Åland - spectacular archipelago with over 6500 islands in the Scandinavian Islands

Ahvenanmaa

Åland

 
Region

The Åland Islands are an autonomous and culturally distinct, Swedish-speaking region of Finland, with its own flag, stamps and license plates.

Across the archipelago of 6,500 islands that make up the Åland Islands, you will find an exciting mix of Swedish, Finnish and Russian culture. The Åland Islands' spectacular scenery and ideal location, set between Stockholm and Helsinki in the middle of the Scandinavian Islands region, makes it a favourite vacation spot for Scandinavians.

Here on these tranquil "Islands of Peace" there are plenty of opportunities to have an active holiday, or to simply relax. The Åland archipelago is a playground for getting to know the great outdoors, with invigorating activities such as kayaking, sailing, biking, hiking and diving – to say nothing of the islands' great sport fishing. Visitors also love taking one of the many archipelago ferries and island hopping out to some of the more remote isles.

Maritime Mariehamn

In the archipelago's main town of Mariehamn the maritime atmosphere is everywhere to be found. Visit the world-famous Maritime Museum and Pommern, a four-masted, 310-foot clipper ship in pristine condition. Sights, restaurants, hotels and shopping – everything is located within convenient walking distance. And don't forget to take home a piece of the Åland Islands with you: genuine, high-quality-design objects, handicrafts and artwork are found in boutiques and galleries all across the islands.

Countryside and archipelago

The Sund municipality on the main island of Åland has been designated as one of Finland's national landscapes. The area is as beautiful as it is historically interesting. In Sund is the fortress ruins of Bomarsund from the Russian era as well as the castle of Kastelholm from the Swedish era situated.

In the 1200s and 1300s, after the heathen gods were abandoned, a surprising number of churches were built on the islands. There are still twelve medieval churches remaining. They are possibly the Åland Islands' most interesting medieval monuments, considering that their original function remains today.

To the east, Åland's archipelago offer an idyllic and slow paced experience. The archipelago ferries connect the main island with the Finnish mainland, stopping at island such as Föglö and Kökar on the southern route, and Kumlinge and Brändö on the northern one. It is popular to go island hopping by bike, car or motorbike. Among the attractions are the scenic island of Källskär belonging to the Kökar archipelago, and the old homestead Hermas on the island of Enklinge.

Åland is the paradise for active outdoor enthusiasts

No matter if you try to break the record for pike, trout or salmon, or are just hunting for nature experiences, the Åland Islands offer one of the most renowned sport fishing grounds in Northern Europe.

Cycling or kayaking is another way do discover the stunning Åland archipelago. On Åland there are four main hiking trails that cover a large area of the main island. With every kilometre, the scenery is new. Forest and hilly slopes alternate with meadows and traditional rural landscapes. And wherever you go, the sea is always near.

Our archipelago is one of the largest in the world. Among the countless islands, there is always something new to discover. It is easy to travel from island to island in the archipelago with the archipelago ferries that run all year round. Bring along your bicycle or kayak and get ready to island hop. You can also sail with a sailing ship in the archipelago around Mariehamn.

Welcome to the Åland Islands, right in the heart of Scandinavia!

Booking Contacts:

Visit Åland

Storagatan 8

22100 Mariehamn

Tel: +358(0)18-24000

Fax: +358(0)18-24265

info@visitaland.com

www.visitaland.com

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