Families from Sweden, Finland and Estonia are regular visitors to the Åland Islands in the summer.
Nestled midway between Sweden and Finland in the heart of the Baltic Sea, the sandy beaches, scenic cycle routes and tiny villages of the Åland Islands welcome Scandinavians looking for an easy summer getaway.
Little known outside the Nordic region, the natural beauty and largely unspoilt nature of these islands provide welcome respite from the bustling Nordic cities. Of the thousands of islands and skerries in the archipelago only a handful are inhabited, leaving plenty of space for enjoying the pristine nature.
Things to do in the Åland islands
Although an autonomous part of Finland, the islanders speak Swedish as their first language, creating a curious melting pot of Nordic culture.
Of course, as with the rest of the Nordic region English is widely spoken so it’s possible to enjoy the islands as an ‘outsider’ too. If you’re planning a trip, consider adding these highlights to your itinerary.
Mariehamn: The charming capital of Åland, Mariehamn is home to the majority of the islands’ 30,000 population but is far from a bustling metropolis. Wander Mariehamn’s quaint streets to enjoy the picturesque harbors and discover Åland’s maritime history. Highlights include the Åland Maritime Museum and the Pommern, a fully rigged sailing ship anchored in the harbor.
Kastelholm Castle: Step back in time by exploring the medieval Kastelholm Castle, located about 16 miles northeast of Mariehamn.
Step back in time and explore the medieval Kastelholm Castle on the Åland Islands.
The castle and its surrounding area once served as a royal residence and prison, but today they offer a fascinating insight into the region's history. Every year the castle hosts a medieval festival with food, dancing and jousting.
Discover the archipelago by boat and cycle: Experience Åland's maritime culture by taking a sailing trip or renting a boat yourself to navigate the beautiful, sheltered waters and islands. Rent a bicycle to explore the well-maintained coastal paths and charming villages.
Birdwatching walks: The islands draw bird enthusiasts hoping to catch a glimpse of the many resident and migratory species. Lågskär island and the Kummelskär bird station are among the best spots, while the Ramsholmen Nature Reserve and Getaberget viewpoint are great places for nature walks.
Visit Åland's churches: The medieval stone St. Olaf's Church in Jomala and the charming stone church on Vårdö are two of the many picturesque churches scattered across Åland.
St. Olaf’s Church is a medieval rural stone church in Jomala, Åland Islands.
Local flavors on Åland
As with many island communities around the world, availability and the seasons dictate the menus you’ll find in restaurants. Historic methods of preservation combine with global spices and fresh ingredients sourced from the fertile soil and long growing season to create menus that are uniquely Åland.
On menus, keep an eye out for the AX label. It means you’ll be eating local ingredients and supporting the local communities. One example is the organic cheese, yoghurt and ice cream made from the milk of the five cows at Mattas gårdsmejeri-farm.
Be sure to also seek out a glass bottle of Amalias Limonad, handmade in southern Åland and containing 20% cold-pressed juice from Åland berries.
How to get to the Åland Islands
Traveling to land by boat is a long-time tradition and very much a part of the Åland experience for both Finns and Swedes.
The quickest routes from Grisslehamn and Kapellskär in Sweden take just 2-3 hours, but most international tourists are likely to want to travel from Stockholm. From the Swedish capital, Viking Line and Tallink Silja both operate ferries that provide a wonderful view of the Stockholm archipelago on the 5.5-hour journey to Åland.
The Åland Islands are a popular vacation spot for Swedes and Finns.
Among the ferry options from Finland include services from Naantali/Turku and Helsinki. From Estonia, Tallink Silja serves Åland on its way to Stockholm. On all ferry services it’s essential to book in advance, especially if you are traveling in the summer and/or with a car.
Just be sure to check which part of Åland your chosen ferry sails to, especially if you are without a car.
Once on the islands, there are regular car ferry services between many of the inhabited islands. Booking in advance is essential, although there are standby lines at the bigger harbors.
It’s also possible to fly to Åland, which is a much quicker option. Regular flights are available from Helsinki in Finland and from Stockholm Arlanda in Sweden. In the years to come, Åland could be one of the first places in Europe to launch commercial electric flights, following a partnership with Swedish company Heart Aerospace.
Where to stay in Åland
One of the joys of a stay on Åland is the diverse accommodation available. Across the islands, many farm buildings and country estates have been converted into guest accommodation.
Granlunda Gård is a new equestrian center with a farm hotel next to the stables, while the simple, four-bed cabin known as the ‘hermit cottage’ is the only one on Sviskär island, meaning guests will have the entire island to themselves.
