The Åland Islands, in the Baltic Sea between mainland Sweden and Finland, are part of Finland but you won't find native Finnish speakers here. Ålanders mostly speak Swedish and have more affinity with the Swedish culture. Regardless of the identity issues, the Åland Islands offer visitors opportunities to enjoy seaside vistas from rocky cliffs, rolling green hills, outdoor activities, and Swedish and Russian influences.
What to Do
Rent a bike from the shops at the east or west ports to explore the main island, or hop on a bicycle ferry that chugs through the island waterways so that you can explore multiple islands. Anglers can rent a canoe or fishing poles, while hikers can explore the nature trails that dot the islands. Golfers can play 36 holes at the course near Kastelholm. In the summer, take a lunch or dinner cruise aboard an old fashioned wooden schooner.
Mariehamn is Åland's mostly sleepy main town, except in summer. There is a walkable, pleasant downtown area with shops, cafes, and restaurants. Browse in Marimekko, the Finnish design house, or stop by Jussis Keramik to pick up ceramic shot glasses or a glass blown bird.
On Sund, east of the main island, you can visit the Kastelholm castle, dating from the Middle Ages, and a quaint 800 year old church, Sankt Johannes church. Near Kastelholm is Jan Karlsgården Museum, a pleasant outdoor park with traditional wooden buildings from the islands (and one windmill). At Bomarsund you can climb on the ruins of a Russian fortress built in the early 1800s to safeguard against the Swedes.
When to Travel
The best time to visit Åland is in the spring, summer, or fall. The Åland Islands receive less rainfall than Sweden and Finland because the wind currents usually carry storms to the north or south.
Where to Stay
Hotel Arkipelag and the Park Alandia Hotell in Mariehamn have nice rooms at decent prices. As the sun drops in the sky, the Hotel Arkipelag becomes the center of Åland's nightlife, with live music and dancing in the club.
Where to Eat
The Buffalo Saloon in Mariehamn offers typical pub fare. Indigo Restaurang serves typical Finnish/Swedish food.
How To Get There
Ferries leave daily from Stockholm, Sweden on the way to Helsinki, Finland, and stop in Mariehamn. The trip from Åland to Helsinki is overnight, so book a cabin. You can also take a six hour ferry ride from Turku, Finland.
