Varlaxudden recreation area is a compact yet diverse year-round hiking destination. On the rugged, rocky shores you can spend a spring morning watching migratory birds, enjoy an unhurried picnic soaking up the summer sun, witness the force of autumn storms or take in the colours of the winter sky. Thanks to the excellent accessible services, Varlaxudden is suitable for everyone.
- Accessible services at Fågelboet
- Multiple shelters and campfire sites (4 campfire sites)
- Views of the open sea
- Smooth rocky shores
Varlaxudden recreation area is located in Emäsalo, Porvoo. Thanks to the bridge connection, it is an easy-to-reach destination where non-boaters have a unique opportunity to enjoy views of the Gulf of Finland’s outer archipelago and open sea. Varlaxudden is a stunning setting for nature photographers, birdwatchers and anglers—and sometimes you might even spot surfers enjoying the waves. It’s also a great destination for a cycling trip.
The nature of Varlaxudden recreation area is rich and varied. While the shoreline is rocky and bare, the area also has pine forests with some deciduous trees scattered in between. The coastal waters are rocky and shallow, so the area is easier to reach by land than by water.
The accessible services are located in the northern part of the area. At its centre is the rocky Fågelboet peninsula, which offers impressive views of the sea. The twisted pines growing between the cracks in the rocks and the sound of powerful waves crashing against the shore create a strong sense of being on the edge of a great sea.
The area’s three other campfire sites are also located right by the sea, each with a beautiful view of the water. About 200 metres from the accessible shelters, there is a third shelter and campfire site.
Visitor's checklist
Everyman’s Right apply in this area
Always keep pets on a leashAlso remember a dog waste bag and clean up after your dog.
At the campfire site, only the firewood provided at the location or brought by yourself may be used.Remember to use firewood sparingly.
The use of hobo stoves and disposable grills is prohibited
Remember to bring a trash bagThere is a waste container in the parking area. Bring a garbage bag and take the garbage to the waste container.
Make campfires only in designated sitesDuring a wildfire warning, making fires is prohibited.
Tilapäinen leiriytyminen alueella on sallittuTilapäinen leiriytyminen jokaisenoikeuksilla on sallittua lukuunottamatta pysäköintipaikkoja. Pysäköintipaikoilla lieriytyminen on kielletty.
ArrivalVarlaxudden recreation area is easy to reach via the bridge to Emäsalo. After the bridge, follow the road (1543) for about 20 km to the southern tip of the island. The area is reached just before the pilot station at the end of the road.
The road to Varlaxudden is narrow and winding, and is often used by pedestrians and cyclists. Please pay attention to the speed limit!
Addresses for parking:
Emäsalontie 1390, 06950 Porvoo (accessible parking area)
Emäsalontie 1414, 06950 Emäsalo (southern parking area)
AccessibilityVarlaxudden’s accessible services are located in the northern part of the area, centred around Fågelboet’s smooth rocky peninsula. From the parking area, an accessible hard-surfaced gravel path leads to the shore. The path is about a metre wide and 350 metres long. Along the path you can find an accessible dry toilet, a woodshed and a waste bin. The gravel path leads to an accessible rest area with two shelters and a campfire site. There is a ramp with a 90-degree turn.
After the rest area the route continues as a demanding accessible boardwalk with a gradient of around 8–10 degrees. The seaward side of the Fågelboet peninsula is smooth and flat and therefore easy to explore also beyond the boardwalk.
Apart from the accessible route, the terrain at Varlaxudden is relatively rough and challenging. The paths are narrow and rocky with some elevation changes.
