Aspö by boat – an island of folk fiddlers in the outer archipelago

Aspö is an island of about 0.9 square kilometres in the outer archipelago of Korppoo. A little over ten people live on the island all year round, and in summer the population triples. Aspö village is part of the outer archipelago village settlement of western Turunmaa, designated a nationally significant cultural environment by the Finnish Heritage Agency.

The village landmark is a white limestone church with a red tiled roof. The church was built in 1955–1956 by 50 volunteers from around the world at an ecumenical youth camp. There has been a church on the site since the Middle Ages, and the previous church, built in 1905, was destroyed in a storm in 1949. You can visit the church on your own.

Aspö is known for its folk fiddle music. An accordion is often heard in the harbour, and the island's own tunes, such as the waltzes and polkas of Aspö-Erik, are still played. Aspö Spelmän ry, founded in 2009, organises a music day in July that brings the archipelago's folk musicians to the island. The island once had three windmills, one for each farm, and today it has one new windmill.

The trip suits groups who want to spend a full day on the water and combine a long crossing with a village walk, a sauna and the archipelago's fish delicacies.

Aspö guest harbour has about 25 guest berths, and the depth is about 2–3 metres. Moor your boat according to the harbour's instructions. The harbour is open to the east, so keep an eye on easterly winds in the forecast.

The harbour has drinking water, electricity, a toilet, a sauna, a waste collection point and septic emptying. The harbour fee is paid as instructed by the harbour master.

The harbour is also a ferry stop, so keep the ferry's berth free. Berth availability cannot be guaranteed in advance.

In summer, Fiskboden sells fish caught in Aspö's waters, rainbow trout, meat from animals grazed on the island, honey, rye loaves, ice cream, vegetables and other food. There is a café in the same building. In summer, fish is caught and smoked on the island straight for visitors' tables, and in July you can have fish soup in the boathouse.

The harbour has a wood-heated sauna from which you can swim off the jetty. The sauna is booked at Fiskboden.

The island's nature trail is marked with light blue dots, and a trail guide booklet can be bought at Fiskboden. Kayaks can also be rented on Aspö.

There is no fuel on the island. The nearest boat fuel station is the Seapoint station on Nötö. The Buster Magnum runs on 98E5.

Opening hours vary, so check them before you set off.

On Aspö, a sauna cottage and flats in the Klevars house, built in the 1950s near the harbour, are available to rent. You can stay the night on the island and perhaps enjoy some folk music on a summer evening.

When you rent the Buster Magnum from us for several days or even a week, you can stay the night and continue your trip the next day. Book accommodation directly with the provider.