Summer seems like a long lost memory by now as the leaves transform into bright colors and we are reminded of the long winter ahead. Nevertheless, let’s take some time to remember Finnish summer before the snow kicks in.
Here are some photos from Utö, the southernmost inhabited island in Finland. It is one of the Archipelago Sea islands. We went there with our own boat but if you don’t have a boat, you can access the island by a ferry from Nauvo.
You can sleep on your own boat or tent but there’s also a hotel, cabins to rent and a B&B. You can visit the island all year round. I would love to go in winter, it would be a totally different experience.
There is even a well equipped shop there!
The lighthouse can be seen from afar. It’s the oldest sea lighthouse in Finland, built in 1814.
I loved seeing glimpses of the local’s way of life.
Around 50 people live on the island all year round.
This cross and star monument is for the memory of the crew of Draken. It shipwrecked in 1929 only 200 meters from these cliffs. There was nothing the locals could do but watch helplessly as the sea was too rough and the wind merciless. Two men tried to swim to shore but only one of them made it. The locals put up a wooden cross and star to communicate to the other survivors what had happened to their fellow crewmen. It took two days for the storm to calm and only then could the remaining survivors be rescued from a nearby islet.
The island church is a sympathetic sight.
Isn’t it a beautiful island? Have you ever been to Utö?
More information on visiting Utö here (in Finnish).
xx
The Life and Travels of Mrs Suvi 
These small islands are so beautiful and interesting. I have to say I never have visited finnish archipelago. We drove always at summer to Lappland. Maybe next summer.
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I really recommend it! There’s so many different places to see ❤
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That photo with the little bit on the stone wall is idyllic. Is it a fishing hut? It epitomizes the Nordic architecture.
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I must say I have no idea, but I would imagine it to be a fishing hut. It’s such a different world out there, of which I have no clue!
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The hut is still very picturesque.
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Stunning image of Summer! It does sound like a long lost memory, indeed. But we can only revisit the memories captured. Thank you sharing this lovely destination. With such a small number of inhabitants, it must like living with an extended family. 🙂
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Thank you, I think it’s impossible to get an ugly photo in the archipelago in the summer ♥️ Yes, I’m sure everyone knows what the neighbors are doing 😅
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Great post 😁
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Thanks!
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Utö looks idyllic Suvi!
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It is, really worth a visit even though it’s so far off! xx
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