Tvijälp - the ambiance of a deserted island just off the coast of Espoo
Tvijälp is a 13.4 hectare island located off the coast of Espoo. Tvijälp is an authentic local nature tourism destination, as the island is located only 200 meters from Westend in Espoo, but at the same time it offers a wonderful contrast to the hectic city life. There are no services on the island and the only buildings there belong to an old fishing farm, a relic of Espoo’s fishing tradition. Tvijälp is part of the eastern archipelago of Espoo. To the northeast lies Småholm and to the southwest Varsasaari. Further away, to the southeast, is Vehkasaari, and to the east, in Westend, Korkeasaari. Koivusaari with its marina and metro stations is located a little over two kilometres northeast of Tvijälp.
The island’s nature is varied; the southern part is dominated by sheep rock and the northern part by lush forests. Fine coastal meadows and old cypress pines are present all over the island. Tvijälp is shaped like the letter C and thus offers a sheltered and reed-lined cove, providing an excellent place to land with a kayak. The dock and moorings are also located in the cove. The high cliffs where the Nolla cottages are located offer a spectacular view of the Gulf of Finland. The height difference and abundant trees exacerbate the difference between the mainland and the island.
The nature of the island is unique and valuable, so we ask visitors to only move along the rocks and existing paths. In addition, birds of prey nest on the island in spring, and they must be left undisturbed.
From the Helsinki city center, you can reach the departure harbor by metro in approximately 10 minutes, and the boat journey to the island takes only about 15 minutes.
When planning your trip, please keep in mind that there are no services, personnel, nor running water on the island.
Access to the island
You can access the island either by using your own boat or by utilizing the provided boat service. If you prefer the boat service, please purchase a boat ticket when making a reservation. The departure time is determined by the date and depends on the number of the cabin you have chosen. Between May 8 and May 31, as well as between August 19 and October 31, departure times are either 4:30 PM or 5:15 PM, depending on the cabin. Between June 1 and August 18, departure times are either 12:45 PM or 1:30 PM, depending on the cabin.
The boat service transports visitors to the island aboard a wooden boat from the 1950s, with a maximum capacity of 8 passengers per trip. Kindly present your booking confirmation to the captain upon boarding. The boat departs from Keilaranta Marina in Keilaniemi, Espoo, located at Kalanokankuja, 02150 Espoo. We recommend using public transportation to reach the marina, as it is approximately a 400-meter walk from Keilaniemi Metro Station to the dock. Alternatively, you can access the island with your own boat; in such case, please reserve a mooring spot when making your booking. Please note that the number of available moorings on the island is limited.
Return trips to the mainland from Tvijälp Island depart between May 8 and May 31, as well as between August 19 and October 31, at 4:50 PM and 5:35 PM. Between June 1 and August 18, return trips depart at 1:05 PM and 1:50 PM. Please check out of your Nolla cabin 30 minutes before the boat leaves so that our personnel has time to check the cabin before the next visitors arrive. Please also remember to arrive at the dock in time before the boat leaves.
About the cabins
The Tvijälp Nolla cabins are located on the south side of the island on top of a high cliff. The terrain contains steep hills and is therefore not suitable for people with reduced mobility. From the cabins, the seascape opens up towards the Espoo archipelago. Each cabin includes two adult-size beds with blankets and pillows. The beds can be pushed together if guests wish to sleep next to each other on a large bed. Additional mattresses can be found in the bed drawers. In the drawers, you will also find a sun shade, which you can use to prevent the cabin from overheating on hot summer days. There are ventilation valves above the door and next to the window.
The cabins include an electrical socket, which, depending on the weather, may be used for charging electrical devices. All Nolla cabins also include a stove and a radiator. There is no fridge, which you should take into consideration when planning your trip. Cooking is easy, as there are both cooking utensils and recyclable containers in the cabins. Please make sure you recycle all your rubbish and take any dirty dishes to the pick up point in the dock at the end of your stay.
Please bring water, food, and bedding or a sleeping bag to the island. You will find everything else in the cabin! You can also purchase bed linen, which will be delivered to the cabin for your stay.
Activities and services on the island
Tvijälp is an excellent choice if you are looking for a relaxing holiday in nature without many activities. There are no services on the island. This means that you get to experience a perfect desert island atmosphere just a stone’s throw away from the heart of the city. Still, if you are looking for activities, you will also find things to do on the island, as you may rent a rowing boat or kayak for the day, for example. Please always use a life vest and act responsibly on the water. There is a common barbeque place on the island, which includes a gas grill with all the necessary equipment. Open fires are strictly prohibited on the island. The island has four dry toilets.
We have also created a nature-themed competition that children aged 0-12 can take part in.
Cleaning
It is essential that you leave the cabin in a clean state for the next visitor. Please sweep the floor, shake out blankets and make all the beds. Please also leave the shelf and cooktop in a clean state. Please inform us if you accidentally break, lose or dirty anything. It is very important to us that the cabins stay clean and well-maintained. There is a recycling point on the island. Please recycle all your rubbish.
Practical information
Please take note of the fact that there is no personnel on the island! When the boat leaves the dock, it will not come back until the following day. So please bring enough water and food on your trip. If you suffer from any health issues, we advise you not to spend the night on the island. Please remember that Nolla cabins are not hotels but an all-encompassing nature tourism experience. So, make sure you also pack some adventure spirit for your trip!
Book now
In May, Sept, and Oct, prices starting from €167
Saturdays in May, Sept, and Oct at €197
In June, July, and Aug, prices starting from €197
Saturdays in June, July, and Aug at €217
