Mickelsörarna

The Mickelsörarna archipelago is extensive and comprises nearly 300 islands and islets. The largest islands are Källskär and Villskär.
This archipelago is characterised by rocky and deep shores. The lagoons and gloe lakes are rich in fish and bird life. There are few untouched forest areas but as a result of land uplift, new land is constantly emerging, which gradually creates untouched forests.
The reservation hut at Mickelsörarna nature information station on the island of Kummelskäret is an old coast guard station, which now serves visitors to the Kvarken Archipelago World Heritage Site.
Observation tower, cafe and beach sauna. The Mikkelinsaaret nature information station is operated by Solrutten (solrutten.fi).

Location

Mickelsörarnas Nature Station, Kummelskär, Mickelsörarna, Vörå municipality, coordinates: Euref-Fin (~ WGS84) lat: 62° 34.317' lon: 21° 2.862' ETRS-TM35FIN: N: 6952006 E: 194412

Connections and Maps

The closest harbours which can be reached by car are at Köklot, 20 km from the Mickelsörarna archipelago by boat. There are boat launch ramps at both of the harbours at Köklot; the fishing harbour and Norrskat at the north end. Norrskat is about 30 km from the town of Vaasa.
To get to Köklot from the centre of Vaasa, take road 724 (to Raippaluoto). The road to Köklot turns right when coming from Vaasa, just before reaching the Raippaluoto bridge.
Topographic map P342 Mikkelinsaaret, 1:50000,
Nautical chart series 957 Merenkurkku, 1:250 000,
Excursionmap.fi

Services

Harbour

Mooring with buoys, depth 2,4 -3,0 m
Information on Mickelsörarnas pier (solrutten.fi)

Sauna

The wood-heated sauna can be booked through Aurinkoreitti (solrutten.fi, in finnish and swedish). Accommodation cannot be booked this summer due to renovations.

Café

Check the cafe's opening hours (solrutten.fi).

Nature trail

Mickelsörarna Nature trail has its starting point on the grounds of the nature station. Mickelsörarna Nature Trail.

Other services

Campfire site
Dry toilet
Information boards
Benches and table
Lean-to shelter
Tent site

Waste management

A waste disposal terminal maintained by the Keep the Archipelago Tidy Association (pidasaaristosiistina.fi) is situated by pier.

Notices

Lighting any campfires is strictly forhibited if wildfire warning is in effect. Always check the current warnings (ilmatieteenlaitos.fi). This prohibition does not apply to cooking shelters or other fireplaces with a flue. There are no cooking shelters or other fireplaces with a flue on the island.
You have to bring your own drinking water
Pets must be kept on a leash when moving around the island.
Keep to the trails during the period 1.5 – 15.7 in order not to disturb the birdlife during the nesting season.
Read more about mobile phone coverage (112.fi).
Protecting yourself against ticks and insects
Check which fishing licenses you need (eraluvat.fi).

112 Emergency Number

If you have an emergency during your trip, such as getting lost, injured or finding a wildfire, call 112. Read more detailed emergency instructions.

Download the 112 Finland application (112.fi) to your phone. When an emergency call is made through the 112 Finland application, the emergency centre attendant is automatically informed of the caller's location.

It is recommended to keep the mobile phone warm and to bring extra food and water with you. There are many excursion locations with no mobile coverage and some mobile phones does not work in sub-zero temperatures, that is why it is always a good idea to let someone know about your itinerary and timetable.

Dogs must be kept on a leash! (pdf 105 Kb, finlex.fi)

Outdoor Etiquette

A cartoon picture of a family walking on a summer path.

1. Respect nature.

2. Mainly use marked trails.

3. Camp only where it is allowed.

4. Light your campfire only where it is allowed.

5. Do not litter.