13.1.2010

Die Freizeitinseln der Stadt Turku

- enjoy the summer on the city's islands for outdoor recreation

Turku City Recreational Islands

The City of Turku owns three islands for outdoor recreation: Vepsä, Maisaari and Pähkinäinen. The inhabitants of the city and travellers may relax on these islands.

Maisaari - the heritage of peasant sailors

Maisaari has a long history of peasant sailing. At least 11 masters and one farmer's wife are known for having sailed regularly with their cutters from the 16th century until the middle of the 19th century to Stockholm to sell their peasant products. 

Maisaari is an old archipelago estate in the archipelago of Rymättylä. The main buildings of the island, Isotalo and Antola, and three warm cabins offer comfortable accommodation for 30 persons. There are a kiosk and a fireplace room, where there are a TV and a small library as well as a corner for children to play in Isotalo. There are premises for meetings and negotiations and accommodation in the house of Antola.

Pähkinäinen - the island of hazel bushes and horses

Fabritius, a veterinarian from Turku who was known for being an eager horseman, built the main building of Pähkinäinen in 1923 for the association Turun hippos. The island of Pähkinäinen became a real summer paradise for horses. Every spring the boat Klaara was loaded with a flock of lucky horses from Turku to run free on the summer stamping grounds of Pähkinäinen.

Pähkinäinen has received its name from its vegetation. The island is a magnificent mixture of verdant hazel bushes and a leaf tree grove as well as rugged rocky shores. In addition to a large natural conservation area, there are nowadays excellent fishing grounds and a beach with clear water in Pähkinäinen. The guest harbour of the island is located in a sheltered cove of the bay. There is accommodation for 3-12 persons in rooms for two, four and six persons in Pähkinäinen. In addition, there are a beach sauna and a summer cafeteria on the island.

Vepsä - the island of smugglers

The steep rocks in the middle of the island of Vepsä have in the past provided a cover for sailors who were caught in the storms of Airisto. The rocks have also been a sheltered hiding place for smugglers. 

The island of Vepsä is an excellent day trip destination, because there are a lot to do for both small children and older children. There is a magnificent and safe beach, two saunas, boats and canoes for rent, and equipment for outdoor and indoor games on the island. Vepsä is also a terrific place for families to rent a cabin and for larger camps. The island's holiday cabins of timber and the ridge-roofed cottages offer accommodation for 90 persons.