Kaunissaari by boat – a fishing village and sandy beaches in the outer archipelago of Pyhtää

Kaunissaari is an island of about four square kilometres in the outer archipelago of Pyhtää, about nine nautical miles from Kotka. The island is part of a ridge that extends into the Gulf of Finland. Its trees are mainly pine, and its shores are sandy beaches. Kaunissaari is one of the most popular seaside destinations in Kymenlaakso.

The earliest records of settlement on the island date from the 1560s, and the island has been continuously inhabited since 1642. The island's population grew rapidly from the early 1900s until the end of the 1940s: before the Second World War there were about 150 inhabitants, and by 1950 there were 241. After that the population collapsed, and today there are between five and ten year-round residents. Fishing has been the island's main livelihood.

The fishing village is at the southern end of the island, and its oldest buildings date from the 19th century. The village is densely built, and you walk through it along narrow lanes between fenced yards. The village has an archipelago museum and a place selling smoked fish.

The best sandy beaches are at the northern end of the island, about three kilometres from the village. Kaunissaari suits a full day that combines a village walk, lunch and time on the beach.

The trip suits families, people interested in archipelago culture and beach lovers, as well as anyone who wants full harbour services in the outer archipelago. Kaunissaari is in the outer archipelago, so ideally set aside the whole day for the trip.

The guest harbour is on the southern tip of the island next to the fishing village, and it is sheltered from waves and wind from all directions. There are 86 guest berths. You can book a berth in advance through the harbour's online booking service or on the spot, but in that case check availability before you head for the jetty. The harbour has a separate jetty for ferries, so keep their berths free. According to the harbour rules, swimming in the harbour basin is not allowed, dogs must be kept on a lead, open fires are only allowed in the barbecue shelter, and quiet hours are 23:00–07:00.

The harbour's approach channel has a navigable depth of 2.5 metres and the guest harbour 2.0 metres. At the breakwater jetty (E jetty), the mooring chains reduce the navigable depth to only about 1.3 metres at a distance of about two metres from the jetty, so check the rental boat's draught and enter the harbour slowly.

The guest harbour is open in the summer season, and the harbour master can be reached by phone. Check the season's dates and the harbour fees before you set off.

The harbour has electricity, water, toilets, showers, a dishwashing area, drying cabinets, a waste shelter, a barbecue hut and septic tank emptying. Day visits are subject to a fee, and the day fee covers a berth at the jetty and the dry toilet, but not the showers or the flush toilets. Check the current harbour fees on the website of the Municipality of Pyhtää or the harbour.

The village has a shop, Café Merituuli, Restaurant Kaunissaaren Maja and a place selling smoked fish. Check the opening hours before you set off.

Fuel cannot be bought on Kaunissaari, so agree on refuelling with the boat's owner before you set off.

Kaunissaari has a variety of accommodation in the village and elsewhere on the island. Restaurant Kaunissaaren Maja has cottages and apartments, and the island also has a holiday village of log cabins and a guesthouse. Check the options and make your bookings before you set off.

The boat is moored for the night according to the harbour's instructions.