Utö

Utö’s strategic location has been important as a pilot station and garrison. The permanent military presence ended in 2005 but there are still two military areas on the island.

Are you a bird watcher? Then you will be in good company especially during the spring and autumn arctic migration.

MS Park Victory was on her way from Virginia to Turku in 1947 when she sank in a storm. Despite valiant attempts of the islanders, 10 sailors drowned but 38 were rescued. The shipwreck lies at a depth of 27-36 meters and is a popular with divers. Her masts are only 8meters under the sea.  

Utö lighthouse 

Utö’s lighthouse at 24m is Finland’s oldest lighthouse still in use. Did you know that there is a chapel actually inside the lighthouse, you can get a guided tour even during winter?

Hanna’s Horizon
organises guided tours on the lighthouse island of Utö year-round. The guided tours show guests the lighthouse, prayer room, cemetery, and of course the raw beauty and unique nature of Utö.

The tour, full of history and tales, is offered in Finnish, Swedish or English. Guided tours on the island are offered every day in summer and on Saturdays in winter. www.utohannashorisont.fi 

Martin Öhman
You can get to know the history of the island and the Utö lighthouse by a guided tour by a local resident, history researcher Martin Öhman. The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours and starts from the hotel: www.utohotel.fi 

Accommodation

There is a variety of places to stay, from hotels to cottages.

Utö Havshotel is Finland’s most southerly hotel. You can stay in the former barracks or in terraced flats. www.utohotel.fi 

Hanna’s Horisont offers bed & breakfast at the foot of the lighthouse www.utohannashorisont.fi 

Restaurants and cafes

Utö Havshotel has the island’s only restaurant, open summers.  

Hanna’s Horisont Café serves traditional archipelago delicacies on request. The café in the fort’s former office building serves home baked sweet and savoury snacks and pastries. You can also buy souvenirs, local textiles, books and cards.    

Village shop

Utö Handel, the village shop and post office is beside the jetty in the middle of the village and open the whole year. Check their Facebook page, Utö Handel, for current opening hours.

Marina

Hannas Horisontin vierasvenesatama: The eastern side of the village’s wooden jetty is reserved as a guest harbour. The western side and northern end are used by the pilot station and the hotel. The harbour’s services are: electricity, toilet, waste disposal, shop and café. Harbour fee 15€ / day Pay in Hanna’s Horizon Café. Inquiries to Hanna’s Horizon – +358 40 014 3814 , www.utohannashorisont.fi 

Utö Havshotel’s marina: People traveling with their own boat can use the guest dock, which has place for 10 boats. A place on the dock costs 15 € / day. The price includes electricity and waste disposal. Guests can use the guest dock bathrooms. All other services such as shower facilities and saunas available only on request. www.utohotel.fi 

Other sights 

• Utö Chapel
• Military cannons
• Drakens monument
• The islands dramatic nature