The Coastal Route, Rosala Viking Centre and Bengtskär lighthouse
The Coastal Route in south-west of Finland is a great way to experience the archipelago, whether you travel by bike or on foot. You can visit Rosala Viking Centre and Bengtskär lighthouse when you travel from Kemiönsaari to Hanko.
In the Viking Centre you can experience Finland living the end of its Iron Age, the mythical Viking Age. Museum consists of not only informative exhibitions, but also an entire reconstructed Viking village where you can for example try on a Viking warriors outfit or play games enjoyed already by the Vikings.
Bengtskär is the tallest lighthouse in Scandinavia, and its massive stone walls have witnessed some of the most dramatic events in Finland’s history. On climbing the tower and reaching the top, you’re awarded with a stunning view of the sea. You can explore the lighthouse keeper’s life in bygone days, the battle of Bengtskär and for example archipelago nature at the exhibitions on the lower floors.
Guidings and lunch
Both the Viking Centre and the lighthouse are easy to get acquainted with on your own, but we recommend also taking part in the free introductions during your visit. The short video presentation at the Viking Centre introduces the mythology of Vikings. Bengtskär's brief guiding of the lighthouse's history is held - weather permitting - outdoors.
The lunch is enjoyed in the majestic Chieftain Hall of the Viking village. The lunch is traditional fish soup, archipelago bread and coffee/tea. Bengtskär lighthouse's cosy cafe is open during the visit serving coffee, other beverages and small sweet snacks.
Briefly
Duration around 3 h 10 minutes
Departure at 10.30
Departure port Kasnäs, Kimitoön
Weather reservation, strong wind and/or rough waves can cause changes in timetable, travel times, or prevent landing on Bengtskär altogether. We reserve right to all changes
The price includes one way boat trip Kasnäs-Rosala-Bengtskär, entrance fees and lunch at the Viking Centre
Good to know
We can take notice of most of food allergies at the lunch, as long as we get the information in advance. All food is low lactose. You can write the diets on Additional information under Customer details at checkout.
The cafes in Viking Centre and Bengtskär accept Visa, Master and EuroCard, Visa Electron and cash.
The road Kasnäsvägen ends in three boat jetties. The boats depart from the Vänö jetty on the right, or on busy days from the Örö jetty in the middle. We recommend arriving at the pier 15 minutes before departure.
Trips to Bengtskär are always weather dependent. The weather at sea can cause changes to the timetable and itinerary. Heavy seas caused by strong wind can prevent landing on the island. We try to inform our guests about cancellation in advance, but sometimes this is not possible as the weather may not always be consistent with forecasts. If we cancel the trip, you will get a refund.
Boats can be fully booked, so we warmly recommend making a reservation. The places for bicycles must also be booked in advance.
You can reserve your return journey to Hanko for same day from Marine Lines, email myynti@marinelines.fi. Also the boat to Hanko has limited capacity.
When you reserve the trip, start by selecting the number of people. The green days on the calendar are still available for the number of people you chose. Select a day, and press the Reserve button when the departure time is displayed. The system may briefly announce "There is not enough capacity on the selected date" before the departure time appears.
Please, read also terms before making a reservation.
Covid-19
The corona pandemic may cause changes and measures in the 2023 season, and we reserve the right to make changes. If necessary, we may, for example, introduce a corona passport.
The Viking Centre and Bengtskär have hand washing facilities and/or hand sanitizer available. The general face mask recommendation is not valid at the moment, but you can of course use a mask if you wish.
Travel only if you are healthy
If you need to cough or sneeze, do so on a disposable handkerchief or your sleeve
Clean your hands often and avoid touching surfaces unnecessarily
Keep your distance from others whenever possible
Travel and spend time outdoors whenever possible
Corona recommendations for Southwest Finland on the Hospital District's site. Latest updates on COVID-19 on Finnish institute for health and welfare's site.
Sometimes asked
Clothing. We recommend clothing according to weather, and comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain. It can be windy and humid at sea, but just as well warm and very sunny. The weather can change quickly.
Equipment. Consider bringing sunscreen, and perhaps even a flashlight for exploring the bunker in Bengtskär. Don't forget your camera, if you wish to take photos!
Boats. The boats are water-bus type and covered, and don't have a café aboard. Some boats have a toilet, others don't.
Wind limit for landing on Bengtskär. Depending on wind and wave direction around 10 m/s wind and/or 1.5 m significant wave height on Northern Baltic Proper. The limits on the more open route to Hanko can differ. Forecasts: for example fmi.fi, yr.no.
Timetable
10.30 Kasnäs-Rosala, ca 30 minutes
Viking Centre, presentation (ca 15 min), independent exploring of Viking village and exhibitions, lunch
12.50 Rosala-Bengtskär, ca 50 min
Bengtskär, independent touring of the island, lighthouse and exhibitions, cafe open.
The reservation entitles you to travel only on the booked time. The weather may cause changes to the timetable.
