ions: Uusikaupunki – Hiunt ie – Lyökint ie – Pyhärannat ie – Pyhäranta Church – Raumant ie 196 – Rantat ie 1960 – Unajant ie – Rauma

Vel hovesi Route The Velhovesi Ring Road goes through the archipelago nature of Uusikaupunki and around the freshwater basin. The length of the main route is about 50 km. Along the route take a dip in fresh or saltwater beaches and break for a rest at scenic landscape stops or at a quaint village shop.

Pyhäranta Church Pyhäranta Church, designed by architect Josef Stenbäck, is a stone church representative of the national romantic style from the 1900’s. The church stands on a hill beside the bay and adjacent to the old harbour, and is sur- rounded by an old cemetery.

Unajan kylärait i is the preserved epitome of an old village milieu from western Finland.

Rauma Maritime Museum Rauma’s Maritime Museum is located in the building of Rauma’s former maritime school, constructed in the 1900’s. The maritime museum presents the city’s rich seafaring traditions.

Kirst i – A Sailor ’s Home Museum The courtyard and buildings at Kirst i exemplify construct ion from the 18th and early 19th Centuries. The owners of the property have been sailors and artisans.

For more information about accommodation, boutiques, cafes and restaurants, places to visit and other things on offer, go to the Rauma Tourist Informat ion visitrauma.f i!

MARITIME AND NATURE EXPERIENCES

Day 4 – Kuuskajaskari Fortified Island & Resort and Kylmäpihlaja Lighthouse Island

The marine world of Rauma is represented by its nearby islands. The islands are open to the public for excursions, and also provide accommodation. Kuuskajaskari Fort if ied Is- land and Resort simultaneously offers visitors maritime experiences and the sheltered tranquility of the forested island. Toughened against the wind and waves, Kylmäpi hlaja Lighthouse Island is at the edge of the open sea. Despite its inhospitable appearance this buckthorn berry colored island is teeming with life, particularly during nesting season. During summer the islands can be reached easily thanks to regular ferry buses.

Day 5 – The route: Rauma – Lappi – Eurajoki – Luvia – Yyteri, Pori 99 km

The route for the day goes from Rauma to Yyteri in Pori. Along the route you make a 2-3 km hike to a Bronze Age burial site across wood land terrain, deviating to an Imperial- style manor in the area, then driving along the winding coastal road toward Yyteri in Pori. Yyteri is a 6 km long sandy beach. The beach is known for its large sand dunes. The old- est and highest dune is Keisarinpankki, which greets you immediately on arrival. The sand dunes at Yyteri attract tourists and urbanites to the beach throughout summer. In Yyteri you can stay overnight and enjoy a range of sports such as golf, horse riding, beach volleyball and surfing. Yyteri has over 30 kilometers of hiking trails, nature paths and dozens of bird-spotting towers.

Driving direct ions: Rauma – Huitt istent ie 12 – Eurajoent ie 2070 - Lappi Church – Savulaaksont ie – Sammal- lahdenmäki – Savulaaksont ie – Eurajoent ie 2070 – E8-t ie – Linnamaant ie – Kartanont ie – Vuojoki Mansion – Auvint ie – Kuivalahdent ie – Luvia Church – Niement ie – Viasvedent ie – Makhomant ie – Preiviikint ie – Paar- noorint ie – Mäntyluodont ie – Yyterinsantojent ie – Yyteri

Lappi Church Lappi’s wooden church was built in 1760. In the vicinity of the church are f ive ‘church stables’ from the 1900’s as well as a stone parish granary.

Sammallahdenmäki Close to the coast of the Gulf of Bothnia, the Sammallahdenmäki Bronze Age burial site is the largest and most unique example of Bronze Age cemetery culture in the Fennoscandic region. In the barren rocky landscape, in the centre of beaut iful Finnish woodland, are located 36 graves that are some of the best examples of construct ion from the period. The site was designated an UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999.

Vuojoki Mansion The wings and the main building of Vuojoki Mansion are one of Finland’s most impressive examples of mansion complex architecture from Imperial t imes. The mansion was designed by architect C.L. Engel.

Luvia Church Luvia Church was built between 1908-1910. The church, designed by architect Josef Stenbäck, is made from red sandstone.

For more informat ion about accommodat ion, bout iques, cafes and restaurants, places to visit and other things on offer, go to the Pori Tourist Informat ion at V isitPori.f i!

Day 6 – Reposaari

The Reposaari fishing port of Pori is a beautiful island of wooden houses. The road to Reposaari first passes across the bay’s causeway before continuing through islands and islets to Reposaari. The cargo from ships coming to the island have brought with them seeds from foreign countries, causing the island to bloom with exotic vegetation in summer. The island oozes with the atmosphere of sailing season. The Reposaari tour, by bike or on foot, is a great way to explore the island. An entire tour is a total of 6 km. The route is comprised of a stone path along the beach, wood land paths and forest trails, a street and cycle paths in the center. The route has 15 guideposts. All the services and sites of interest on Reposaari are located close to the route.

Driving direct ions: Yyterinsantojent ie – Juhanint ie – Eeront ie – Kaanaant ie – Reposaaren maant ie 269 – Repo- saari – Reposaaren maant ie 269 – Kaanaant ie – Eeront ie – Juhanint ie – Santojent ie – Yyteri Observat ion Tower – Yyterinsantojent ie – Yyteri

Yyteri Observat ion Tower A 60-metre high tower with a panoramic view of the sea and estuary at the top. There is also a café.

Day 7 – The route: Yyteri, Pori – Luvia – Laitila – Mynämäki – Nousiainen – Turku 168 km

The morning drive takes you to Luvia Laitakari harbour, which is the homeport for the Galley Ihana. The bases for the ship’s design were the drawings of the Galley Marsi con- structed on Luvia in 1907. The launch took place in 2010. Galley Ihana sails from Luvia in the beautiful nature of the Bothnian Sea National Park, from May to October. After the cruise the trip continues to Turku, along the way passing via the milieu of three medieval churches.

Driving direct ions: Yyteri – Mäntyluodont ie – E8-t ie – Kirkkot ie 2640 – Kuivalahdent ie – Laitakarint ie – Galley Ihana – Laitakarint ie – Kirkkot ie 2640 – E8-t ie – Lait ila Church – E8-t ie – Mynämäki Church – E8-t ie – Nousiainen Church – E8-t ie – Turku

Lait ila, Mynämäki and Nousiainen Churches Lait ila’s late gothic stone Church of St Michael is from the second half of the 15th Century. The church’s painted vaults date from the 1480’s. Open from June to August. th Mynämäki’s St Lawrence Church is built on a site that has been inhabited since prehistoric times. The current 15 Century church building is one of Finland’s biggest medieval stone churches. The church in Nousiainen is, along with Turku Cathedral, one of Finland’s most important monuments to medie- val church architecture. The church has retained its posit ion in the scenic landscape culture of the River Aura val- ley. The parsonage, situated on the opposite shore since the 13th Century, can be located by following the steps of the church.

MARITIME AND NATURE EXPERIENCES ______

Day 8 – Turku and Ruissalo Island

Turku, Finland’s oldest city established in 1229, is located in the embrace of the River Au- ra. Turku is a city of art, history and culture. The center is bisected by the river, and along with the valuable cultural milieu, historical sites and the beauty and scale of the nearby archipelago, exemplif ies what makes the city unique. European Capital of Culture 2011 brought culture permanently to the city streets. There is also the unique nature and cul- tural history present on Ruissalo Island located close to Turku. From Turku you can set off on an Aavameri kayaking trip or on a cruise aboard S/S Ukkopekka.

Forum Marinum This National Maritime Museum and the Finnish Navy Museum is suitable for visitors of all ages. In the museum there are both temporary and permanent exhibit ions, an interest ing collect ion of boats and a fleet of museum ships in the foreground, anchored to the river shore.

Ruissalo A former hunting ground for the court of Turku Castle, the island is easily accessible by land or sea. The island contains old oak forests, 19th Century wooden lace villas, cliffs and sandy beaches, spas and a botanical garden. The collect ions of indoor and outdoor plants at the Botanical Garden comprises over 5000 varieties. At Saaron- niemi there are kilometers of coastal nature trails, and at the handsome headland of Kuuva you can enjoy a great view of the sea.

For more information about accommodation, boutiques, cafes and restaurants, places to visit and other things on offer, go to V isitTurku.f i!

Day 9

Depart