PAID CONTENT FOR BENGTSKÄR LIGHTHOUSE ISLAND & KIMITOÖN ISLANDS


Bengtskär Lighthouse Island & Kimitoön Islands SOUTHWEST FINLAND, FINLAND


AT THE OUTER EDGE OF FINLAND’S ARCHIPELAGO, BENGTSKÄR LIGHTHOUSE AND THE KIMITOÖN ISLANDS REVEAL A LANDSCAPE SHAPED BY WIND AND WATER


In the southwest reaches of Finland, where the Baltic fragments into thousands of islands, bays and skerries, the Kimitoön Islands offer a rare encounter with Nordic stillness. Forming part of the Archipelago Sea National Park and the Unesco Archipelago Sea Biosphere Reserve, the region balances untouched coastal wilderness with a living island culture. Pine forests lean towards the shore, waves polish ancient granite and the horizon opens towards the outer archipelago. Time slows naturally in this environment, inviting travellers to observe, breathe and settle into the rhythm of island life.


Bengtskär Lighthouse: a maritime icon Standing at the threshold of the open sea, Bengtskär Lighthouse Island is the southern archipelago’s most recognisable landmark. Rising from bare rock, Bengtskär is home to the tallest lighthouse in the Nordic countries and marks its 120-year anniversary in 2026. A climb of 252 steps and two final ladders leads to the lantern room,


154


where sweeping views stretch across the Baltic in every direction. Although the island is only around four acres in size, its impact is profound. Wind, waves and shifting light define an atmosphere that lingers long after departure. Built in 1906 following a tragic shipwreck,


Bengtskär became a monument to safety and human perseverance. Lighthouse keepers and their families once endured frozen winters, violent storms and long periods of isolation. During the Second World War, the island stood on the frontline and witnessed the Battle of Bengtskär in 1941. Today, these layers of history remain visible throughout the lighthouse, from former living quarters to the worn steps climbed by previous generations.


Exploring Kimitoön by land and sea Back on the main island of Kimitoön, the landscape unfolds through coastal forests, meadows and quiet village roads. Walking trails such as the Purunpää Nature Trail reveal ancient geological formations


and expansive shorelines, ideal for unhurried exploration. Cycling is equally rewarding, with peaceful roads linking harbours, cafes, viewpoints and traditional archipelago villages. The sea remains central to daily life. Sailing,


boating and paddling provide immersive ways to experience the islands, supported by a well- developed network of guest harbours and marinas. Many visitors combine island-hopping with cultural visits or nights spent at anchor beneath the lingering northern twilight.


Islands of nature and history Kasnäs serves as a key gateway to the Archipelago Sea National Park, offering boat connections to Bengtskär and Örö Island. Once a closed military area, Örö is now a protected national park known for exceptional biodiversity and layered coastal history. Visitors explore artillery roads, windswept dunes and rare flora, with accommodation ranging from a hotel and guesthouses to nature-focused tent sites.


IMAGES: PEPPI WILSON; EVA LINDMAN & DAMON BECKFORD


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86  |  Page 87  |  Page 88  |  Page 89  |  Page 90  |  Page 91  |  Page 92  |  Page 93  |  Page 94  |  Page 95  |  Page 96  |  Page 97  |  Page 98  |  Page 99  |  Page 100  |  Page 101  |  Page 102  |  Page 103  |  Page 104  |  Page 105  |  Page 106  |  Page 107  |  Page 108  |  Page 109  |  Page 110  |  Page 111  |  Page 112  |  Page 113  |  Page 114  |  Page 115  |  Page 116  |  Page 117  |  Page 118  |  Page 119  |  Page 120  |  Page 121  |  Page 122  |  Page 123  |  Page 124  |  Page 125  |  Page 126  |  Page 127  |  Page 128  |  Page 129  |  Page 130  |  Page 131  |  Page 132  |  Page 133  |  Page 134  |  Page 135  |  Page 136  |  Page 137  |  Page 138  |  Page 139  |  Page 140  |  Page 141  |  Page 142  |  Page 143  |  Page 144  |  Page 145  |  Page 146  |  Page 147  |  Page 148  |  Page 149  |  Page 150  |  Page 151  |  Page 152  |  Page 153  |  Page 154  |  Page 155  |  Page 156  |  Page 157  |  Page 158  |  Page 159  |  Page 160  |  Page 161  |  Page 162  |  Page 163  |  Page 164  |  Page 165  |  Page 166  |  Page 167  |  Page 168  |  Page 169  |  Page 170  |  Page 171  |  Page 172  |  Page 173  |  Page 174  |  Page 175  |  Page 176  |  Page 177  |  Page 178  |  Page 179  |  Page 180  |  Page 181  |  Page 182  |  Page 183  |  Page 184  |  Page 185  |  Page 186  |  Page 187  |  Page 188  |  Page 189  |  Page 190  |  Page 191  |  Page 192  |  Page 193  |  Page 194  |  Page 195  |  Page 196