Culture, nature, history, sea and relaxed vibes – Kemiö has this all. Visit Finland's second largest island and enjoy.
Kemiö island, located in the municipality of Kemiönsaari, is an island inhabited by 7500 people. It is the second largest island on Finland's region. Kemiö sits on the cusp of Archipelago Sea, and during the summer season this relaxed coastal community expands in population, as the summer residents arrive in their cottages and summer houses.
In Kemiö and in the municipality of Kemiönsaari you will be able to observe island life, spend an active vacation, make a nature adventure or just relax in one of the most wonderful districts in Southern Finland.
Kemiönsaari also lives a vibrant cultural life, and there are events, such as fairs, courses, concerts and exhibitions throughout the year.
You will easily reach Kemiö by car, as there are bridges leading to the island at Rungonsalmi strait and at Strömma. Also the Kokkila cable ferry leads to the island. Here are five tips to Kemiö.
1. A lot of culture
There are numerous small villages in the municipality and on the island, which take you back to the old times. Visit the Kemiö village, Taalintehdas with its old factory buildings, Björkboda village with its lock factory and the maritime resorts Västanfjärd and Dragsfjärd. Pay a visit the numerous museums, make a trip to Fortress island Öro, see the vintage mansions, villas and old churches.
For the music and art lovers Kemiö has a lot to offer. Amos Anderson's summer house and the art exhibitions at Söderlångvik are worth a visit. During the christmas season there are church concerts and the local Lucia maiden's crowning, an old Swedish-Finnish tradition.
2. Wonderful maritime nature
Kemiö sits on the cusp of Acrchipelago Sea, the largest archipelago in the world, with several thousand islands and islets. Kemiö is a wonderful starting point for your nature trip on the archipelago. From Kemiö you will be able to book boat rides to Bengtskär lighthouse, Fortress Island Öro and the Rosala Viking Center. There's also a bike trail, from Kemiö all the way to Hanko, the southernmost tip of mainland Finland.
3. Eat very well
Culinary experiences are a big part of a holiday trip. Kemiö has an interesting food culture, lots of high-quality restaurants, which use great local ingredients. Eat well at the local restaurants, enjoy a coffee in a local bakery or buy picnic dishes from a farmer's market. Fresh fish is always available. delicious sweet and sour island bread as well, sheep and poultry are a common sight on many small farms. Also try the local microbrewery beers.
4. Sporting and hiking
Spend quality time in Kemiö, hike in the forests and meadows, sit on the beach rocks and relax by the sea. Enjoy massages and other wellness treatments. Book a sauna and take a dip in the sea. There are numerous ways to feel good and nourish your body in Kemiö.
During the winter season there is a network of skiing tracks. In the summer the islands invite for hikes and bike rides. For those interested in sailing the Archipelago of course offers numerous possibilities. Rent a kayak and do a self-guided paddling trip or take part in a scheduled guided trip, where the professional paddling guides will lead you to the most beautiful paddling routes across the islands.
5. Spend a night on the island
There are multiple accommodation services in Kemiö, from hotels to hostels to bed & breakfasts and to camping sites. You will spend refreshing nights in the Finnish maritime climate under the nothern starry skies. Try also a Tentsile adventure. Book all accommodation in Kemiö through Bookingpoint and start your wonderful vacation.
