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A fantastic two weeks of cruising, visiting the cultur and scenic highlights Sweden and Finnland have to offer. Experiencing all the sights and sounds of the best cruising ground in the Baltic. Plenty of great sailing surround by amazing scenery, unforgettable nights spent in anchorages within the Stockholm and Finnish Archipelago. Barbecues on the beach and parties in the midnight sun, nights out in the historic capitals of the Baltic.
All this will be part of our two week cruise round the Archipelago, going from Stockholm to Turku. This trip is ideal if you are looking for a relaxing cruise through Europe's most beautiful sailing area, the Archipelago, interleaved with cultural highlights of seeing capitals of culture!
The Archipelago
Helsinki
We shall start in Sweden's capital, buzzing centre of life, party and cultural events. From there we head East into the Stockholm Archipelago, our summer sailing paradise. Exploring diverse anchorages, bays and islands having barbecues, going to saunas and swimming in the sea we will slowly be making progress East towards the Finnish Archipelago in the general direction of Turku. Leaving the Archipelago East-going we will enter the Gulf of Finland which will take us into Helsinki where we will have plenty of opportunity to enjoy the night life, cultural events and go sight-seeing. Going back West along the Finnish Coast we will finish the trip in Turku.
This trip is not to be missed!
Stockholm
Ryanair fly from Stansted to Stockholm and Turku, so travel to and from the boat is nice and convenient.
Please do not book anything before I've confirmed your place on the trip and given you the go ahead.
If you want to sign up or ask any other questions please e-mail Richard Brooksby .
There are well over 100,000 islands between Sweden and Finland, consisting of three principal archipelagos around Stockholm in Sweden, Turku in Finland, and the main offshore island of Aaland - itself an autonomous province of Finland. About a third of the islands are inhabited by anything from a vibrant cultural town, to a quiet sleepy village, to a few goats and a hermit farmer... The rest are a mix of craggy islands, with untouched natural beauty and wildlife, and outcrops of rock which serve to make navigation challenging!
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In Swedish, the word 'Skärgården' means archipelago, a sea area covered with islands. A literal translation of the word is 'the garden on the rocks'. The full glory of the Stockholm archipelago is within an hour's sail of the main port of Stockholm and consists of 24,000 islands, from big to small, some inhabited, others large enough for only a smattering of wildflowers, providing some of the most beautiful and sheltered waters in Europe. In high summer, when the sun hardly sets, the weather in the northern Baltic is ideal for sailing. Exploring the archipelago thoroughly could take a long, pleasant lifetime... |
Stockholm itself is like no other capital in the world. Built on fourteen islands, it rises gracefully from water so clean that you can go swimming or fishing in the very heart of the city. Its waterfront is alive with boats, from ferries to shuttle you around the city to sailboats and yachts that cruise out into the vast archipelago that stretches into the Baltic. The history of Stockholm dates back to the 13th century, and is famous for its winding, cloistered streets, boutiques, and cozy restaurants, all gathered close by to the Royal Palace. |
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The Ålandic landscape was forged many millennia ago by powerful natural forces, which are still at work today, into a distinctive archipelagic landscape consisting of thousands of islands, holmes and skerries. The rapid changes in the landscape from land to water, and from fields and meadows to dense, dark woods as well as the large number of different habitats and the striking wealth of species give Åland its special character. The mosaic-like skärgård, or archipelago, and its inspiring waterways, unusual land formations and rich bird life is perhaps the natural experience that most visitors associate with Åland, as well as the red rock, rapakivi granite, which gives the Ålandic landscape its distinctive hue. |
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The mild sea climate and chalky soil also help to create a rich flora. Åland has many species of orchids and is widely known for its wooded meadows, which are richer in species than anywhere else in the country. About 50 plants, including most orchids, are protected, and so, of course, are most mammals and birds, except for those game species which may be killed during their respective shooting seasons. Under an Åland Government resolution, all amphibians and reptiles, except the common adder, as well as some endangered butterfly species, are protected. The so-called every mans right, or public right of access to privately owned land, is more limited than in other parts of the Nordic region. There are about 40 nature reserves in Åland, which are intended to preserve different types of nature for future generations. The wooded meadows of Ramsholmen and Nåtö just outside Mariehamn are two well-known examples. |
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In the Turku archipelago you are surrounded by land, big islands, little islands, cliffs and rocky islets by the dozen - in fact there are far more islands than people! The sea, wind and waves give a special sense of freedom. But the islands are not completely without signs of life and bustle. Some people live here, while others come work here. Others spend their holidays here. Some just pass through the and others return time after time. No one can remain untouched by the magnificent surroundings. This is the boundary between land and sea..... The archipelago is extensive and diverse. It is the largest archipelago in the Baltic, and there really are considerably more islands and rocky islets than people here. |
The chain of islands and rocky islets extends towards the sea for 100 km south-west of Turku. The landscape varies from large islands and verdant islets to bald rock islets in the outer archipelago. The immense lighthouses of Bengtskär, Isokari and Utö in the outer archipelago serve as a reminder of the presence of man, and guide the voyager back to the city lights. Nature in the archipelago is full of wonders. The enchantment of the sea, the verdant beauty of the inner islands, the barren outer islands, the unbroken peace and the rare flora and fauna give a faith in the future. |
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The colourful history and culture of the region offer an interesting place to get to know,and lively happenings, in the midst of the wonders of nature. Food is excellent - fishermen and farmers together guarantee fresh and clean delicacies for the traveler's table. The diversity of nature in the archipelago is especially captivating; the glaciated rocks smoothed by the waves, precipices, lush groves and wind-whipped pines give the archipelago throughout the year. Nature here differs in many ways from the flora and fauna on the mainland. In spring, migratory birds arrive in huge numbers, wooded meadows burst into flower in summer and in autumn, pike and other fish attract anglers to the area. |