For visitors | Welcome to Seili
The island of Seili is open for both researchers and visitors year round. The island is accessible daily via a connecting ferry from the town of Nauvo. During summer connecting ferries operate also from Rymättylä (Naantali) and from the city of Turku. Travel services on the island are provided by Visit Seili.
The island of Seili offers a diverse range of experiences for visitors. Whether you’re interested in exploring the island’s fascinating history as a former leper and mental hospital, immersing yourself in the beauty of the archipelago’s nature, or delving into the mysteries of the Baltic Sea through research, Seili has something to captivate every traveler.
All travel services on the island (e.g. accommodation and catering) are provided by the travel company Visit Seili.
Book accommodation from below. When planning your travel, please ensure that the bus and ferry timetables align with your booking to avoid missing a connection.
For researchers visiting the island: Get to know our Facilities and research services before booking your stay. Book research infrastructure and services via station’s booking inquiry form. Before submitting a booking inquiry, please also familiarize yourself with the guidelines for research activities at the Seili Research Station (PDF).
For University of Turku units: Please see the Visit Seili’s special price list for UTU users in the intranet.
Get to know the Archipelago Research Institute and the island of Seili
Take a virtual tour of the island and explore the island’s nature and history, and the Archipelago Research Institute’s facilities. The tour can be accessed from any screen and it is VR compatible.
Seili – 360Tour.Fi from A1 Media on Vimeo
For practical information on travel connections, timetables, and other useful facts, please explore the resources available here.
Getting to Seili
The island of Seili is located in the central region of the Archipelago Sea, ca. 1-hour car-ride (55 km) from the city of Turku and ca. 25 minute (7 km) ferry-ride from the town of Nauvo. When traveling from Turku to Seili, there are two ferry crossings: Parainen-Nauvo and Nauvo-Seili. The ferry crossing between Parainen-Nauvo operates daily, with departures ca. every 15 minutes during the day. By contrast, the ferry timetables between Nauvo and Seili vary between the seasons and between the weekdays. During the summer season, you can also reach the island by connecting ferries departing from the town Hanka (Rymättylä, Naantali) and from the city of Turku. Please find detailed information below.
By Car
Getting to Nauvo:
To reach Nauvo harbor, take Saaristotie (Road No. 180), which branches off from the Turku-Helsinki motorway in Kaarina. The distance from Kaarina to Nauvo is approximately 40 km, which typically takes about an hour.
Along the route, you’ll encounter the Parainen-Nauvo ferry crossing, operating daily according to a fixed timetable. During the day, the ferry departs ca. every 15 minutes. Please note that during the summer holiday season, there may be delays due to long queues at the ferry crossing, so it is advisable to reserve enough time for the travel.
In Nauvo, the connecting ferry to Seili departs from the quay next to the guest harbor. Please note that one cannot bring their car to Seili. There are several free parking lots nearby the guest harbour.
Getting to Hanka in Rymättylä:
To reach Hanka in Rymättylä, take Road No. 189 from Turku via Naantali. The distance from Turku to the center of Rymättylä is approximately 36 km, with an additional 15 km to Hanka on Aaslaluoto via Airismaa.
There is one ferry crossing before arriving to Hanka. The Hammarönsalmi ferry operates between Aaslaluoto and Airismaa daily according to a fixed timetable:
By Bus
Turku-Nauvo
Saaristoliikenne Oy operates white-green buses (Saaristobussi, Skärgårdsbuss, lines 901-904) that run daily between Turku and Nauvo.
The timetables and routes are also available at the Seutu+ route guide.
There are also connections to the Helsinki express buses; in this case, you must change buses in Piispanristi.
Note! When traveling between Turku-Nauvo-Seili, please ensure that the bus and ferry timetables align to avoid missing a connection.
For more detailed information on travel options and timetables, please explore the provided links and resources.
Ferry connections
Summer Season (May-September)
During the summer months, Seili Island is easily accessible via connecting ferries from the towns of Nauvo and Hanka (Rymättylä) and directly from the city of Turku.
- Nauvo: M/s Östern operates daily between Nauvo-Seili-Hanka (Aasla, Rymättylä) from May to September. The ferry has a capacity for 146 passengers. For timetables and pricing, please visit [here](link to timetables and prices).
- Turku: M/s Norrskär operates daily between Turku-Seili-Nauvo, while m/s Vidskär provides service between Rööla and Seili, both during May-September. For timetables and pricing, please visit [here](link to timetables and prices).
- Nauvo (Sundays only): M/s Innamo operates between Nauvo and Seili exclusively on Sundays. Traveling with m/s Innamo is free, but transportation must be reserved in advance. Please make your booking at least one day before your planned arrival on Seili. Finferries’ commuter ferry booking system can be found at booking.finferries.fi. In the booking system you can book space for passengers, vehicles and cargo up to two weeks before your desired departure date. For more information see Finferries website.
Winter Season (October-April)
During the winter season, m/s Innamo offers service between the Nauvo guest harbor and Seili. Traveling with m/s Innamo is free, but reservations are required. Please book your transport no later than one day before your planned arrival on Seili. Finferries’ commuter ferry booking system can be found at booking.finferries.fi. For timetables and additional information, please consult Finferries website [here].
You can track m/s Innamo’s current location on [Marine Traffic] (link to Marine Traffic).
Boat Charter
For more flexibility or specialized needs, consider boat charters offered by Vitharun and local water taxi companies.
For the most up-to-date timetables and further details, please visit the provided links and resources.
Visitor services on Seili
Accommodation, dining and visitor services on Seili Island are provided by the independent operator Visit Seili. Services include accommodation, meals, harbour facilities and guided tours of the island. Further information on services, opening hours and bookings is available on the Visit Seili website.
Booking accommodation and services
Researchers, students and groups should book accommodation and related services directly through Visit Seili. This includes accommodation, meals, seminar rooms and sauna facilities.
After confirming accommodation arrangements, please contact the research station to plan laboratory use, facilities and fieldwork logistics.
Museum church
The historic museum church on Seili is open to visitors during the summer season. Information on opening hours, entrance fees and guided visits is available on the Visit Seili website.
Summer kiosk
A small summer kiosk operates near the church jetty during the main visitor season. The kiosk is run by the local association Pro Seili–Själö and offers light refreshments (coffee, tea, soda, ice cream etc.).
For questions related to research facilities, please contact the station. For accommodation and visitor services, please contact Visit Seili.
Wireless networks and computer facilities
Wireless Networks
The University of Turku provides access to wireless networks and computer facilities. Three wireless networks are available:
- UTU Visitor: This network is designed for visitors and provides access through a portal webpage.
- Eduroam: An international roaming service tailored for higher education institutions and visiting researchers. The University of Turku is a member of this service, offering a secure and user-friendly internet connection.
- UTU Staff: This network is reserved for personnel and ensures a fast and secure user experience. UTU Staff functions similarly to a wired connection, granting access to the internet, printers, home folders, and network drives.
For additional information and setup instructions, please click [here](link to more information and instructions).
Computer Facilities
Within the main building, the station provides a computer rooms and a printer/copier that are accessible to researchers and University course participants.
Environmental regulations on Seili Island
Seili Island is part of protected conservation areas. The following regulations help safeguard its natural environment and cultural sites.
Collection of plants and animals
Collection of plants or animals on the island is allowed only for research purposes and requires permission. Please contact the Station Manager (Jari Hänninen) for permits and guidance.
Camping, fires and smoking
Camping and open fires, including barbecues, are not permitted anywhere on the island. Smoking is restricted in certain areas, including the churchyard.
Pets
Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash at all times outdoors.
Everyone’s right
Berry and mushroom picking, angling and ice fishing are allowed in accordance with Finland’s Everyone’s right.
Vehicles
Private vehicles are not permitted on Seili except for residents and authorised personnel. Transport services on the island are arranged through Visit Seili.
Guidelines and information when exploring the island
Private Areas
While there are no restricted research areas on Seili, it’s important to be aware that several private properties and staff housing areas are situated, particularly at the northern and southern ends of the island. We kindly request that visitors avoid trespassing in these areas.
Main Building
Since 2017, the main building has been open to all visitors, except for the Archipelago Research Institute’s work rooms and laboratories located mainly at the west wing. The main building contains the restaurant and cafe, operated by Visit Seili, in addition to a museum room and an exhibition.
Map
Download the map of Seili island (Pdf) by clicking the image:
Tick Awareness
Please be aware that ticks are common on Seili Island. To reduce the risk of tick bites, avoid areas with high grass or thick vegetation and stay on the roads and lawns. Conduct a daily check for ticks, especially in areas with thin skin.
If you discover an attached tick, tweezers for safe removal can be obtained at the main building. If you encounter any difficulties in detaching the tick, please contact our staff for assistance.
In case of a tick bite, it is advisable to monitor the affected area for several weeks to watch for signs of Lyme disease (borreliosis) infection. Symptoms may include a spreading circular rash around the bite, as well as flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, and muscle aches. Lyme disease is treatable with antibiotics.
Seili is a collaborative effort, managed by various entities:
- The University of Turku and Turku University Foundation (Seili Real Estate Company) oversee the buildings and surrounding land areas.
- Research and teaching infrastructure and services are offered by the Archipelago Research Institute of the University of Turku.
- Parks & Wildlife Finland owns and manages the forested areas and the museum church.
- Travel services, including accommodation, restaurants, cafes, guest harbor facilities, and guided tours, are provided by VisitSeili (Rederi Ab Vitharun).
- The island boasts an active culture and community association, Pro Seili-Själö ry, which operates a summer kiosk next to the church jetty.
- Additionally, Seili is home to around a dozen privately-owned summer cottages.
