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A fantastic two weeks of cruising, visiting three separate countries, Finland, Sweden and Estonia, experiencing all the sights and sounds of the best cruising ground in the Baltic. There will be lots of great sailing surround by amazing scenery, terrific nights spent in anchorages within the archipelago with barbecues on the beach and parties in the midnight sun and nights out in the historic capitals of the Baltic. They'll be plenty of time to try out the local food and absorb the culture. So if you're up for an amazing adventure you'll remember for years to come, don't miss out, sign up now, places will be going fast!
The Archipelago
Tallinn
We shall start in the historic Estonian capital of Tallinn. An amazing city on the southern coast of the Gulf of Finland. From there we head north to Helsinki to spend a night in this magical city. The following day we sail west and in to the Finnish Archipelago. This is an area of around 70'000 islands where we shall spend the majority of our time. Each night a different anchorage and a different island, with the day spent exploring, enjoying the exhilarating sailing going wherever the wind may take us. They'll be plenty of saunas, BBQs and parties. Finally we shall finish our journey west by arriving in the Swedish archipelago another collection of beautiful islands gently cruising our way through to arrive in Stockholm itself.
Helsinki
Easyjet flies to Tallinn and Ryanair flies out of two airports near Stockholm so you can get some cheap flights. You'll need to fly in to Tallinn for the 3rd, and fly out of Stockholm on the 17th, if you fly into Tallinn for the morning and out of Stockholm in the evening then you'll have more time to take a look around the cities. You'll have to sort out your own flights but you'll need to confirm things with me, Greg Chadwick, before booking to ensure they'll work out. 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 e-mail Greg Chadwick
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!
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. |
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. | |
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. |
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. | |
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. |