Mässkär

The place

Nature station (luontoasema) set up in a former maritime pilot station, on the island of Mässkär in the outer archipelago of Pietarsaari (Ostrobothnia). An island of about 35 hectares, of which 17 are managed by Metsähallitus. Main building built 1956-58, equipped at the time with central heating, running water, radar and radio links with shipping. Ground floor used by the coast guard until 1992; upper floor used as a pilot station until 1994. Current facilities, under the name Mässkärs Naturstation, are run by Mässkärin luotsiasema ry on behalf of Metsähallitus: café, restaurant, bed & breakfast, sauna and conference rooms. A nature trail presents the island's biological and cultural heritage. A very atypical profile: a nature station combined with accommodation, rather than a hiking hut.