Tour de Skiftet
- A New Addition to Archipelago Cycling Tourism!
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- Tour de Skiftet
Tour de Skiftet is a new cycling route in the northern part of the Archipelago Sea. The route circles the open sea area known as Skiftet and passes through Gustavs, Iniö and Houtskär in Pargas, as well as Brändö in the Åland Islands. The total length of the route is 120 kilometres, of which about 60 kilometres are travelled on foot or by bicycle. The route combines the archipelago’s connecting boats and ferries, making it a unique experience.
The recommended starting and ending point for the route is the centre of Gustavs (Kustavi), but you can also begin your journey from other locations along the route. Tour de Skiftet can also be combined with other archipelago routes or continued as a cycling trip towards Åland.
The recommended direction is clockwise: Gustavs – Iniö – Houtskär – Brändö – Gustavs. The route mainly follows paved roads, but as it is not yet marked in the terrain, independent planning is recommended.
At minimum, Tour de Skiftet can be completed in two days with one overnight stay, but we recommend setting aside 3–4 days to fully experience the relaxing atmosphere of the archipelago.
Tour de Skiftet offers an unforgettable experience for anyone who wants to combine exercise, nature and culture in an archipelago setting.
Set out and discover the secrets of the archipelago and let the sea breeze carry you forward!
Tour de Skiftet is primarily a cycling route
Tour de Skiftet is a dream route for leisure cyclists, but it can also be completed on foot. However, it is not suitable for car traffic, as the ferry between Houtskär and Brändö has space for only two cars, with priority given to local traffic.
The route in brief: 60 km + 4 ferries and 4 connecting boat routes
The route follows paved village and country roads and includes 4 ferries and 4 connecting boat routes. Along the way you will find idyllic archipelago villages, diverse island nature, open sea views, historic cultural landscapes, and traces of traditional archipelago livelihoods. Accommodation and food services are also available along the route, especially during the summer season.
Tour de Skiftet connects to the Archipelago Trail (Skärgårdens ringväg) in Houtskär or Gustavs, and to the Åland Ring Road in Houtskär or Brändö.
Please note: Not all ferries operate year-round, which means that the entire Tour de Skiftet route can only be completed during the period 8 May – 13 September 2026.
Starting points and recommended route for Tour de Skiftet
The recommended starting point for the route is Gustavs town centre, at Keskustie 7 (the school area). Free parking is available there during your trip around Skiftet.
The recommended direction is clockwise: start in Gustavs and continue to Heponiemi ferry harbour, then onward to Iniö, Houtskär, Brändö, and back to Gustavs.
You can also join the route from other locations, such as Heponiemi and Osnäs in Gustavs, or from Houtskär and Galtby in Korpo.
Please note that parking at the harbours is limited.
Safety on Tour de Skiftet
The route follows narrow village and country roads, and cycle paths are available only in the centre of Gustavs. However, the roads are paved, which makes cycling easier. The route is not yet marked in the terrain, but information signs and instructions are available at the harbours. The crew on the connecting boats are happy to assist with placing bicycles on board.
Remember safety comes first! Wear a helmet and use lights. Also be mindful of other traffic, especially when connecting boats are arriving or departing. Be prepared for changing weather conditions.
