Jurmo Moringharu – the roughest camping spot in the archipelago

Jurmo camping area is located on a peninsula called Moringharu. A signpost at the ferry port shows the way, turn right after the bins from the port, and head past the grey shed. The camping area is 500 meters away.

On your way there, you will immediately experience Jurmo’s terrain, which is rocky. The path passes over a rocky shore, where the stones give way with each step, making walking surprisingly difficult.

Be aware that there is also another island called Jurmo. It is located in the Northern Åland archipelago. When you google Jurmo, make sure you are looking at the Jurmo, where you want to go to! It has happened, that people arrive at this Jurmo but they have made reservations to the other one.

The camping area is quite large, but the terrain is rocky. Moringharu is open to all winds. If it’s windy, you can’t find a sheltered pitch here. There are only a few tent pitches without any stones.

When setting up a tent, use common sense and choose a spot where your sleeping mat fits. It doesn’t matter if a few stones are under the tent, as long as you have the space for sleeping!

The area has a clean and regularly maintained toilet, as well as a fireplace and firewood. However, it is rare to have a fire here because there is often a forest fire warning in effect during the summer.

Due to the low amount of rain in the outer archipelago during the summer, the terrain is dry. Jurmo has experienced fires in its history, and there have been recent forest fires as well. It’s important to respect the warnings! You can check the warnings here (Finnish Meteorological Institute)

At the harbour, there is a well where you can get drinking water, so you don’t have to carry much with you. Additionally, there is a café and a small shop, and you can book a sauna or rent bikes (5€/3 hours) in the harbour.

Inside the nature hut, you can learn about the island’s history and its natural environment. Jurmo’s nature is unique and breathtaking.

Jurmo is a popular camping spot in the summer. If you want to enjoy solitude, I suggest you go there other months than June-August. I was there in May and was the only one there. On the other hand, I have seen a tent in Jurmo in January!

You can visit Jurmo also in the winter, the atmosphere is magical! Read about my winter trip: Winter magic in Jurmo.

What to do in Jurmo

The island is only 6 kilometer long, but it takes a lot of time to walk to it’s end – because of the round smooth stones. The western tip of the island is protected between 1st April – 31st July. There are signs telling where the protected area starts. Let the birds nest in piece!

There is a path leading to the eastern tip of Jurmo. It goes past the chapel, munk rings, stony beaches and a lonely tree, which are all “main sights” of the island.

On the eastern side there is also a sandy beach, which is good for swimming.

You can easily use a whole day just by walking to the easter tip. What’s the hurry, when you are surrounded by a beautiful nature!

On the southern side you can visit the local’s old fishing port and a mystery forest with trees twisted in the wind.

The highest point of Jurmo is called Högberg – High hill. It is 18 meters from the sea level. There’s a good view over the island from there, in a good weather you can see all the way to the neighbouring island Utö.

So, pack a tent with you with some adventure mindset and go camping in Jurmo.

If you don’t want to carry all the food with you, you can order lunch or dinner from Jurmo Inn, or both. Just get in touch there first. Jurmo Inn

Since Jurmo Moringharu camping area does not provide any protection from wind, it is a good idea to check the weather reports before departure. On the island, you can cope with the stronger winds, but make sure that your tent can withstand the stronger winds as well.

Bring binoculars, and spot some birds. And why not bring a good book and just relax amidst the sea and the wind.

Have a nice trip!