Natural harbours let you experience the archipelago at your own pace. Most are undeveloped, but some have a campfire site, toilet or information boards. At best, a stop is a short escape from everyday life – or an overnight experience that stays in your memory for a long time. That is why it is important to take care of these places so they remain enjoyable for future visitors as well. The fragile archipelago environment requires responsible choices and behaviour.
The Outdoor Etiquette and the upcoming Boater’s Etiquette support responsible recreation
Anyone heading out onto the water and into nature should familiarise themselves with Metsähallitus Parks & Wildlife’s Outdoor Etiquette, which brings together the principles of responsible outdoor recreation. Metsähallitus Parks & Wildlife is currently developing a new etiquette guide alongside the Outdoor Etiquette, focusing specifically on moving around on water and in the archipelago. The Boater’s Etiquette will help preserve the unique nature and cultural heritage of the archipelago for future generations.
One more stop this summer – take a look below the surface
Few people travelling on the water realise how colourful and diverse the underwater world is just a few metres below the surface. Finland’s coastal underwater meadows, mussel beds and algae communities are full of life and ecologically very important.
Snorkelling is an easy way to explore this hidden world. For your next boating trip, pack swimming goggles or a mask, a snorkel and fins – and take a brave look beneath the surface.
Archipelago National Park has two underwater nature trails:
Along the trails, buoys and guide ropes lead snorkellers and divers to the sites.
Check protected areas and restrictions before landing
Many natural harbours are located within protected areas where movement, making campfires and camping are regulated by park rules. The restrictions are designed to protect birds, seals and the fragile archipelago environment.
Up-to-date maps of destinations and services are available on Luontoon.fi, which brings together outdoor destinations, trails and services throughout Finland. In the map view of the service, you can now check:
- restricted zones within state-owned protected areas
- the periods when restrictions apply
- instructions related to landing and moving around
When you check restrictions already at your home marina, you can travel safely and respectfully in nature.
Anchor carefully to protect underwater nature
Shallow coastal seabeds in Finland are home to underwater meadows that bind sediment, improve water clarity and support diverse marine life. Careless anchoring can damage the roots of these meadows and destroy vegetation for a long time.
Good anchoring practices in natural harbours:
- drop anchor on an unvegetated spot
- avoid dragging the anchor along the seabed
- raise the anchor by steering the boat directly above it
- primarily use mooring buoys if available
Careful anchoring takes little effort but makes a big difference for underwater nature.
Navigate wisely – slower means seeing more
Motorboats with combustion engines produce exhaust emissions and underwater noise and may damage vegetated seabeds in shallow waters. High speeds disturb bird broods, which may cause some chicks to become separated and more vulnerable to predators. Speed can also make the water cloudy.
By choosing a calm driving style suited to the conditions, you can:
- reduce fuel consumption
- reduce impacts on nature
- improve safety
Raising the engine trim helps reduce impacts on shallow seabeds. Slower speeds often also make the journey more enjoyable and give you time to appreciate the archipelago scenery.
Respect the cultural heritage of the archipelago
The archipelago contains traces of centuries-old cultural heritage: fishermen’s stone structures, bird hunters’ shelters and remains of former grazing lands. Altering these structures or moving stones destroys history that forms part of the archipelago’s identity.
In Finland, ancient monuments are protected by law. Let the landscape tell its story – without disturbing it.
Natural harbours offer experiences shaped by scenery and a sense of calm. When you move thoughtfully and responsibly in the archipelago, you leave these places just as wonderful for the next visitor – and gain even more from your own trip.
Tips for natural harbours in marine national parks
Gulf of Finland National Park
Ekenäs Archipelago National Park
- Fladalandet – sheltered bays and a suitable shore for snorkelling
- Modermagan – nature trail and sheltered bay
Archipelago National Park
- Yxskär – nature trail and shore suitable for snorkelling
- Norra Benskär – sheltered bay and snorkelling spots on the western shore
- Stora Hästö and Dalskär – underwater nature trails with buoy and guide rope routes
Bothnian Sea National Park
Bothnian Bay National Park
