Bike & Boat

Bike & Boat archipelago route for cyclists

NOTE: Bike & Boat is available only during summer season (June-August)

The Archipelago route for cyclists will allow you to cycle part of the beautiful Espoo's Waterfront Walkway and return by public boat!

Available between: 4.6.-27.8.2023

The harbors where you can start or end a cruise are Otaniemi, Nokkala, or Kivenlahti. Approximately 20 bike places are on board the archipelago boats, and cyclists take priority.

The distance covered by bike is at its longest, around 30 kilometers, when you cycle along Espoo’s Waterfront Walkway between Otaniemi and Kivenlahti harbors. If you choose Nokkala Harbor as your other destination, the distance cycled is about half of that. That gives you two expeditions, which you could do on two different days. 

The route is signposted with green ribbons and signposts for the Espoo Waterfront Walkway – but be on the lookout so you don’t miss a turning.

NAVIGATING ALONG THE ROUTE

You can follow the signposts or download a GPX file for a smart device to help you navigate or use the applications below:

Link Trailmap (free of charge)

Link RidewithGps (chargeable)

Study the route and map here

CYCLE SECTIONS

• Otaniemi – Nokkala 13.5 km (via Otsonlahti 2.6 km)
• Nokkala – Kivenlahti 17 km (via Suomenoja bird basins 1.8 km)
• Otaniemi – Kivenlahti 30.5 km (via Suomenoja bird basins and Otsonlahti)
   

Note: You can shorten your route by by-passing the sections in brackets.

ARCHIPELAGO BOAT SECTIONS

• The archipelago boat journey between Otaniemi and Nokkala takes approximately 35 minutes. The boat travels close to the coast.
• The archipelago boat journey between Nokkala and Kivenlahti takes approximately 1 hour and travels around the maritime district of the Suvisaaristo area.

We recommend cycling at a moderate speed because the Waterfront Walkway is very popular among locals and tourists. You should avoid cycling too abreast when traveling in a group – the route is narrow in places. Please exercise caution, particularly when close to the harbor basins and in tight turnings where visibility is poor.

You will find lovely summer cafés, ice cream stands, and restaurants along the route – and you can even book a sauna. And if you decide to stay longer, there are several hotels to choose from. So, make sure you have plenty of time to enjoy the route!

Be charmed by all the enchanting nature attractions – rocks, half-hidden sandy beaches, reeds, and marine archipelago landscapes. Espoo’s Waterfront Walkway is surrounded by splendid villas and gardens, while the beautiful modern districts thrill with their fantastic architectural solutions highlighting the water elements all around. White sailing boats rocking in the wind and the calls of seagulls allow your mind to rest in the leisurely atmosphere of the seaside.

Cafés fill with happy, chatty people enjoying the summer and the sea breeze. Ice cream stands to serve treats to the passers-by.

Explore Espoo Waterfront Walkway

Route stops: Otaniemi - Nokkala - Kivenlahti - Nokkala - Otaniemi

The route is operated by m/s Merisaukko, Aava Lines Oy, tel. +358 41 310 5577.

The boat accommodates 20 bikes and 20 passengers. Bikes are transported in racks. Cyclists are a priority, but if there is room, other passengers will be taken on board. The route goes around Suvisaaristo with a stopover in Nokkala. 

Pricing: 10€ / 7€ one-way ticket

Timetable: 

4.6. Sunday - Starting Day

10.-18.6. available only on Weekends (Saturdays-Sundays)

1.7.-13.8. available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays 

19.-27.8. available only on Weekends (Saturdays-Sundays)

Note: The boats do not run on Mondays. The number of passengers and the weather conditions can affect the timetable. The HSL Travel Card is not valid on the scheduled archipelago boats.

Hero Image: Mika Viitanen