Tampere to Guarantee Viikinsaari Ferry Service Next Summer

Hopealinja’s planned shutdown this autumn threatens to cut off public access to Viikinsaari, and the city will guarantee ferry service to the popular Pyhäjärvi island next summer, even if the municipality must operate the route itself.

Hopealinja, the loss-making company that has run the Laukontori–Viikinsaari route, will end operations this autumn after years of financial trouble. The island could be cut off. City officials are still searching for a new private operator but are ready to step in if none is found. Arto Vuojolainen, Tampere’s director of business and finance, said the city will secure traffic to the island to avoid cancelling the summer season. This follows the city's earlier announcement that Suomen Hopealinja would end commercial operations after the 2026 season.

The uncertainty has alarmed island businesses and event organisers. Viikinsaari hosts a summer restaurant, theatre, sauna, a small chapel, and accommodation cabins, and is home to festivals including the metal event Saarihelvetti. Promoter Rowan Rafferty says planning for next year is continuing for now, while Nolla Cabins CEO Roope Lemmetti reports steady demand and hopes the ferry will keep running.