Berghamn by boat – a fishing homestead in the heart of the national park

Berghamn is an island of 64 hectares south of the main island of Nagu. The island was already a good harbour in the Viking Age, and according to the land registers it has been inhabited since the 16th century. The population peaked in the late 19th century at more than 40. They made their living from fishing, hunting seals and birds and keeping cattle, and taxes were paid in fish. Electricity only reached the island in the 1980s.

The northern part of the island belongs to the Archipelago National Park. The old Västerby fishing homestead on the north shore is like a piece of the archipelago landscape of the past, and the island's traditional landscapes are still maintained. The farm's main building is furnished in the style of the 1940s–50s, and Berghamn village is part of the outer archipelago village settlement of western Turunmaa, designated nationally significant by the Finnish Heritage Agency.

In the boathouse at Västerby farm is the exhibition Skärgårdsfiske – Fishing in the Archipelago, which tells the story of fishing as a livelihood for the islanders. The exhibition is open daily all year round and admission is free. In the old fisherman's cottage at Västervik, you can learn about winter fishing, for example. In summer there are guides on the island, and then you may also be able to visit the main building.

The trip suits people interested in archipelago history, fishing traditions and nature who want to spend a full day on the water and explore on foot ashore. The paths cross pastures lined with meadow flowers, and the landscape combines the archipelago with the countryside.

You can also rent the Buster Magnum from us for longer, as long as you need. The camping area at Västerby farm offers a peaceful place to stay on a longer archipelago trip.

Several fairways lead to Berghamn from different directions, and there are many channel markers at the junctions. The nautical chart has a separate enlarged inset of the area, so study the route carefully in advance.

Berghamn village harbour has about ten guest berths. You can moor to a buoy or alongside, and the depth is about 1.2–3 metres. Since 2021, the jetty next to the ferry jetty has had buoys for boaters. The harbour fee is paid into the box on the wall of the boathouse and includes electricity at the jetty.

The national park's natural harbour is in front of the Västerby fishing homestead on the north shore of the island. It has about five berths, and the depth is about 1.5–2 metres. The harbour is open to the north and west and is for day use only, so moor at the village harbour overnight.

Berth availability cannot be guaranteed in advance.

The boathouse at the village harbour has a small self-service shop selling a few groceries, treats, toiletries, handicrafts and ice cream.

There is a campfire site and a dry toilet on the shore at Västerby farm. Two nature trails, about two kilometres long in total, start from the farmyard and tell about the island's plants, animals, former settlement and present-day activities.

There are lots of ticks on the island. Wear long trousers and check for ticks after your trip.

There is a camping area in the farmyard at Västerby. Because of the ticks, an inner tent is recommended.

Berghamn is part of the Archipelago National Park, where everyman's rights do not apply as such and camping is only allowed in marked areas. Read the national park's regulations before your trip.

There is no fuel on the island, so refuel on the way if needed, for example in Nauvo. The Buster Magnum runs on 98E5.