Åland – a special piece of Finland

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.