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Seili Island: A Hauntingly Beautiful Archipelago Destination

Explore Seili Island: Where haunting history meets serene archipelago beauty. Discover Finland's unique blend of nature and historical intrigue.

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Seili Island, located in the Turku Archipelago, boasts a unique and often somber history. Once a leper colony and later a mental asylum, the island now serves as a research station and a popular destination for those seeking natural beauty and historical intrigue. Visitors can explore the island's museum church, wander its nature trails, and contemplate its poignant past.

A brief summary to Visit Seili | Själö

Local tips

  • Check the ferry schedules in advance, as they vary seasonally and by day of the week.
  • Book guided tours in advance to delve deeper into the island's history and research activities.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the island's nature trails and historical sites.
  • Visit the museum church to experience the history and tranquility of the archipelago.
  • Bring a camera to capture the picturesque views and unique atmosphere of Seili Island.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The most common way to reach Seili Island is by ferry from Nauvo. First, take a bus from Turku to Nauvo. Buses are operated by Saaristoliikenne Oy. From the Turku bus station, take bus number 1 to the 'Sairashuoneenpuisto' stop, which is close to the pier. The bus trip from Turku to Nauvo takes approximately an hour. From Nauvo guest harbor, take the connecting ferry to Seili Island. The ferry trip takes about 20 minutes. Ferry services are operated by m/s Östern, m/s Sommarskär or m/s Lövskär. A one-way ticket on m/s Östern costs 8 EUR for adults and 4 EUR for children. Check the ferry timetables in advance at Saaristoliikenne.fi , as they vary depending on the season.

  • Car

    To reach Seili Island by car, drive from Turku to Nauvo via road 180. The drive from Kaarina (where road 180 forks from the Turku-Helsinki motorway) to Nauvo is approximately 40 km and takes about an hour. Along the way, you'll encounter the Parainen-Nauvo ferry crossing, which operates frequently (approximately every 15 minutes during the day). Check Ferryportal webpage for the Parainen-Nauvo ferry timetable. Once in Nauvo, park your car at the guest harbor and take the connecting ferry to Seili Island. Note that cars are not allowed on Seili Island. The ferry trip takes about 20 minutes. A one-way ticket on m/s Östern costs 8 EUR for adults and 4 EUR for children.

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Discover more about Visit Seili | Själö

Seili Island, or Själö in Swedish, is a captivating destination in the Turku Archipelago, approximately 15 nautical miles south of Turku. The island's history stretches back over 400 years, bearing witness to human suffering and scientific exploration. In 1619, King Gustav II Adolf of Sweden decreed that a leper colony be established on Seili, chosen for its remote location. Over the next 130 years, more than 660 people were exiled to Seili, many against their will, to live out their days in isolation. Leprosy was considered a divine punishment at the time, and the island offered little hope of recovery. In the 1620s, simple cottages, a bakery, a sauna, and a church were constructed. The last leprosy patient died on the island in 1784. As leprosy began to wane in Finland, Seili transitioned into a mental asylum, operating for over 150 years until 1962. Predominantly women were treated here, many of whom were deemed incurable. The island's isolation contributed to its grim reputation, with stories suggesting that patients brought their own coffin planks, anticipating their permanent stay. In 1964, the University of Turku took over the island, establishing the Archipelago Research Institute. Today, the institute focuses on studying the ecosystems of the Archipelago Sea and the Baltic Sea area. Visitors can explore the island's diverse nature via marked trails, including a 1.7 km nature trail and a 1.3 km hiking trail. The island's main building, once a psychiatric hospital, now houses a Biodiversity Unit exhibition. The Seili Museum Church offers a glimpse into the island's past. Despite its dark history, Seili Island offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue. The island is accessible by ferry from Nauvo, Turku and Hanka (Rymättylä) during the summer months.

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