Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
islands and islets, which are linked by eight ferries and a dozen bridges. The further you
travel, the more forward planning is required, particularly if you're using public transport -
Frequent, free ferries run continually between Pargas, Nagu and Korpo, with less fre-
quent crossings from Korpo to Houtskär, and summer-only private ferries from Houtskär
It's possible to island-hop all the way to Åland with Åland's
archipelago ferries
,
either
from Galtby in Korpo via Kökar and Föglö, or from Osnäs near Kustavi via Brändö and
Kumlinge.
Pargas
Once a Hansa League port, Pargas (Finnish: Parainen) is the de facto 'capital' of the ar-
chipelago. It still has a substantial port and its limestone quarry - Finland's largest - is a
major employer. There's a lack of good sleeping or eating options but a handful of interest-
ing sights make it worth a quick stop before heading further into the archipelago.
Sights & Activities
Pargas Hembygdsmuseum
MUSEUM
(Local History Museum; 02-458-1452;
www.pargashembygdsmuseum.fi
;
Storgårdsgatan 13;adult/
child €3/free; 11am-4pm Tue-Sun Jun-Aug)
When Lenin was on the lam from Russia to Stockholm in 1907, he stayed in Pargas under
the pseudonym Mr Mueller. The outdoor local history museum contains the house where
he hid, along with cottages, crofts and a restored schoolhouse; enthusiastic guides show
visitors around.
Pargas Church
CHURCH
(Kyrkoesplanaden 4; 10am-5pm Jun-Aug)
The Old Town of wooden houses is tucked behind Pargas Church, a beautiful early-14th-
century building with whitewashed walls, medieval murals and brick-Gothic supports.
