Notvarpharun – a rusty archipelago wilderness hut
Imagine paddling across calm waters, the sun’s rays glinting off the sea, as you approach a tiny island seemingly plucked out of a dream.
This is the scene that greeted me on a calm and sunny May day as I kayaked toward a wilderness hut in the southern archipelago.
Accessible only by boat or kayak, this little haven offers a blend of solitude, charm, and raw natural beauty.
I landed in front of a little red hut. It was easy to moore with the kayak to the shallow sandy shore, although you should be aware of the stones, so you don’t harm your kayak.
Stepping onto the island, I was greeted by the scent of juniper, which grows abundantly here.
The archipelago wilderness Hut
The state maintains a network of wilderness huts in Finland. The huts are meant for people “moving under their own steam” to use as resting points or for overnight stays lasting 1-2 nights.
Other visitors, like boat owners in this case, can use the hut as a resting point but they are not allowed to stay the night in the hut. Well, they can stay in their boat, can’t they? You can read more about wilderness huts here (luontoon.fi)
There are two wilderness huts in the southern archipelago. One of those huts is here, on a little island called Notvarpharun.
You can’t reserve the hut and if there are other people, you have to share with them and make sure there’s room for everyone. In fact, the hut etiquette says that those who arrive last, have the right to stay.
The hut itself is simple. With just two beds, it’s the perfect retreat for a solo adventurer. There’s no running water or electricity here — just a fireplace and a stash of firewood, waiting to warm chilly evenings or to cook a rustic meal.
An outdoor toilet provides basic facilities, though the door was unfortunately broken.
A true archipelago wilderness hut
As I wandered around the island, I was struck by the its beauty. The views are nothing short of breathtaking: panoramas of the surrounding sea, dotted with neighbouring islands, all framed by the open sky.
You feel like you’ve stepped into another world — one where time moves slower and nature takes centre stage.
Cooking on the terrace
Although I didn’t stay the night on this visit, I spent a couple of hours soaking in the atmosphere.
I spent my night in Kråkskär:
Read more: Kråkskär – Camping Bliss On A Beach
I set up my small camp stove on the hut’s large terrace to cook my lunch. The terrace offers a perfect cooking and dining spot.
There is something deeply grounding about preparing a simple meal in the open air, surrounded by nature’s unspoiled beauty.
Practical considerations
Reaching the hut requires some planning, as it’s only accessible by water. For kayakers, it is an excellent option. If you plan to stay overnight, bring a sleeping bag and pad, as the two beds are bare.
For cooking, a portable camp stove is highly recommended, as the fireplace inside the hut is better suited for heating rather than cooking.
There was firewood available, but it’s always courteous to leave some for the next visitor and always use firewood carefully.
Don’t go and cut the only tree that grows on the island for firewood! If there isn’t any firewood, you have to manage without fire.
The outdoor toilet is functional but basic, and the broken door might require a bit of creativity to get in it in the first place.
You should always take everything you brought with you and leave no trace of your visit. Except for a note in the guestbook, which is highly recommended.
Tips for future visitors
If you’re planning a trip to this wilderness hut, here are a few tips to make the most of your experience:
- Bring essentials like water, a sleeping bag, sleeping pad and cooking supplies. Remember, everything must be transported by kayak or boat.
- Check the Weather: May is a wonderful time to visit, with cool temperatures and fewer bugs. Weather can change quickly, so keep an eye on forecasts and plan accordingly. Note that the location is far out and surrounded by open sea.
- Respect Nature: The island’s ecosystem is fragile. Avoid disturbing wildlife and pack out all trash and take it with you when you leave.
- Embrace the Simplicity: The hut’s charm lies in its minimalism. Leave your screens behind and let yourself fully engage with the natural surroundings.
Leaving with a longing to go back
As I paddled away from the island that afternoon, I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of longing. Even without spending the night, I felt rejuvenated after staying on this little island.
There’s a unique joy in discovering places like this— quiet, and utterly captivating. It’s a reminder of the beauty that exists in simplicity and the importance of preserving such spaces for generations to come.
Location
Notvarpharun island is situated east of Kråkskär.
Read also about nearby Alskär:
