Nötö by boat – an outer archipelago village and a ringing stone

Nötö lies in the southern archipelago of Nagu (Nauvo), and thanks to its central location the island has always been important for both transport links and trade. The culturally and historically valuable village consists of seven old farms, with a windmill standing in the middle.

A few minutes' walk from the village harbour is a red wooden chapel consecrated in 1757. However, Nötö's chapel is mentioned much earlier: a marriage certificate from 1657 refers to a chapel in the middle of the village, and in 1664 a new chapel was built at the mouth of the village's western harbour, on an islet that was later named Kappalholm.

Five graves from the Bronze Age or early Iron Age at the northern end tell of the island's distant past. The nature is varied: the landscape ranges from meadows to pine forests and high rocks.

The trip suits groups who want to spend a full day on the water and combine a long crossing with a village walk, lunch and learning about the history of the archipelago.

Nötö also suits families with children and hikers: the island has a marked cultural trail and a longer scenic route, and along the way there is a legendary ringing stone, a boulder field and a giant erratic boulder.

The village harbour is at the head of Västerviken, west of the village. There is a sturdy jetty in front of the village shop Nötöboden for short stops. Ask on site about longer stays and moor your boat according to the harbour's instructions. The harbour has a toilet, septic emptying and a waste collection point.

The Seapoint Nötö fuel machine is at the harbour and is available around the clock, all year round. The station has 98 petrol and diesel. The Buster Magnum runs on 98E5.

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

Nötöboden is the village's small shop, with a service station attached. In summer, Café Skolan operates in the old primary school building, offering a daily changing lunch, fresh pastries and selected wines as well as exhibitions. In summer, Nötö Hembageri bakes fresh bread and doughnuts, and fresh salads and herbs are available from the island's garden.

The cultural trail is about two kilometres long. It starts from the village harbour, is marked with white arrows and follows the village roads around the cluster of seven old farms. Along the way, in addition to the farms, you will see the windmill, the old primary school and the chapel, among other sights.

The scenic route of about 3.5 kilometres follows the old village road to the north-east. On the way you can make a detour to the ringing stone, Klockarsten, on top of the Boberg cliff, which gives a high metallic sound when tapped with another stone. The cup-shaped hollows in the stone resemble Bronze Age cup-marked stones, and the stone is protected under the Antiquities Act. From the route you can also make a detour to the ancient graves at the northern end of the island and return to the village along a scenic route that follows the rocks.

It is worth hiking a few kilometres to the western tip of the island to see a large erratic boulder. According to legend, the giant of Aspö threw it at Nötö in a fit of rage, but in reality the boulder was left behind when the ice sheet retreated. On the way, the path passes a boulder field, a vast stony area formed on an ancient shoreline.

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

On Nötö you can stay in a yurt close to nature, and the Bergmans rental cottage has its own shore sauna, a sandy beach and a small jetty. You can stay the night and explore the island's trails without hurry.

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.