Simpnäs: Seafaring, Lighthouse and Hiking Trails on Björkö

Simpnäs on Björkö is a destination for travelers who want to combine maritime history, special places and outdoor activity. At the harbor, the Björkö-Arholma Sjöfartsmuseum tells the story of the heyday of sailing in the 19th century. North of the harbor, Näskubbens fyr stands on a cliff, while marked hiking trails offer further perspectives of Björkö. Boats run from Simpnäs to Arholma year-round – an additional aspect you can take into account when planning your accommodation.

Maritime History in the Harbor of Simpnäs

The Björkö-Arholma Sjöfartsmuseum has a representative collection of objects and images from the heyday of sailing in the 19th century. Guided tours are also offered at the museum. This makes the harbor a suitable starting point for anyone who wants to explore seafaring and the island’s history in greater depth. Holiday accommodation in Simpnäs is particularly well suited to a travel plan in which cultural discoveries play more than just a minor role.

The history of pilotage is also part of the character of the place. Simpnäs redargård is one of six well-preserved shipowner estates on Björkö. The main building was erected in the 1830s. Simpnäs’s new pilot station began operating in 1915. The pilot station’s activities later came to an end: it was closed on January 1, 1996, after the operations had been relocated in connection with the construction of new quays and terminals for the Finland traffic to Kapellskär.

Näskubbens fyr and the Path by the Water

Näskubbens fyr is a fairway lighthouse on Björkö, located just north of the harbor of Simpnäs on a cliff. The lighthouse can be visited. A narrow footbridge leads out to Näskubbens fyr, making it a distinctive destination for an excursion. A pilot station was also built on the rocky ridge between the harbor of Simpnäs and the lighthouse. This area therefore combines maritime navigational landmarks with visible traces of the local history of seafaring.

Hiking and Varied Vacation Days

Those who want to make their stay more active can include the marked hiking section “Fyrstigen Simpnäs–Östersjö” in their plans. The Björkö-Arholma local heritage association has also organized cultural walks led by people with local knowledge and following routes past historic sites. This provides families with different interests an opportunity to plan a varied stay: One day can be devoted to the museum and traces of the pilots, and another to the lighthouse or a hiking route. Which accommodation in Simpnäs is right for you depends primarily on whether you want to focus on culture, maritime sites, hiking or the year-round boat connection to Arholma.

When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday house, you should therefore consider Simpnäs as a destination with a clearly recognizable maritime profile.

For the overarching travel overview: Björkö.