Routes
Routes
The routes here are described by type of place rather than by address: a port, a trail, a market square, an old estate. That way you can apply them to different destinations, from islands to small towns. We do not give exact distances, times or timetables: everyone walks at a different pace, and ferries and buses change their schedules. What matters in each route is the order of steps and the spare time.
A route is a suggestion, not an obligation. One extra free day is almost always more useful than one extra stop.
How this section works: each route can be done independently, stops are described as types of place, and travel between them can be checked in the carriers' official timetables.
Islands in a week: linking ferries and walking days
Two or three islands, alternating travel days with quiet ones.
A large island with an airport or a big port
Start with the island that is easiest to reach. Keep the first day for the old town and a walk along the seafront, with no onward travel planned.
The port and ferry pier
Find out where the ferries leave from and check the timetable with the carrier in advance and again the day before: in windy weather sailings may be rescheduled.
A neighbouring island
Travel in the morning so you have half a day on arrival. Stay close to the port if the next ferry leaves early.
A walking day
A coastal path, a hilltop village or a lighthouse. Bring water, a hat and shoes suitable for uneven ground.
A spare day
Keep one day with no travel, in case a ferry is cancelled, the weather turns or you simply need a rest.
Back to the large island
Return to the island you fly home from a day before departure, so a cancelled ferry does not cost you your flight.
National park: a one-day route
From the visitor centre to a viewpoint and back before dark.
Visitor centre or park office
Find out the visiting rules, which trails are open and the weather forecast. If you need a permit or registration, arrange it here or in advance on the official website.
Start of a waymarked trail
Choose a trail within your abilities and photograph the map on the information board. Tell someone close to you where you are going and when you plan to be back.
Forest section
Stay on the trail, keep noise down and do not touch the animals. Take your litter with you.
Viewpoint or river valley
A good place for a break. Check the time: start back early enough to be out of the forest before dark.
The way back and transport
Check the last bus in advance or arrange a transfer. Mobile coverage in the mountains can be patchy, so do not count on calling a car from the trail.
A small town and its surroundings in a weekend
One day in town, the second in the surrounding area.
Main square
Start at the square or the main street: this is usually where you find a church, old houses and tourist information.
Local history museum
A small museum will explain why the town grew up exactly here. Check opening days and hours in advance, as they can be limited in small towns.
Market or crafts street
A place where you can see the town's everyday life. A good excuse to try the local food.
An old estate or fortress nearby
On the second day, head out of town. Check whether the site is open to visitors and how to get there.
River, lake or park
Finish with a walk by the water or in a park: a calm end before the journey home.
How to adapt a route
- If you are tired, shorten the day and keep the afternoon for rest
- In hot weather, move walking sections to the morning and evening
- On windy islands, keep a spare day without ferries
- With children, choose short trails and take more breaks
- When it rains, reorder the day so that the bad weather falls on a museum visit
- Routes can be combined: a week on the islands can easily include a day out in nature
Related sections
- Destinations
Six types of destination, from islands to road trips, and how to choose the right one for you.
- Sights
Fortresses, castles, old estates and natural sites: how to visit them and what to check in advance.
- Transport
Train, bus, ferry, plane and car: when each works best and what to keep in mind on the way.
Sources
- Encyclopaedic and local history sources
- Official travel safety advice
Information is current as of the date of preparation. Entry rules, timetables, prices and carrier terms change, so check them with official sources before you travel.