This past June, our small but mighty group of adventurers set off on an unforgettable journey—Island Hopping by Bike through Finland’s stunning archipelago, before sailing overnight to Sweden’s vibrant capital, Stockholm. It was a trip filled with coastal roads, charming harbors, hearty Nordic meals, and the quiet magic of the Midsummer sun.
Helsinki to Turku: A Taste of Finland’s Urban Pulse
We kicked things off in Helsinki, Finland’s stylish and walkable capital, where we soaked in the city’s sights, culture, and endless daylight before boarding a train west. A comfortable ride on Finland’s Ekstra Class railway whisked us through rolling countryside to Turku, Finland’s oldest city and the gateway to the archipelago.
Island Hopping on Two Wheels
From Turku, our real adventure began—pedaling across a patchwork of islands connected by scenic causeways and ferries. Each day brought a new stretch of coastal road, fresh Baltic breezes, and picturesque villages straight out of a storybook.
Nauvo
Nauvo was our soft landing into island life, Korpo felt like the archipelago’s wild heart. This island has a raw, rustic magic that’s impossible to resist. The ride here took us through thick pine forests, rocky outcrops, and glimpses of the sea peeking through the trees. We stopped to rest our legs at tiny beaches and old stone churches that have stood watch over these islands for centuries. Korpo’s trails are made for wandering—slow, mindful pedaling that lets you notice wildflowers tucked in the ditches, birdsong echoing in the canopy, and the scent of moss and salt carried on the breeze. The day ended at a welcoming inn where laughter and the clink of glasses drifted into the night. Dinner was hearty and homey—fresh fish, seasonal sides, and a choice between a decadent cheesecake or a bright, zesty orange cake that made every mile worth it. We fell asleep to the hush of wind in the pines and the knowledge that tomorrow’s roads would bring new stories.
Naantali
It’s hard to think of a more fitting finale to our island-hopping adventure than Naantali. This coastal gem has been drawing Finns for centuries, once a medieval convent town and now a beloved summer retreat famous for its wellness spas and fairytale streets. Our final ride took us along gentle roads, past fields that give way to glimpses of shimmering water, until the spires and old wooden houses of Naantali came into view. Here, every corner is impossibly photogenic: tiny flower boxes bursting with color, crooked lanes that open onto sunny harbor cafés, and old boathouses that creak with history. Some of us treated ourselves to a spa visit—floating in warm pools and resting our legs after days of pedaling. Others wandered the waterfront boardwalk, ducking into galleries, tasting local ice cream, or just sitting by the harbor, watching boats glide lazily through the archipelago. There’s a saying here that life moves slower when you’re island-hopping—Naantali captured that spirit perfectly, leaving us refreshed, grateful, and maybe already dreaming of when we’ll come back. Each night, we settled into welcoming local hotels, our bikes safely stored away until the next day’s ride.
From Turku to Stockholm: Cruising into Sweden
After days of island hopping, it was time for the next leg: an overnight cruise from Turku to Stockholm aboard the Tallink Silja Line. The journey felt like a celebration in itself, with a bountiful buffet dinner (and unlimited wine and beer!) as we watched the sun set slowly over the Baltic Sea. Early risers caught the sunrise while enjoying breakfast on board before disembarking in Stockholm for the final chapter.
Stockholm: Museums, Music, and Kayaking Adventures
The Vasa Museum
Standing face to face with the Vasa is like stepping straight into a 17th-century time capsule. This massive warship sank on its maiden voyage in 1628 and spent more than 300 years at the bottom of Stockholm’s harbor before it was miraculously salvaged and preserved. Today, the Vasa Museum holds the world’s only almost fully intact 17th-century ship, with towering masts, intricate carvings, and stories etched into every beam. We wandered multiple levels around the ship, peering up at its massive hull and imagining the bustling harbor it once sailed from. Interactive exhibits and hauntingly beautiful artifacts bring the sailors’ world back to life, reminding us just how fragile—and enduring—history can be.
The ABBA Museum
For a few hours, we became the fifth member of Sweden’s most beloved pop band. The ABBA Museum is part nostalgic journey, part interactive playground: you don’t just look at glittering costumes and gold records—you sing in the Polar Studio, remix classics like “Dancing Queen,” and even step on stage as a hologram alongside Benny, Björn, Agnetha, and Anni-Frid. It’s impossible to leave without a smile on your face and a catchy tune stuck in your head. Dancing through the decades of ABBA’s music reminded us why their songs still unite generations on dance floors around the world.
Kayaking the Stockholm Archipelago
If Stockholm’s historic streets and vibrant museums show off its cultural soul, kayaking its archipelago reveals its wild heart. We slipped into our kayaks at the water’s edge, paddles dipping into the clear Baltic Sea, and set off to explore a maze of more than 30,000 islands, skerries, and islets. One moment, we glided past tiny red cottages tucked into pine-covered shores; the next, we drifted through open water where seabirds wheeled overhead. The air was crisp, the horizon wide, and the quiet punctuated only by the sound of paddles slicing through gentle waves. It’s an unforgettable way to experience the raw beauty that makes Stockholm feel both urban and wonderfully untamed.
Bicycle Tour of Stockholm
One of the best ways to discover Stockholm’s blend of old-world charm and modern Scandinavian cool is by bike. Our guided bicycle tour took us along car-free paths and hidden alleyways, through historic districts like Gamla Stan—the Old Town with its cobbled streets and storybook squares—and onto sleek waterfront promenades that showed off the city’s cutting-edge design. We paused at scenic lookouts to admire colorful facades, buzzing squares, and countless bridges connecting Stockholm’s many islands. The ride felt effortless, the air fresh with sea breezes, and our guide peppered the journey with stories of Viking roots, royal palaces, and the everyday lives of Stockholmers. By the end, we felt like locals—at least for a day—pedaling through one of Europe’s most beautiful capitals.
Ice Bar Stockholm
And of course, we couldn’t leave Stockholm without chilling out — literally — at the iconic Ice Bar. Stepping inside felt like entering a frozen wonderland: walls, bar, and even our glasses sculpted entirely from crystal-clear ice harvested from Sweden’s Torne River. Bundled up in thermal capes and gloves, we toasted our adventure with colorful cocktails, our breath turning to mist in the blue glow. It was the coolest way (pun intended!) to wrap up a day of museums, music, and paddling — a final taste of Stockholm’s playful spirit.
One Journey, Many Memories
From the island trails of Finland to the lively streets and peaceful waters of Stockholm, this trip was the perfect blend of nature, culture, and camaraderie. There were moments of effort—climbing hills, catching ferries, beating the occasional rain shower—but they were always rewarded with breathtaking views, hearty meals, and good company.
Ready to ride, paddle, and dance? Contact us to plan your next adventure.
Brenda
