The Åland islands
Being in Åland feels like a quiet dream you don’t want to wake from. The sea, the silence, the small details, it all makes you feel at home, even if it’s your first time here.
Visit ålandBeautiful vacation spot Åland
Maybe you’ve just discovered Åland, or maybe it’s a place you already love. To help you get the most out of your visit, we’ve gathered inspiration for your trip. Find places to stay, things to do with children, sights to explore, activities, shops, and restaurants. See you on the island!
5 reasons why Åland is always a good idea
1. Space to breathe
With quiet beaches, peaceful forests, and thousands of islands to explore, Åland is the perfect place to slow down and enjoy nature.
2. Small but full of charm
From the harbour town of Mariehamn to sleepy seaside villages, Åland is packed with cosy cafés, local shops, and a friendly, laid-back vibe.
3. Local flavours you’ll crave again
Think fresh fish, homemade black bread, island cheeses, and cool summer drinks. Simple, honest food that just tastes better by the sea.
4. Easy to get to, hard to leave
Whether you’re coming from Estonia, Finland or Sweden, getting to Åland is easy – but once you arrive, you’ll wish you had more time.
5. Always something new to discover
Each visit brings a new side of Åland – a peaceful path you haven’t walked, a beach you didn’t expect, or a story you hadn’t heard before.
Hotels in Åland
Hotell Pommern
Hotell Pommern is the kind of place where mornings begin with the smell of fresh coffee and a breakfast full of local flavours. It’s one of Åland’s most loved and well-regarded stays – modern, comfortable, and just a short walk from the harbour, shops, and museums of Mariehamn. After a day out exploring, it’s the kind of place you’ll be glad to come back to.
Norragatan 10 A, Mariehamn
Hotel Arkipelag
Hotel Arkipelag is the kind of place where you can hear the sea from your balcony and the town humming just beyond the trees. Set by the water in Mariehamn, it’s known for its bright summer nights, open-air concerts, and that unmistakable feeling that you’re exactly where the action is. Whether you’re here for the music, the view, or a quiet swim before breakfast, Arkipelag lets you slip into the rhythm of island life – with just the right spark of energy.
Strandgatan 35, MariehamnDiscover the island with children
Åland Maritime Museum & Pommern
Imagine life on the open sea – no engine, just wind in the sails and endless ocean ahead. Step aboard Pommern, a fully preserved windjammer that once crossed the globe. Right next door, the Åland Maritime Museum lets you dive into the stories of sailors, shipbuilders, and storms. It’s where Åland’s deep connection to the sea truly comes alive.
Hamngatan 2, Mariehamn
Photo: Therese Andersson / Visit Åland
Lilla holmen
Just a short walk from the centre of Mariehamn, Lilla Holmen feels like a secret escape. Kids can meet birds and bunnies at the small animal park, while grown-ups enjoy a quiet swim or a peaceful stroll by the sea. Pack a picnic, slow down, and soak up the easy pace of island life.
Lilla holmen, Mariehamn
Photo: Rebecka Eriksson / Visit Åland
Åland Hunting & Fishing Museum
In the quiet coastal village of Eckerö, you’ll find a museum that tells the story of everyday life in Åland long before tourism. The Hunting and Fishing Museum is full of old tools, clever inventions, and stories from people who lived off the land and sea. It’s a simple, honest glimpse into island life as it once was – and in many ways, still is.
Fiskeläge 37, Eckerö
Photo: Rebecka Eriksson / Visit Åland
Flowpark Åland
Want to feel like Tarzan? Swing, jump and climb your way through the treetops at this eco-friendly adventure park. With rope bridges and zip lines up to 20 metres high, it’s outdoor fun at its wildest. The park opens at the end of June.
Trollvägen 40, Vårdö
Trollstigen hiking trail
The Tell-a-Tale Trail is a short, 1-kilometre family-friendly hike through coastal landscapes with gentle slopes and beautiful sea views. Along the way, children can discover fairy-tale characters like Big Troll and the Fairy Shepherd through playful story signs. It’s a magical little adventure for curious young hikers.
Getabergsvägen 16, GetaInteresting places to visit
Kastelholm Castle
Kastelholm is one of only five medieval castles still standing in Finland. Its stone walls hold stories of kings, prisoners – and even witch trials. Set among peaceful fields and surrounded by old oak trees, the castle invites you to step back in time and imagine the lives once lived behind its walls.
Tosarbyvägen 5, Kastelholm
Bomarsund Fortress ruins
Just a 30-minute drive from Mariehamn, the ruins of Bomarsund Fortress offer a glimpse into Åland’s interesting past. Built in the 19th century during the Russian era, only fragments remain – but it’s definitely worth a visit for history enthusiasts.
Bomarsund, Sundsvägen
The island of Prästö
Do you dare to visit the “Island of the Dead”? It sounds more dramatic than it is – but there’s real history here. Just across from Bomarsund Fortress, Prästö was home to six Russian military cemeteries in the 19th century. Today, it’s a peaceful island with quiet trails, fascinating stories, and an observation tower offering views across the archipelago.
Prästö
Käringsunds Viltsafari
Ready for a ride to remember? At Käringsunds Viltsafari, you’ll come face to face with red deer, wild boar, llamas and even ostriches. You can also feed some of the animals along the way – a fun and hands-on experience for visitors of all ages.
Gamla Käringsundsvägen 36 , Eckerö
Eckerö Post & Customs House
If you’re inspired by architecture, this one’s not to be missed. Designed by Carl Ludvig Engel and Carlo Bassi, the Eckerö Post & Customs House is considered one of Engel’s most important works. Today, it’s also a vibrant cultural centre with rotating exhibitions and a charming little museum shop.
Sandmovägen 111 , Storby
The Cultural History Museum of Åland
If you want to understand Åland, this is the place to start. The Kulturhistoriska Museum takes you through everyday island life, from farming and fishing to politics and independence. With interactive exhibits and a great location in the heart of Mariehamn, it’s as informative as it is welcoming.
Storagatan 1, MariehamnActive holiday on the island
Cycling
Åland is made for cycling. The roads are calm, the distances are short, and the scenery changes around every bend. You can rent a bike right on the island – no need to bring your own. And if you feel like going further, just catch a ferry and keep exploring the peaceful islands beyond.
Popular bicycle routes
Photo: Rebecka Eriksson / Visit Åland
Kayaking
If you want to experience the true archipelago lifestyle, you’ve got to get out on the water – and kayaking is one of the best ways to do it. Paddle through calm bays, past smooth cliffs and tiny islets, and discover spots you’d never reach by land. The nature is stunning and the silence is calming.
Kayaking in Åland
Golfing
Did you know you can play on one of the best golf courses in all of Europe – right in Åland? The Slottsbanan course is the top course in the country. It’s a great place to enjoy nature while playing a round of golf. And when you’re done, relax with some tasty food and good company at an après-golf spot nearby.
Perfect golf destination
Hiking
Imagine the sun on your face, fresh air in your lungs, and nothing but nature around you. Sounds pretty great, right? Åland has over 40 hiking trails to explore – from easy scenic strolls to longer routes that really test your limits. And the best part? Nature here is open 24/7, so you can hit the trail whenever you like.
Hiking trail map
Disc Golfing
Åland has 16 disc golf courses, with more being added every year. It’s completely free to play, and if you don’t have your own discs, you can borrow some from the Tourist Information at Visit Åland. With sea views, forest paths, and peaceful surroundings, it’s easy to lose track of time out on the course. Give it a try – you might end up playing all day.
Disc golfing courses
Visiting apple farms
Ever heard of an apple safari? At Öfvergårds in Åland, you can join a 1.5-hour guided tour through beautiful apple orchards during summer and autumn. Learn how the apples are grown, taste fresh produce, and experience the heart of Åland’s apple country in a fun and flavourful way
More about the apple farmWhere to go shopping in Åland
Photo: Mikko Suosukainen / Visit Åland
Taffel Factory Shop
Taffel Factory Shop is a must for chip lovers. Located right next to the factory, this little shop offers a wide range of crispy snacks in all sorts of flavours – some you won’t find anywhere else.
Sundsvägen 420, Godby
Ålands Karamelleriet
Ålands Karamelleriet is a sweet stop where handmade caramels are crafted with care. The scent alone will draw you in, and the colourful treats make perfect gifts (if you don’t eat them first).
Slottsvägen 134 , Kastelholm
Viktor Crafts & Design
Viktor Crafts & Design feels a bit like stepping into someone’s creative home. Shelves are filled with locally made crafts, clever design pieces, recycled fashion, and tasty bits from Åland. You can take your time, browse, and then sit down for a coffee in the cosy lounge.
Torggatan 15, Mariehamn
SALT
SALT is a shop by the harbour where local makers sell their work. You’ll find wool, glass, music, books, food, and more – all made by hand in Åland. The things here are simple, beautiful, and full of the island’s spirit.
Österleden 110, MariehamnRestraurants in Mariehamn
Park Restaurant & Bar
Whether you’re up with the sun or out past midnight, Park Restaurant & Bar is a great place to land. Start your day with a quiet breakfast or swing by later as the bar’s open until 2 AM most nights. Their menu is full of local flavours and even beers from Stallhagen and Open Water Brewery.
Norra Esplanadgatan 3, Mariehamn
M/S Sunnan II
Hop on board M/S Sunnan II for a lunch or dinner cruise that lets you explore the Åland archipelago while you dine. Enjoy seasonal dishes as you take in the beautiful island scenery. The onboard bar is available if you fancy a cocktail or a drink. This cruise is a perfect way to combine a great meal with a scenic adventure.
Österleden, Mariehamn
ÅSS Paviljongen
Looking for a special place to eat in Mariehamn? ÅSS Paviljongen is a lovely seaside restaurant with beautiful views of the harbour. The food is fresh and local, served in a charming old pavilion. It is perfect spot for a lunch or a sunset dinner by the water.
Sjöpromenaden, Mariehamn
Sittkoffska Gården
If you want to feel as nice as you do in your own home, head to Sittkoffska Gården in the heart of Mariehamn. This cosy spot serves hearty homemade meals made with local Åland ingredients. Before you leave, pop into the little farm shop and bring a taste of Åland home with you.
Torggatan 13, Mariehamn
Indigo Restaurant & Bar
Indigo Restaurant & Bar is set in one of Mariehamn’s oldest houses. The kitchen puts care into every dish, with local seafood and thoughtful flavours that surprise without showing off. Upstairs, the bar feels like a friend’s living room. In summer, the courtyard opens up, and it’s one of the nicest spots in town to enjoy a cocktail.
Nygatan 1, Mariehamn
Getting to Åland
The easiest and most scenic way to reach Åland is by ferry. Tallink Silja Line offers departures from Tallinn, Helsinki, and Stockholm, making it simple to plan your perfect getaway.
Pick a travel date that suits you and head off to Åland by car, on foot, or even by bicycle. Why not try something a little different this time?
Book a ferry trip