Jurmo by boat – heather moors at the edge of the open sea

Jurmo is an island about five kilometres long and a kilometre wide that formed at the end of the ice age. It is the last above-water section of the Third Salpausselkä ridge, which runs across the whole of Finland, and the ridge continues under water in both directions. Millions of smoothly polished stones lie on the island's shores, and juniper and heather grow on the moors. In August, the island glows with flowering heather.

The gravel and stone island has developed such a rich flora and fauna that it is considered one of the most valuable sites in the Archipelago National Park. During the spring and autumn migrations, Jurmo is one of the best birdwatching spots in the archipelago, and the Turku Ornithological Society's bird observatory has operated on the island since 1962. The tips of the island belong to the national park, and most of the land is owned by the island's original farms.

Jurmo has been inhabited since the Middle Ages, and the island is already mentioned in a 13th-century Danish description of a sailing route. The chapel dates from 1846, and its oldest objects include a reliquary dated to around 1300, a votive ship carved by a sailor who stayed on the island in the 18th century, and a postil – a book of sermons – printed in 1661. There are also tales of pirates: according to legend, the island's forest was burned on the orders of King Gustav Vasa because the islanders lured ships onto the rocks with fires. Jurmo village is part of the nationally significant outer archipelago village settlement.

The trip suits an experienced skipper and a group who want to spend a full day on the water and explore the island on foot. Jurmo particularly appeals to birdwatchers, nature lovers and anyone who wants to experience the vastness of the outer archipelago.

Jurmo guest harbour has about 80 berths. Moor your boat according to the harbour's instructions. In summer, the harbour has a small shop and a café, as well as a sauna, a morning shower, a dry toilet, a barbecue area, drinking water, a waste point, septic emptying and a dishwashing area.

Next to the harbour is Metsähallitus's nature hut Iurima ultima, whose exhibition tells about the island's nature and history.

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

A cultural trail of just over seven kilometres circles the island, presenting both its culture and nature at numbered stops. The trail passes through the village and by the chapel to Kappelinmäki, which at about 18 metres is the highest point on the island. From the Högberg rock, which served as a lookout post during the Continuation War, there are views of the harbour and the village.

In the eastern part of the island there are four stone rings about ten metres in diameter, the so-called 'monk's rings'. They were built in the 15th century at the latest and were probably overnight shelters for fishermen or hunters. From the trail you can make a detour to the Grundvik spit and return to the village via the Alnäsudden natural terrace, shaped by storms and ice into the form of an amphitheatre. The spits are very stony, so walking on them is slow.

The village is about 1–1.5 kilometres' walk from the harbour. Jurmo Inn in the village serves home cooking, but meals usually need to be booked in advance. There are few services, so bring your own food.

Important: to protect nesting birds, there is a ban on access and landing in the western and south-western parts of the island from 1 April to 31 July. Follow the signs in the terrain. In the national park, everyman's rights do not apply as such, and camping is only allowed at designated sites. The national park's camping area and campfire site are at Moringharu near the village harbour.

Vipers have been seen on the island, and there are plenty of ticks in the archipelago in general. Wear closed shoes and long trousers, watch where you step and check for ticks after your trip.

There is no fuel on Jurmo. Refuel along the route, for example at the Seapoint station on Nötö or in Nauvo. The Buster Magnum runs on 98E5.

Jurmo has a national park camping area, rental cottages and Jurmo Inn, which offers full board, so you can stay the night on the island and explore the trails without hurry. Book cottages and accommodation in good time.

Note that there is another island called Jurmo in Åland. When booking accommodation, make sure it is Jurmo in Korppoo.

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.