Cruising through the world’s largest group of islands in Archipelago National Park in the waters between Helsinki, Finland and Stockholm, Sweden provides an incredibly beautiful, serene atmosphere.
World’s largest group of islands Archipelago National Park
There are more than 41,000 islands and islets in Archipelago National Park covering 500 square kilometres making it the world’s largest group of islands.
These islands are some of the most beautiful in the world. They vary in size and offer views of rural countryside speckled with large and small homes, boat houses and charming small villages. Some of the islands have sandy beaches, while others are rocky, without trees. The larger islands offer ferry service.
Find out more about the Archipelago National Park in Finland.

The world’s largest group of islands in Archipelago National Park vary in size. Baltic cruise ships glide slowly as they navigate their way through the intricate network of islands in the waters between Helsinki, Finland and Stockholm, Sweden. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

The world’s largest group of islands in Archipelago National Park vary in size. The rural countryside is speckled with large and small homes, boat houses and charming small villages. The main larger islands offer ferry service. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Baltic cruise ships glide slowly as they navigate their way through the intricate network of islands in the waters between Helsinki, Finland and Stockholm, Sweden.

The world’s largest group of islands in Archipelago National Park vary in size. Baltic cruise ships glide slowly as they navigate their way through the intricate network of islands in the waters between Helsinki, Finland and Stockholm, Sweden. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

The world’s largest group of islands in Archipelago National Park vary in size. Baltic cruise ships glide slowly as they navigate their way through the intricate network of islands in the waters between Helsinki, Finland and Stockholm, Sweden. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Archipelago Sea Area Biosphere Reserve, Finland
This area is part of the Archipelago Sea and Archipelago Biosphere Reserve and is recognized by UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Program.
The population in this area decreased in 1950-60s as people seeking work moved to the cities when the fishing industry died down. Recently tourism has helped rekindle growth in the area.
Rare plants have been seen growing on a few of the islands. There are also rare mammal or endangered birds found here.
The islands are home to many types of migratory seabirds. The number of great cormorants have increased over the years and in some areas you can see the result of their colonization. The guano (bird poop) is destroying plant life.
Find out more about the Archipelago Sea and Archipelago Biosphere Reserve.

The world’s largest group of islands in Archipelago National Park vary in size. The number of great cormorants have increased over the years and in some areas you can see the result of their colonization. The guano (bird poop) is destroying plant life.

The world’s largest group of islands in Archipelago National Park vary in size. The number of great cormorants have increased over the years and in some areas you can see the result of their colonization. The guano (bird poop) is destroying plant life. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

The world’s largest group of islands in Archipelago National Park vary in size. The number of great cormorants have increased over the years and in some areas you can see the result of their colonization. The guano (bird poop) is destroying plant life. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr

The world’s largest group of islands in Archipelago National Park vary in size. Baltic cruise ships glide slowly as they navigate their way through the intricate network of islands in the waters between Helsinki, Finland and Stockholm, Sweden.
Quick Facts:
- There are more than 41,000 islands and islets.
- Archipelago National Park has the world’s largest group of islands.
- The national park covers 500 square kilometres.
- Birds in the area include common eider, great cormorants, black guillemot, oystercatcher, white-tailed eagle and rock pipit.
Discover the top things to do in medieval Tallinn, Estonia.
Discover other destinations.
View more photo galleries.
Have you been here? Want to go or have other tips or comments. We'd love to hear from you.