Örö by boat – a fortress island on the edge of the outer archipelago
Örö is a fortress island in the outer Kimitoön archipelago, south-west of Hitis, that was part of Peter the Great's Naval Fortress. In 2015 the island passed from the Finnish Defence Forces to Metsähallitus and became part of the Archipelago National Park. It has a guest harbour open all year round, restaurants, saunas and accommodation, and trails lead you through its military history and nature.
Details checked against sources in October 2026.
Services on site
- Guest jetty
- Electricity
- Toilet
- Shower
- Sauna
- Restaurant
- Café
- Shop
- Barbecue area
- Swimming beach
- Nature trail
- Septic emptying
- Waste disposal
Many services are only open in the summer season, so check opening hours on the destination's website.
Why go to Örö?
A fortress was built on Örö as part of Peter the Great's Naval Fortress after Russia decided in 1912 to protect St Petersburg with a chain of fortifications. Three gun batteries with barracks were built on the island, and a narrow-gauge railway carried heavy loads to the batteries. After Finnish independence the island passed to the Finnish Defence Forces. During the Second World War about 500 soldiers were stationed here, and Örö provided fire support in the Battle of Bengtskär in 1941.
Two 12-inch Obukhov guns remain in their casemates, and one of them has been restored as a museum gun. There are also four decommissioned 6-inch Canet guns and the ruins of a 120 mm battery. Some sixty buildings from different eras have survived on the island.
Örö's sunny heaths and sandy beaches remained untouched while the island was a closed fortress. Rare plants grow here, such as sea kale, whose stand on Örö is the largest in Finland, and with them come rare butterflies. Örö was chosen as Guest Harbour of the Year 2026.
Who is this trip for?
The trip suits groups who are interested in military history and nature and want to spend a full day in the outer archipelago. The island is more than three kilometres long, so a bike lets you see more.
Route to Örö
Hovirinta → Örö
- Distance / one way
- 41 nm
- Travel time / one way
- approx. 2 h 20 min
- Fuel / one way
- approx. 30 l
- Fuel / round trip
- approx. 61 l
The fuel estimate is based on a consumption of 0.75 l/nm. Actual consumption depends on the weather, load and driving style.
Örö is one of the most distant destinations in our guides, and the last stretch runs through the outer archipelago. Check the weather and wind forecast for the whole day and leave plenty of time for the return trip. A round trip from Särkänsalmi uses an estimated 75 litres of fuel, and the boat's tank holds 115 litres, so plan to refuel, for example in Kasnäs.
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Travel times are estimates without stops and depend on the conditions. The round-trip fuel estimate assumes you return the same way. Also allow time for the destination itself and for the boat handover and safety briefing of approx. 30 minutes at the start of the rental.
Wind forecast: Örö
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Suggested plan for a full day
This is a flexible idea for a self-guided day trip to Örö.
- 01
Choose a departure point and look at its route and estimated travel time.
- 02
Set off in the morning, as the trip to Örö takes over two hours each way.
- 03
Moor in the guest harbour according to the harbour's instructions. If you need help mooring, the harbour info line will help by phone.
- 04
Rent a bike at the harbour office and explore the gun casemates, the barracks area and the rocky shores. In summer there is a daily guided tour of Örö's history and a visit to the 12-inch gun casemate.
- 05
Walk one of the island's nature trails and eat at one of its restaurants.
- 06
Refuel in Kasnäs if needed and head back in good time, taking the weather and the boat's return time into account.
Örö guest harbour
Örö guest harbour has about 80 berths for boats of different sizes with boom, buoy and alongside moorings, and it is open all year round. The harbour's coordinates are N 59°48.40′ E 22°20.13′ (chart 644), and the depth is about 2.4 metres. There are shallows close to the shore, so check the jetties and depths on the harbour map.
If you need help mooring, the harbour info line will help by phone. The harbour fee can be paid at the restaurant, at the harbour office or with a QR code; use a card or MobilePay rather than cash.
The harbour fee includes the berth, shore power, waste points, the septic station and the service building's toilets, dishwashing point and showers. In summer it also includes a morning or evening sauna according to the harbour's schedule. Day visits longer than three hours are subject to a day fee.
Berths can be booked in advance through Satamapaikka.com. Anchoring is prohibited in the guest harbour and the surrounding waters.
Restaurants, saunas and things to do
Restaurant 12″ is named after the island's 12-inch Obukhov guns and is housed in the former mess hall of the tsarist garrison. It uses ingredients from local producers, and the menu has meat and vegetarian options. From June to August the restaurant is open daily. At other times meals are arranged in advance, and the restaurant may also be closed, so check the situation on Örö's website before you set off.
RantaBistro in the harbour is housed in a red cottage built in 1914, one of the fortress's first buildings. In the summer season it offers outdoor dining, grilled dishes on summer evenings, coffee and pastries. In summer the harbour office also sells snacks and ice cream, and there is a café in the southern part of the island.
The beach sauna next to the harbour can be booked for a private session. About 800 metres from the harbour is the Hårdasnäs sauna with a sea view. Same-day sauna sessions can be booked at the restaurant or the harbour office.
Bikes can be rented at the harbour office. The island has two marked nature trails: the southern 6″ loop leads to the defence and gun positions and a suspension bridge, and the northern 120 mm loop runs through shore meadows and old forests. Cycling is not allowed on the nature trails, but you can leave your bike at the start of the trail.
In summer there is a daily guided tour of Örö's history and nature and a visit to the 12-inch gun casemate. Tickets are sold at the restaurant, the harbour office and online.
Plan your refuelling in advance: the nearest refuelling point along the route is Kasnäs, which sells 98 petrol. The Buster Magnum runs on 98E5.
Opening hours and prices vary by season, so check the latest information on Örö's website before you go.
Accommodation on Örö
On Örö you can stay at the barracks hotel, in cottages and holiday apartments, at the hostel in the old school or in a tent. Staying overnight gives you time to explore the fortress and the nature trails at your own pace.
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.
Remember before you set off
- Check the weather and wind forecast for the whole day.
- Book a berth in advance on the busiest summer days.
- Plan refuelling and check that you have enough fuel for the whole trip.
- Pack comfortable walking shoes, and remember that plants and stones must not be collected on the island.
- If you bring a dog, keep it on a lead as the harbour rules require.
Shall we head to the fortress island?
Choose a departure point, look at the route and check the Buster Magnum's availability.
Friilo may open in Finnish – you can easily switch the language on the page.
See also
- KorpoströmPlan a boat day to Korpoström from Hovirinta or Särkänsalmi. Route, travel time and tips for the Archipelago Centre's exhibitions, the harbour and food.Read the trip guide
- BrännskärBrännskär is an old fishing homestead south of Nauvo with Café Salve, a nature trail, glamping tents and a rental cottage. Boat route and travel time.Read the trip guide
- HoutskärPlan a boat day to Näsby in Houtskär. Route, travel time and tips for the guest harbour, the wooden church, the archipelago museum and a bike ride.Read the trip guide
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