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Örö

Varsinais-Suomi  >  Finland

A fortress island, now part of the Archipelago National Park. Contains excellent birding spots, including Storviken and Balget, the tips, and a central heath.

Added* by Anssi Kullberg
Most recent update 4 november 2025

Description

Örö is a small fortress island in Southwest Finland that covers about 2.2 square kilometers with a coastline of around 11 kilometers. For more than a century it was a closed military base, but since 2015 it has been open to the public. The southern and northern tips of the island are very good for watching bird migration. Storviken (1) gathers waders and waterfowl, Balget (2) attracts waterfowl, gulls and terns. Many rarities have been found on the island's central heath (3), groves and other habitats.

Details

Access

Örö is located about 150 kilometers southwest of Helsinki and about 10 km from the marina at Kasnäs. Reaching the island is only possible by boat. Ferries to Örö leave at Kasnäs, the crossing takes about 30–60 minutes. You can park your car in Kasnäs. The island can be visited either on a day trip or with a stay. The island has facilities such as accommodation, a restaurant and a camping site. All sites of the island are reachable by walking, but there's also bicycle renting option.

Terrain and Habitat

Forest , Wetland , Scattered trees and bushes , Grassland , Sea , Beach

Conditions

Flat , Open landscape

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Spring migration , Autumn migration

Route

Wide path , Narrow trail , Unpaved road

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot , Bicycle

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

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