Själö Travel Guide

Explore the culturally rich Själö Island, Finland. Discover the natural attractions, food scene, hiking routes and more in this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Själö

Själö is a small island located in the Archipelago Sea of Finland; it is also known as Seili. On the island, you will find a number of historical landmarks, museums, and natural attractions that have made it a popular tourist destination. The pristine beaches, clear waters, and stunning landscapes make it the perfect place for a relaxing retreat or an active vacation, depending on what you are looking for. Read on to discover the best things to do on Själö and make the most of your trip.

List of Places to Visit in Själö

  • Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
  • Natural Attractions of Själö: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
  • Hiking/Biking Routes of Själö
  • Best Things to Do in Själö: Activities and Tours
  • Week-Long Itinerary for Själö
  • Food and Drink Scene of Själö
  • Where to Stay in Själö: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
  • What to Buy in Själö: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
  • Local Culture and Customs of Själö
  • Best Time to Visit Själö
  • Do’s and Don’ts of Själö
  • Safety and Health
  • Getting to Själö: Transportation Options and Logistics
  • How to Get Around in Själö
  • Where to Go Next from Själö: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

The island of Själö is home to several historically significant landmarks that offer an insight into Finland’s rich cultural heritage. Here are some must-visit sites:

  • Seili Church: This beautiful church dates back to the 17th century and boasts a rich history.
  • Seili Hospital Museum: The museum houses a comprehensive collection of medical equipment and documents, reflecting the island’s past as a leper colony and quarantine station for infectious diseases.
  • Seili Nature Centre: This interactive museum is the perfect place to learn about the island’s flora and fauna, including various bird species and seals.

Natural Attractions of Själö: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

The island is a sanctuary of natural beauty, with plenty of outdoor adventures to indulge in. Here are some of the best natural attractions on Själö:

  • Själö Archipelago National Park: The national park covers an area of over 500 hectares and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Visitors can explore the park’s hiking trails, campgrounds, and picnic areas.
  • Seili Beach: The stunning beach offers a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking.
  • Seili Island Lighthouse: The lighthouse provides breathtaking views of the sea and is a popular photography spot.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Själö

Själö is a hiker’s paradise, with scenic trails of varying difficulty levels. Here are some of the best routes on the island:

  • Seili-Kasnäs Nature Trail: This 6.5-kilometer trail is perfect for hikers of all levels and offers stunning views of the archipelago.
  • Seili-Lövö Trail: The 7-kilometer trail takes visitors through forests and along the coast.
  • Seili Island Bike Trail: The 10-kilometer bike trail is perfect for cyclists looking for an easy, scenic ride.

Best Things to Do in Själö: Activities and Tours

There’s plenty to do on the island, whether you’re looking to relax or indulge in some adventure. Here are some of the best activities and tours to try in Själö:

  • Seili Island Boat Tour: The tour takes visitors around the island, providing a unique perspective of its beauty and charm.
  • Seili Nature Centre Guided Tour: Learn about the island’s flora and fauna and its rich history with an expert guide.
  • Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddleboarding: Discover Själö’s beautiful coastline from the water.

Week-Long Itinerary for Själö

If you’re planning on spending a week on the island, here’s a suggested itinerary to make the most of your trip:

  • Day 1: Explore the island’s cultural landmarks, including Seili Church and Seili Hospital Museum.
  • Day 2: Spend a day at Seili Beach, soaking up the sun and indulging in some watersports.
  • Day 3: Take a nature hike or bike ride through the island’s beautiful trails.
  • Day 4: Embark on a boat tour around the island.
  • Day 5: Learn about the island’s flora and fauna at Seili Nature Centre and take a guided tour of the museum.
  • Day 6: Indulge in some local delicacies and foodie experiences.
  • Day 7: Spend your last day relaxing and taking in the island’s beauty.

Food and Drink Scene of Själö

Själö offers a wide range of local delicacies and foodie experiences. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Grilled Pike Perch: A local specialty, served with potato and chanterelle sauce.
  • Smoked Salmon: The island is famous for its deliciously smoked salmon.
  • Själö Bread: A traditional bread baked from a 300-year-old recipe that hasn’t changed to this day.
  • Blueberry Pie: Made from Själö’s freshly picked blueberries and served with vanilla cream.

Local Beverages

  • Själö Island Brewery: Try local beers, cider, and even non-alcoholic beer, brewed on the island.
  • Själö Island Winery: Taste locally produced wines made from rowa, a Finnish berry.

Where to Stay in Själö: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are a few options for accommodations on the island, including:

  • Seili Island Guesthouse: This guesthouse is located on the beach and offers comfortable, affordable accommodations.
  • Seili Island Hostel: The hostel offers affordable dorm-style rooms, perfect for budget travelers.
  • Seili Island Hotel: The hotel is located in a historic building and offers comfortable, modern rooms.

What to Buy in Själö: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

There are several souvenirs and local products to bring back home from Själö:

  • Själö Bread: The traditional bread is a must-buy for bread enthusiasts.
  • Handmade Soaps: Purchase handmade soaps made from local ingredients and fragrances.
  • Själö Island Brewery Beer: Bring back some locally brewed beer as a souvenir.

Local Culture and Customs of Själö

The local culture in Själö is deeply rooted in the island’s past as a quarantine station. Visitors are reminded to respect the island’s history and culture when visiting.

Best Time to Visit Själö

The best time to visit Själö is from May to September when the weather is warm, and the days are longer.

Do’s and Don’ts of Själö

Do:

  • Respect the island’s environmental and cultural heritage.
  • Try the local delicacies and foodie experiences.
  • Explore the island’s natural attractions.

Don’t:

  • Ignore warning and safety signs.
  • Take anything from the island’s natural environment.

Safety and Health

Safety in Själö

Själö is a safe destination, but visitors should be cautious when hiking or engaging in watersports. Always follow safety instructions and wear appropriate gear.

Health in Själö

The island has a medical center that is equipped to handle emergency situations. Visitors should bring their own prescription drugs and medical supplies.

Getting to Själö: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Själö

The closest airport to Själö is Turku Airport, which is approximately 75 kilometers away.

Bus Stations Near Själö

The closest bus station to Själö is in Naantali, which is approximately 50 kilometers away.

Other Options

Visitors can also reach Själö by taking a ferry from Kasnäs or Nauvo.

How to Get Around in Själö

Visitors can explore the island on foot, by bike or kayak, but there are no cars or taxis on the island.

Where to Go Next from Själö: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some nearby destinations and excursions to explore after your visit to Själö:

  • Turku: A beautiful city located just a short drive from Själö, it is home to several attractions, such as Turku Castle and Turku Cathedral.
  • Nauvo: A charming island located nearby, it is known for its idyllic landscapes and historical landmarks.

Conclusion

Själö is a unique and beautiful island that offers visitors a glimpse into Finland’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, indulge in some local delicacies, or explore the island’s outdoor adventures, Själö has something incredible to offer. Plan your trip today and experience the magic of this one-of-a-kind destination.

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