Discover Nagu: Islands, seafaring and culture

Nagu is shaped by water and islands: two main islands and 3,000 smaller islands and skerries form the setting for historic trails, maritime stories and experiences on the water. Food culture is also part of the character of the area. When choosing your hotel in Nagu, it helps to first consider whether you want to focus on culture, nature, island connections or shared activities.

Nagu at a glance

• Two main islands and 3,000 smaller islands and skerries shape Nagu.
• The medieval stone church has Schwan organs dating from 1791.
• The Westerholm Trail crosses Ernholm and leads to historic sights.
• The approximately 1 km Nauvo-Auvo Trail starts at the guest harbour.
• Early potatoes and fish products are part of Nagu’s food culture.

Island landscapes and trails through history

The lush landscape of the inner archipelago provides Nagu with its distinctive setting. The many smaller islands and skerries sit alongside the two main islands—a landscape that cannot be reduced to a single viewpoint or experience. The St. Olav Waterway pilgrimage route also passes through Nagu. If you enjoy walking while travelling, you will also find numerous hiking trails; Nagu has cycling routes, too.

One specific destination for a walk is the Westerholm Trail on Ernholm. It presents the island’s historic sights through text and images and leads to Jitukastberget hill and an Iron Age burial mound. The trail is dedicated to the artist and landscape painter Victor Westerholm. It therefore combines island history and art in a route whose stops invite you to explore. The Westerholm Cultural Trail is also one of the nature and culture trails found in Nagu.

The Nauvo-Auvo Trail is designed for the youngest members of the family. It is near Framnäs beach, is about 1 km long and starts at Nagu guest harbour. Jatulintarha is another of Nagu’s nature trails. Which trail fits your day’s plans therefore also depends on whether you are looking specifically for a short, approximately 1 km route or would rather choose a cultural trail with historic stops.

Church, seafaring and local stories

Nagu’s medieval stone church is an impressive point of interest for culture enthusiasts. Its oldest parts date from the 1440s; the church also houses Finland’s oldest Finnish-language Bible, dating from 1642. The Schwan organs from 1791 add a distinctive musical detail to the history of the building.

Nagu’s seafaring history extends far beyond the church. During the age of sailing ships, Nagu was Finland’s most important maritime parish. The Maritime House tells the story of this development, from sailing ships built in Nagu to modern cargo ships. One room is dedicated to the life and work of ship model builder Sandvall and displays miniature ships and boats. Large ships and detailed models thus offer different ways to explore maritime history.

The Archipelago Story Trail also brings local stories to life: the video-guided tour follows the Archipelago Trail, while archipelago guide Magnus Sundman shares stories and the history of the region. Twenty-one signs with QR codes allow visitors to open the guide on their own mobile phones. This complements the Westerholm Trail in a different way: there, text and images lead to historic sites on Ernholm; here, videos present stories and local history.

Water, island connections and activities

Nagu is a departure harbour for connections to several popular islands. The ferry crossing between Nagu and Pargas takes ten minutes and is free of charge; travel times and fares are subject to change. When planning your trip, this connection is a separate consideration alongside the trails and cultural sights in the area. An accessible vessel and accessible passenger services operate on Nagu’s southern route. The vessel ms Falkö is wheelchair accessible and has an accessible toilet. This is distinct from the Nagu cross-route, where a partly accessible small boat is used.

If you want to experience the islands from the water, kayaks and SUP boards are available for rent from Nagu Kayak & Sup Rental at Nagu’s North Harbour. Yoga and frisbee golf are also available in Nagu. These options offer different kinds of activity: a trip on the water, exercise on land or a more relaxed pursuit. When choosing a suitable base for your accommodation, you can take into account which of these best suits your stay, without limiting your holiday to just one kind of experience.

Food culture and choosing accommodation

Early potatoes and fish products are part of Nagu’s food culture, giving your trip a local culinary connection. Since 2025, Nagu’s distillery has been located in a new visitor centre in the village centre. The offering there includes a distillery tour and a special tasting experience; current opening hours and booking details may change.

The guest harbour is the starting point for the Nauvo-Auvo Trail; the North Harbour is where kayaks and SUP boards are rented. This gives you a choice of different focuses for planning your day: a short trail or kayaking and SUP. You can therefore base your hotel search on your personal travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Kimitoön, Uro, Taivassalo, Pöytyä, Mynämäki, Somero, Härkälä and Västanfjärd.

Frequently asked questions about Nagu

What shapes Nagu’s landscape?

Nagu consists of two main islands as well as 3,000 smaller islands and skerries. The lush landscape of the inner archipelago is a defining feature of the area.

Which trails connect nature and history?

The Westerholm Trail crosses Ernholm and leads to historic sights, Jitukastberget hill and an Iron Age burial mound. The Nauvo-Auvo Trail is about 1 km long, starts at the guest harbour and is intended especially for the youngest visitors in the family.

What is there to see in Nagu church?

The oldest parts of the medieval stone church date from the 1440s. Its distinctive features include the Schwan organs from 1791; Finland’s oldest Finnish-language Bible, dating from 1642, can also be seen there.

What activities are available on the water?

Nagu Kayak & Sup Rental rents out kayaks and SUP boards at the North Harbour. Nagu is also a departure harbour for connections to several islands; the accessible services on the southern route should be distinguished from the partly accessible boat on the Nagu cross-route.

What local foods are associated with Nagu?

Early potatoes and fish products are part of the food culture. Since 2025, a visitor centre for Nagu’s distillery has been located in the village centre, offering a distillery tour and a special tasting experience.

For the overarching travel guide: Varsinais-Suomi.