Nagu is a former municipality, now part of Pargas, in the Archipelago Sea in south-west Finland. It consists of two main islands and some 3000 minor ones.
Nagu is located in the middle of the Archipelago Sea, which has a great influence on the identity of locals, although the life in the main islands may look like in the countryside elsewhere. The fields are smaller, the shore is nearby and traditionally people have got their living in small pieces, such as from fishing, agriculture, sea fowl hunting – and seafaring. A large part of the outer archipelago, and thus of the Archipelago National Park, belongs to Nagu. Minor inhabited islands, often with one or a few families, are connected to the mainland with mostly daily ferry services – conditions permitting. Living there means a quite solitary life in winter, but in summer there are lots of tourists, summer guests and some locals who escape the dark months to apartments in towns. This is the paradise for yacht sailors, many making the journey from Helsinki and back every year, more than a hundred nautical miles each way. Nagu and its surroundings are traditionally Swedish speaking and still has a strong Swedish majority, while a quarter of the population and many summer cottage dwellers and visitors are Finnish speaking. Service is usually available in both languages, as well as in English. The language in which businesses market themselves says little about their own language.
You are probably here to see the archipelago; get out of the coach at the ferries to feel the fresh air and enjoy the views. Specific sights:
- Nagu kyrka, Kyrkvallen, +358 40-312-4430. Medieval stone church.
- Sjöfartshuset, Kyrkostigen 3 (by the church, +358 2 410-6600. 4.6–12.8 Tue–Sun 11:00–18:00, 13.8–31.8 Tue–Sun 11:00–16:00. Exhibitions telling about the seafaring traditions of Nagu from early 19th century to these days. Many ship models and paintings. €3, children under 12 free.
- Själö. Lush island near Nagu Kyrkbacken, with a former lepra hospital, later mental hospital, now a biological research station. Famous for its history. A wooden church remains. Reached by boat or by ferry (Falkö or Östern).
Fishing, boating, swimming.
- Stone labyrinth in Finby. Take a short hike along a nature trail that leads to an old man-made stone formation or labyrinth, also called jungfrudansen. The map of the trail can be downloaded from (with description in Swedish and Finnish only). Free.
- MS Estonia Memorial. When approaching the ferry terminal in Pärnäs, take a little path across the street just opposite the bistro. After a few hundred meters you will reach a rocky shore with a memorial to the victims of m/s Estonia sinking. Free.
- Nagu kammarmusikdagar. 6–10.7.2016, mostly 19:00. Classical music, mostly in the church. Mostly €18/15/10.
- Grocery stores by Skärgårdsvägen in Kyrkbacken, summertime also in Kirjais and Nötö
- Clothes by Svanhild Åbonde, shop at the Kyrkbacken marina
Out of season many of the restaurants are open only either at lunch on workdays, in weekends or at request. Check beforehand. Smoked fish can be bought at the Kyrkbacken marina, with some luck. Try your luck also at other guest harbours.
Restaurants also at most accommodations.
- L'Escale, Nagu Strandvägen (at the marina, +358 40-744-1744. Nice restaurant. €20–30€, pizzas €10–12, lunch €9,50.
- Najaden.
- Grill House Biffi, Sommartorget 2 (by Skärgårdsvägen, +358 50-300-8841. €15–30.
- SEO Nagu. Petrol station. Enjoy the local atmosphere.
- Westerlundi. 9:00–23:00. Grill kiosk. Minigolf.
- Restaurang Bystrand, Kirjaisvägen 579, +358 40-181-2434. Restaurant by the shore in the Kirjais village. €17–24, hamburgers €10–16, children's menu €8–10.
For nightlife, check in the marina of Kyrkbacken and nearby restaurants. Certain weekends, such as Midsummer, there may be events also at other places.
Postal code: 21660 Nagu 21650 Lillandet, 21680 Nötö, ...
- Pargas to the east and Korpo to the west, obviously. You could also complete the Archipelago Trail.
- A tour to one of the more distant islands of the Archipelago Sea, such as Gullkrona, Nötö, Jurmo or Utö, is a nice adventure. There is accommodation available in winter as well as summer on at least the three latter islands.
- The Åland islands, reachable from Galtby in Korpo.