Summer 2010 Örö island tours available.

Spend an unforgettable summers day on the fortress island of Örö, now opening to visitors for these few days only. The island is co-administrated by the Archipelago National Park and the Finnish Navy and offers a unique blend of natural and historic sites, Imperial Russian era barracks, huge coast Artillery guns and miles of cobbled-stone roads.

Excursions summer 2010:

June: tue 29^thand wed 30^th

July: tue 6^th, wed 7^th, tue 13^th, tue 20^th, wed 21^st, tue 27^th and thu 29^th.

August: tue 10^th, tue 17^thand wed 18^th.

Schedule:

10:30 a.m. Departure from Kasnäs on M/S Linnea.

11:15 a.m. Arrival at Örö. We walk across the island with a guide from the Archipelago National Park, then back with a Coast Artillery guide to look at the 12” barracks and guns.

1:15 p.m. Light lunch at the barracks.

2:15 p.m. Departure from Örö, coffee & doughnut

3:00 p.m. Arrival in Kasnäs.

Price for the tour is 53,00 €, children (4-14 years) 26,50 €. Price includes boat trips, lunch, coffee, natural and historic guides on the island, booking fees and taxes. Payment on board in cash, Finnish bank card or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Electron). Number of passengers limited. Rights to change schedules or terms reserved.

Örö is a military area with special permit required for foreign nationals. We will do the paperwork for you but need this personal info two weeks in advance: Name, date of birth, passport number, occupation, nationality and date of visit.

M/S LINNEA

WILSON

CHARTER

ADDITIONAL INFO:

Walking distance on the island abt. 4 km, please wear sensible footwear and clothing according to the weather forecast. Extra clothing can be left on board if not needed. If you have difficulty walking, have a heart condition or other health issues, we can not recommend this trip. Örö island is remote and getting help in emergencies take time.

A guide from the Archipelago National Park will show us some beautiful nature sites and a local guide tells us about the Coast Artillery and military history.

Our departure harbour of Kasnäs is easiest reached by car. Please allow 30 min extra for the short Lövö ferry crossing 8 km before Kasnäs. Ferry crosses 3 times per hour.

Light lunch: Potato salad, smoked salmon, herring, cucumber, local dark bread, butter, water. Coffee and doughnut. We sell bottled water and lemonade.

RESTRICTIONS:

The island of Örö is a military area. The Archipelago Naval Command has set the following conditions for our visits:

· Picture ID (passport) required from 15 years of age

· Foreign nationals personal info at the tour company at the very latest 9 days beforehand (name, date of birth, occupation, nationality, passport number.

· Visitors must keep with the guides, no walking around on your own

· No entry into the gun casements

· No smoking or open flames anywhere on the island

· You may photograph historical guns, not modern installations. Please ask the guides on site.

· Photographs for personal use, publication requires Naval Command approval

ON A PERSONAL NOTE:

We hope these restrictions will not discourage you. We do these tours ”by the book” and on the terms agreed, and so we are always well received. Together with the Navy and the National Park we make every effort to make our guests feel welcome on this unique island.

Links:

Archipelago nationalpark http://www.luontoon.fi/page.asp?Section=5300

Blåmusslan Visitor Centre http://www.luontoon.fi/page.asp?Section=5772

Finnish Naval Command http://www.mil.fi/merivoimat/index_en.dsp

Lövö ferry timetable http://www.tieliikelaitos.fi/lautat/Aikataulut/Lovo.htm

Bengtskär lighthouse http://www.bengtskar.fi/

Rosala viking centre http://www.rosala-viking-centre.com/

Kasnäs Spa http://www.kasnas.com/english/index.htm