Boat Tours to Archipelago Museum Pentala
NEW 2025: Welcome to a historical adventure to the past! JT-Line operates a total of ten archipelago cruises from Helsinki’s Market Square to the Archipelago Museum Pentala during July and August 2025.
The oldest building of the preserved fishing estate at the Archipelago Museum Pentala contains logs that have been dated to as early as 1791. Steamboat traffic between Helsinki and Espoo began in the 1860s. Steamboats were a popular mode of transportation to the archipelago, and summer residents would often travel daily between Helsinki and Espoo. During the Golden Age of steamships, the gentry would socialize or play cards in the ship’s salons while at sea. A cruise today offers glimpses of that atmosphere from over a hundred years ago. The Archipelago Museum Pentala also opens windows into the past, showcasing the many facets of island life—from everyday chores to villa life and leisure activities.
Photo: KAMU Espoo / Tommi Heinonen 2015 “Archipelago Museum Pentala from the sea”
This half-day trip starts from the Helsinki Market Square. The vessel follows an old steamboat route toward the historic fishing estate on the island of Pentala. During the outbound journey, passengers will hear fascinating stories along the way—there’s plenty to share about the rich history and the many traditions of island life! The route also passes by the sea fortress of Suomenlinna, a significant part of Finland’s history and cultural heritage. Suomenlinna is one of Finland’s seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites and one of Helsinki’s most notable attractions. Onboard commentary is available in four languages: Finnish, Swedish, English, and German.
Upon arrival at Pentala, visitors can explore the charming old fishing estate, which has been restored and now operates as an open-air museum. Guests can tour the museum independently using a mobile guide or a guide map available onboard, or join a 45-minute guided tour in English (for an additional fee). For the more adventurous, there’s also a 2.3 km nature trail that winds through the island’s beautiful archipelago scenery. The trail begins at the courtyard of the Pentala House Museum, loops via the sandy beach of Diksand, and returns to the museum. From Diksand’s natural beach, there are stunning views of Espoo’s outer archipelago.
Next to the Archipelago Museum, you’ll find the idyllic Pentala cafe. The Amiraali vessel also features a cafe with a licensed bar, offering a selection of sweet and savory snacks, ice cream, and both hot and cold beverages. Please note that bringing your own food on board is not permitted (with the exception of food for small children).
The vessel can also accommodate passengers with strollers, and dogs are welcome on the ship’s sun deck. Please ensure that dogs are kept on a leash both onboard and while visiting Pentala.
The tours are carried out aboard JT-Line’s vessel Amiraali.
More information about the Museum here.
Tour Schedule:
- Departure from Helsinki Market Square at 10.00 AM (boarding begins at 9.30)
- Arrival at Pentala at 11:30 AM
- Free time to explore the Archipelago Museum and the island of Pentala from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM
- Departure from Pentala at 1:30 PM (the vessel arrives at Pentala pier at 1:20 PM)
- Return to Market Square at 3:00 PM
Departure Pier:
The cruise departs from pier number 10 (Kolera-allas) Market Square, Helsinki. View map link>>
Tour Days:
- Wednesday 2.7.2025
- Friday 4.7.2025
- Thursday 10.7.2025
- Sunday 13.7.2025
- Wednesday 16.7.2025
- Friday 18.7.2025
- Thursday 24.7.2025
- Sunday 27.7.2025
- Wednesday 30.7.2025
- Friday 1.8.2025
Ticket Prices:
Adults: 44,50€
Children 7-16 v: 19,50€
Pensioners/students: 39,50€
Tickets Including a Guided Tour in English at the Archipelago Museum Pentala:
The tour starts at 11.30 AM, and lasts 45 min
Adults: 52,50€
Children: 7-16 v: 25,50€
Pensioners/students: 46,50€
Tickets will be available in our online shop during April >>
Accessibility:
M/s Amiraali is an accessible vessel and can be boarded with a wheelchair using a portable ramp. However, please note that the onboard restroom is not wheelchair-accessible.
Pentala Island and the Archipelago Museum area are partially accessible. Some areas may be challenging to navigate with a wheelchair, as the paths are sand-covered and may have cones and roots. An accessible toilet is available on the island, and two key buildings — the main museum building Villa Rosengård and the rest villa Lilla Villan — are equipped with ramps for easier access.
We recommend arriving at Helsinki Market Square by public transportation if possible. For route planning and more information, please visit the HSL Journey Planner >>
Photo: KAMU Espoo “Fisherman’s cottage in the early 1900s.“
Photo: KAMU Espoo “Villa residents on a picnic at Kaparen in the 50s.”
Photo: KAMU Espoo “Members of the sailing club at Paven in 1942.“
Photo: KAMU Espoo “Arvid and Gurli in the 30s.”
Photo: KAMU Espoo “Smugglers in Espoonlahti in the 1920s.“
Photo: KAMU Espoo “Ivar and Nils Sneitz lifting a herring trap.“
Photo: KAMU Espoo “Archipelago Museum Pentala”
Sustainability
JT-Line has been awarded the Sustainable Travel Finland –badge in March 2021 to commend their persistent and valuable work towards sustainable travel.
Preserving the unique nature of our archipelago is important to us, and our vessels are solely fuelled with renewable fuel oil. As pioneers we want to take part in developing low-emission solutions. By using renewable fuel oil we reduce our carbon footprint on the route in question by up to 90% compared to fossil fuels.
