Åland - a Special Piece of Finland

Scroll Down

Article

Åland – a special piece of Finland

Åland - a Special Piece of Finland

The autonomous Finnish province of Åland is located in the Baltic Sea, at the southern end of the Gulf of Bothnia between mainland Finland and Sweden. There’s a score of things to do in this autonomous archipelago community, and a seaside setting is a given.

The Åland archipelago consists of around 6 500 islands, but only more than 60 are inhabited. Åland has its own taxation system, its own postage stamps, its own flag and Swedish as its only official language. For travellers, the Åland islands offer activities from adventurous island-hopping to boating, fishing, golfing and lots more. It’s easy to get from one island to another thanks to the many bridges and ferries, and Åland’s roads are terrific for cycling holidays. Whether sightseeing, relaxing, or getting active is your thing, Åland is definitely worth a visit.

Photo: Visit Åland

Open larger map

Coast and Archipelago

Coastal Finland with its stunningly beautiful archipelago offers a variety of fascinating destinations that are easy to reach.

Coast and Archipelago

Welcome to Åland

The Åland archipelago consists of more than 6 500 islands – most are rocky islets, but more than 60 are inhabited. There are around 25 000 residents on the Åland islands, who make their living primarily from tourism, maritime occupations and banking. Åland’s autonomous status means that the island group has its own government, language and cultural policy. Since 1922, Åland has had its own parliament as well as a representative in the Finnish national parliament. Finnish legislation applies in matters concerning foreign policy, civil and criminal law, customs and monetary policy.

Åland is great for touring on a bike. Roads are flat and ferries and bridges link the numerous islands together. Everywhere is suitable for families and the sightseeing starts as soon as you hop on your bike. Bikes can either be brought over on the ferry or rented in Mariehamn.

Get to Know History in Kastelholm Castle

First mentioned in historical records dating back to 1388, Kastelholm Castle is where Swedish kings, including Gustav Vasa, spent time. For centuries, the main east-west route across the Swedish Empire passed through Åland. Now the castle, with its art collection, is open to the public from May to mid-September.

Island Hopping

Hopping from island to island is the way to do sightseeing in Åland. Thanks to ferries and bridges, it can be done on boat, kayak, car or bicycle. And skates in the winter!

The archipelago ferry will take you on a two-and-a-half-hour journey from Lumparland to Kökar, an isolated island where the ruins of a medieval Franciscan monastery are the main sight. With around 250 residents, Kökar is the second-smallest municipality in Finland.

Go Golfing

Åland has three 18-hole golf courses. Åland Golf Club, a lovely facility with two courses, is located next to Kastelholm Castle. In addition to a beautiful course, Eckerö Golf has a large driving range and lies in the westernmost part of Åland, just five minutes from the harbour where the Eckerö Line ferries arrive from the mainland.

Walk Around Charming Mariehamn

Mariehamn was founded in 1861 by Czar Alexander II, who gave the town its name, meaning ‘Marie’s Harbour’, after his wife. There are only 11 000 residents in Mariehamn, yet the city receives up to 1.5 million visitors per year. In the summertime, Mariehamn’s pleasant cafés and restaurants are lively places.

Capital Mariehamn is the largest – and only – city in Åland. Its wooden houses and green parks provide a great setting for a small-town holiday or a starting point for a tour of the Åland islands.

Enjoy the Peaceful Seascapes

Åland’s residents are excellent seafarers. Maritime occupations, such as sailing and fishing, have always been some of the main means of income here.

In Åland you can spend all day canoeing or kayaking without encountering anyone. Canoeing and kayaking are excellent ways to experience the natural beauty of Åland while getting great exercise – you might even catch a glimpse of a sea eagle!

the Ruins of Bomarsund

The Russian Czar’s granite fortress was destroyed by the British and the French in the Crimean War before it was even completed. Nowadays, visitors can explore the ruins for free, making for a fun family adventure. There’s also a café and restaurant at the nearby campground.

Maritime Museum and Pommern

A local sight not to be missed is the Pommern, a wooden cargo ship (or windjammer) built in the early 20th century.

Now moored outside the Maritime Museum in the western harbour of Mariehamn, the Pommern used to sail the oceans between England and Australia. To make the most out of the experience, a guided tour is recommended.

Fun for Kids

Little visitors to Mariehamn will enjoy the Lilla Holmen island, were children can swim, climb in the pirate ship or visit the birds in the bird house. Worth a visit is also the popular Gröna Udden beach. These are excellent spots for a picnic and sampling an Åland speciality: pancakes with cardamom and plenty of whipped cream.

Things to do in the Åland Islands

Plan at My Stay:

Visit the Maritime Museum

Around the year

Archipelago

Whether you're a salty sea-dog or confirmed landlubber a visit makes for a great day…

Hotel Arkipelag

Around the year

Archipelago

Hotel Arkipelag offers four star rooms with a view of Mariehamn of the sea. The…

Stay Comfortable at Park Alandia Hotell

Around the year

Archipelago

Our hotel is situated right next to the shopping street in the town centre of…

Superior Double or Twin Room

Around the year

Archipelago

Hotel Pommern, located in the centre of Mariehamn, has welcomed travelers since the late 1960’s.…

Bike Rental Åland Islands

Archipelago

Welcome to Åland Islands. We have diverse selection of bikes for rental. Helmets, baskets, bags,…

Turku - Åland Islands Cruise

Around the year

Archipelago

Day cruise to Mariehamn takes 12 hours. Spend a day in the archipelago – cruise…

Day Cruise to Åland

Around the year

Archipelago

Experience the most beautiful group of islands in the world! During the day cruise from…

Accommodation

You might also enjoy these
Coast and Archipelago

On the (coastal) footsteps of Tove Jansson

Tove Jansson, the world-famous Finnish creator of the Moomins, loved the sea. To get into the artist's mindset we visited the Pellinge Islands in Porvoo - her favorite place of all.

Camping in the Finnish Archipelago

The world's largest archipelago, labyrinthine Archipelago Sea off Southwestern Finland, might just be the world's most beautiful setting for a low-budget camping holiday.

Cycling the Archipelago Trail

Shaped by the Ice Age, the Turku archipelago consists of over 20,000 islands and islets.

10 Best Things to do in Finland

So, you're dreaming of coming to Finland for your holiday but not sure where to start planning. Don't worry, we're here to help!

On a Virtual Tour Around Finland

Places like the UNESCO World Heritage site Suomenlinna, Lake Saimaa, Lapland, and the Åland Islands are just one click away. Take a tour of Finland online!

Practical Information for Travelers to Finland during Corona Pandemic

This page contains practical travel information for international travelers coming to Finland during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Article

Åland – a special piece of Finland