Turku: Day trips to Seili

Join us for an unforgettable day trip from Turku to the beautiful Archipelago! Our cruise will take you to the historic Seili Island, known for its former hospital and stunning nature. 

Seili is renowned for its past as the site of Finland’s most famous leper hospital and mental asylum, operating during the 1600s and 1700s. The island’s church and nearby graveyard serve as solemn reminders of the fates of those who once lived there. Mental health patients were treated on Seili until the 1960s, after which the former asylum was repurposed for the Archipelago Research Institute, part of the University of Turku’s Centre for Environmental Research.

Centuries of human activity have left a distinct mark on Seili’s landscape. The first fields were cultivated in the Middle Ages, and grazing livestock have shaped the terrain over time. Today, Seili’s natural environment is diverse, with lush, herb-rich forests in the south, open heritage landscapes at the center, and a rugged northern region dominated by coniferous trees. The island’s rarest habitats include expansive hazelnut bush forests in the south and rocky grasslands in the central area.

During the journey, you can relax on the deck of our cruise, admire the archipelago landscape, and learn interesting facts about the area’s history. Onboard, there is a kiosk, a comfortable salon, and toilet facilities. Check the schedule and book your seat in advance!

Schedule:

Departure route: Turku - Seili
Departure time: 09:30 - 11:15
Return route: Seili - Turku
Return time: 16:30 - 18:15