Take a ferry to a once-hidden island in Finland

For decades, Örö was a place most people could not enter. A former military island in Finland’s Archipelago Sea, it sat behind restrictions, shaped by fortress history and windswept coastlines. Then the story changed. In 2020, Visit Örö was created with a clear mission: keep the island protected and open.

Today, Örö welcomes visitors as part of the Archipelago Sea National Park. The island’s past is still visible in its buildings and routes, and it is part of the experience. Historic military structures have been restored and repurposed as accommodation and guest facilities, allowing the island to host visitors without the need for new construction. Guided tours, exhibitions and nature programmes help visitors understand both the history and the landscape they are walking through.

Life on Örö follows the seasons, but the aim is year-round. Meadows and grazing landscapes are actively maintained. Waste is sorted, single-use items are reduced, and energy efficiency is improved. Food tells the island’s story too: local ingredients are central, including deer managed on the island and processed locally for the restaurant.

Tourism is what makes the model last. Overnight stays, meals, and guided services generate income that funds maintenance, supports local partners and jobs, and helps keep Örö accessible beyond the summer peak.