Nature’s own outdoor gym - a challenge with natural obstacles

- a challenge with natural obstacles

Choose Åland for training or competing, using water and wind to up the intensity of your workouts. It is fun and addictive to test your limits against the power of nature.

The season is long - you can train outdoors all year round. From winter sports to holiday runs, the weather and footing are the only things that vary. But, not all training has to be a struggle - it can be fun, too. We recommend Åland for outdoor training, from the crisp coolness of spring to the clear air of the autumn.

DURING THE YEAR, several fun runs are held, with classes ranging from elite to enthusiasts just having a go. If you love to run, the charity run Mercy Ship Race is worth a look. Your endorphin levels are sure to spike when you run for a good cause!

The classic Kanonloppet run presents a bigger challenge, with its 22 kilometres over varying terrain. You can also choose to run shorter sections or participate in the Ålandsmarschen hike, in which you walk the same course.

If your thing is crawling and running, you should absolutely take part in the Åland Swimrun, where the archipelago is the event venue. The courses pass over islands and cross open water, throwing everything from waves to slippery rocks at you. This is a real challenge, even for seasoned athletes. Fortunately, there are also classes for regular fitness enthusiasts. But, don’t let that fool you - not even the shorter, “easier” courses are as easy as they might sound.

MANY APPRECIATE the fact that sporting events are small in scale and well organised. The mood is familiar and everyone takes part. Participants of different abilities can still run the same races together thanks to the wide range of classes and distances. The possibility of combining training and running with a family holiday is also appealing. While the athletes are doing their thing, the rest can soak up the sun, go swimming and see the local sights. On pages 52 and 55, you’ll find several tips on family activities. ROAD CYCLISTS call Åland the Mallorca of the North, but better! This is due to Åland’s light traffic, excellent roads and beautiful natural setting. A total of 1,100 km of public roads and over 150 kilometres of bike roads are perfect for cycle training.

On Facebook, there are several Åland groups where you can get in touch with other people interested in training in a variety of sports. They often welcome other enthusiasts to their practices and competitions. Check out, for example, Ålandscyklisterna, Åland Springer or Skidspår på Åland.

THEN, TAKE CARE of your aching body by loosening your muscles up in a relaxing sauna.

COMPETE TO YOUR HEART’S CONTENT IN ÅLAND!

HAVSÖRINGSTRÄFF ÅLAND - FISHING EVENT, 22–24 April. SJÖJUNGFRULOPPET - FUN RUN for women in Mariehamn, May. BRÄNDÖLUFFEN - HALF MARATHON and fun run, May. MERCY SHIP RACE - 5 or 10 km charity run, 31 May. TROLLINGTRÄFF ÅLAND - FISHING EVENT, 7–10 June. KÄRINGSUNDSLOPPET - Cycling event, 1–2 July

SEMESTERLOPPET - Running event, 8 July. ÅLAND SWIMRUN, September. KANONLOPPET/ÅLANDSMARSCHEN - 22.5 km or 15 km run/walk, 14 October. NYÅRSRUSET - RUNNING EVENT, 31 December.

Come stay with us at the GODBY HOSTEL

Simple, but charming accommodations in close proximity to the swimming hall, sports hall and gym. We offer a variety of room types, ranging from single rooms to dormitories, with or without breakfast. The hostel has a common room with a television and kitchen, where you can prepare your own meals if you should so desire. The reception desk can also help with tourist information. We are centrally located in the middle of Åland, in the village of Godby, which is an ideal starting point for visitors wanting to explore every corner of Åland by car, bicycle or foot. We are right next to hiking trails, an obstacle course (with climbing wall), a public beach, observation tower, restaurants and so much more. Free WiFi throughout the area. Welcome!

Bärvägen 5, Godby +358 (0)18 41 555 info@idrottscenter.com

HOSTEL

GYM HIKING TRAIL

CYCLING

Welcome to the Åland Hunting & Fishing Museum!

The museum exhibitions tell the story of life in the archipelago and Åland’s fishing and hunting culture, both yesterday and today. At the museum, you’ll learn about Åland’s seal hunts and fishing with purse seines as well as our ship’s anchors and muskets.

Our boat motor exhibition is new this year and the summer exhibition for 2023 is “Relations with the Sea”. Read more about our exhibitions and opening hours on our website. See you this summer!

Adults 8€, Children 7–17 years 4€, Free admission for children under 7 years of age, Family ticket 20€, Pensioners/students 5€

Fiskeläge 37, 22270 ECKERÖ +358 (0)40 588 6716, info@jaktfiskemuseum.ax www.jaktfiskemuseum.ax