Discover Åland 2025 eng

Discover Åland

Culinary experiences and flavours to remember

YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE IS WAITING CYCLING, PADDLING, FISHING, GOLFING

PEARLS OF THE ARCHIPELAGO – a whole island world to discover

Eckerö Linjen

– the bridge between Sweden and Åland

With Eckerö Linjen, you can easily get to Åland in just two pleasant hours. On board, you can enjoy delicious food, shop duty-free, and enjoy the entertainment. Read more about the ferry trip and everything that’s offered on page 4. Take the opportunity to book your entire Åland experience at the same time as the ferry trip at www.eckerolinjen.se. Choose from various types of accommodation, travel packages, activities, and other fun options. When you book a travel package with us, you get discounted ferry tickets!

An Adventure for Children!

Åland offers many activities for children. There’s the play arena Leklandet, a game safari experience, fun museums, and beautiful beaches.

CHILDREN’S ECKERÖ PACKAGE SEK 3,248/4 people

This price includes: passenger and car round-trip tickets with Eckerö Linjen, a game safari experience, and accommodation at Käringsunds Resort & Conference for one night in June.

The fish are biting in Åland!

Åland’s rich archipelago is a true paradise for pike, sea trout, and salmon—a versatile fishing experience suitable for everyone.

FISHING PACKAGE SEK 2,199 /person for 4 people

This price includes: passenger and car round-trip tickets with Eckerö Linjen, use of a motorboat, a fishing permit, and accommodation at Björkvik Cottages for two nights in April.

A taste of Mariehamn

Experience the small town with the sea just around the corner, close to shopping, cosy cafés, restaurants, and museums.

MINIHOLIDAY PACKAGE

SEK 1,120/person

This price includes: passenger and car round-trip tickets with Eckerö Linjen, a three-course archipelago meal with accommodation at Hotel Pommern in Mariehamn for one night in May.

Lovely Cottage Holiday!

Åland has accommodation for all tastes. Luxurious “cliff houses”, cosy cottages, modern hotels, and genuine guest houses.

COTTAGE WEEKEND PACKAGE SEK 3,517/4 people

This price includes: passenger and car round-trip tickets with Eckerö Linjen, accommodation at Käringsund Resort & Conference in May.

COTTAGE WEEK PACKAGE SEK 8,270/4 people

This price includes: passenger and car round-trip tickets with Eckerö Linjen, accommodation at Nordvists Stugor in July.

Golf at its best

Åland has two excellent golfing facilities, Ålands Golfklubb and Eckerö Golf. Reserve a round at one of them or combine the two! There is accommodation located next to the golf courses.

GOLF PACKAGE AT ÅLANDS GOLFKLUBB

SEK 2,834/person

This price includes: passenger and car round-trip tickets with Eckerö Linjen, accommodation at Kastelholms Gästhem for one night in May, including two green fees.

GOLF PACKAGE AT ECKERÖ GOLF SEK 2,190/person

This price includes: passenger and car round-trip tickets with Eckerö Linjen, accommodation at Eckerö Golf’s cabins for one night in May, including two green fees.

Unique to Åland

Since 1954, Åland has had its own flag, which is a red and yellow cross on a field of blue. Åland’s flag day is celebrated on the last Sunday in April.

Åland has its own postal service, Åland Post, which also issues its own stamps. The first stamps were issued on 1 March 1984, and each year approximately 16 new stamp designs are issued.

Ålanders seen driving out in the world are easy to spot, as Åland issues its own vehicle licence plates. Keep an eye out for ÅL.

Population

What a delightful development—more and more people want to live in Åland! Over the past few years, Åland’s population has increased by 200-300 people, and we have also passed the 30,000 mark!

Nearly 12,000 people live in Mariehamn, Åland’s largest city.

The official language in Åland is Swedish. In addition to the 26,000 Ålanders who have Swedish as their native language, there are 72 different languages spoken in Åland.

Åland - Islands of peace

Åland has no military and no active military bases. Ålanders are exempt from military conscription in the Finnish Defence Forces.

100 years of autonomy

Åland is the oldest autonomous region in Europe as well as the smallest. Åland was granted autonomous status in 1921 on the basis of a decision made by the League of Nations in Geneva. A strong movement in Åland had pushed for reunion with Sweden, but Finland did not want to let the island realm go. The decision made in Geneva was a compromise. Ålands first 30-member parliament (today known as the Parliament of Åland) convened for the first time on 9 June 1922, which is celebrated as Åland’s Autonomy Day.

The Parliament of Åland passes its own legislation within a number of different areas, including the economy, education, transportation and health care. The Government of Åland, its regional administration offices and the Parliament of Åland are housed in the Åland Government Building, which is located adjacent to the Mariehamn town square.

The idea of “willfulness” has been the lodestar for Ålanders throughout the entire existence of their autonomy, and will continue to be for at least the next 100 years.

Time and currency

Åland’s currency is the euro and both Åland and Finland are in the Eastern European time zone. When it is 12 noon in Sweden, it is 1:00pm in Åland.

Visit Åland

The office of Visit Åland is located in the shopping centre Telegrafen at Torggatan 6, in the middle of Mariehamn. Stop by Visit Åland if you want to know more about what there is to see and do in Åland! You can also call +358 18 24000, email info@visitaland.com or check out visitaland.com.

Living in Åland?

Åland Living is a great source of information about life in Åland, covering everything from housing and careers to leisure and family life. Find out more at Alandliving.ax.

WELCOME TO ÅLAND, THE ADVENTURE BEGINS AT SEA

On the M/S Eckerö, the journey to Åland becomes part of the experience. Use the time on board to socialize, eat well, shop, and enjoy the views of the archipelago.

WHEN TRAVELLING TO ÅLAND with Eckerö Linjen, you can depart from Grisslehamn in Roslagen at 10 am, 3 pm, or 8 pm. There is plenty of fun to be had during the two hours at sea, and what you don’t have time for on the trip over, you can save for your return journey. On Deck 5 you will find the ship’s information point and large duty-free shop, while Deck 6 is where the restaurants are located. On Deck 7 there is a bar with live entertainment and a bistro, and in the summer you can visit the popular sun deck bar on Deck 8.

THE CHEFS’ MOTTO of preparing truly delicious food is evident in the culinary selection. The well-crafted food is largely made from locally produced ingredients from small-scale producers in Roslagen and Åland. In other words, it is worth travelling with M/S Eckerö just for the food!

THE SHIP HAS FOUR RESTAURANTS, each with a different focus. The selection ranges from prawn sandwiches and home cooking at Kafé Käringsund and food from the grill at Bistro Byholma to creative taste experiences at à la carte restaurant Rospiggen. The buffet restaurant Bornholm is also popular, with dishes that vary with the seasons, from the archipelago buffet and Easter buffet to the late-summer fish and shellfish buffet. The autumn game buffet is one of the highlights of the year, as is the bounteous Christmas table.

MAKE SURE TO VISIT THE DUTY-FREE SHOP Magasin Märket. Åland is outside of the EU’s tax area, so you can buy fragrances, cosmetics, spirits, wine, beer, sweets, handbags, accessories and much more at affordable duty-free prices on board. Current campaigns and offers can be found at www.eckerolinjen.se/taxfree.

THANKS TO ALL THE ENTERTAINMENT on board, there is never a dull moment. Summer parties on the sun deck are among the highlights of the summer months, with their great vibe and refreshing drinks from the bar Båtsman. During the rest of the year, you can hear live music every day, featuring guest artists and the ship’s cruise hosts in the club Klubb Kuling.

As for the little pirates on board, there’s a fun quiz round and a playroom called “Skepp o’ Skoj” that has a pirate ship, slide, and pirate theme. While sitting in Café Käringsund, parents have a good view of the playroom.

ECKERÖ LINJEN

+46 (0)175 258 00 or +358 (0)18 28 300 www.eckerolinjen.se

THE ENTIRE HOLIDAY IN AN EXPERIENCE-RICH PACKAGE

Book your trip to Åland with Viking Line. It is simple and convenient to get everything in the same package, including the boat trip, accommodation, and activities. All you have to do is choose whether you prefer a hotel or cottage life. Then, just pack your bag and step on board.

RELAXATION BEGINS ON BOARD.

It is an experience in itself to slowly travel through the archipelago, so allow yourself to sit back and enjoy the show. Viking Line offers several departures to Åland every day. In addition to all the views, you can easily fill your time on board with food, drink and entertainment. There is something for all ages and tastes, from captivating singers, clever quizzes and the children’s favourite, Ville Viking, to saunas and pampering spa treatments. There’s also shopping with affordable duty-free prices.

FISHING.

Åland is a fishing paradise regardless of the season! Take the family or a group of friends out into the archipelago for trolling, casting, target fishing or dart fishing. Book a fishing package with your own cabin and access to a boat and a fishing license. When booking a fishing guide, all equipment is included.

GOLF.

Fine greens and top-class courses for players of different levels make Åland a popular golf destination. There are two golf clubs and three 18-hole courses here, and thanks to the short distances between them, you have time to play all of them. Plus, the season is long, stretching from May to October.

CULTURE.

Do you want to visit a castle, wander around a fortress ruin or step aboard a real tall ship? Åland attracts visitors with its exciting history and many fine museums and cultural experiences. Here, you get everything from seafaring and fishing stories to contemporary art, literature events and music festivals.

FAMILY.

With Viking Line’s family pass, your holiday trip is guaranteed to be a success. The pass includes entrance to the child-friendly Åland Maritime Museum and the tall ship Pommern, a trip to the Mariebad swimming centre and, of course, pizza. Alternatively, it’s easy to make everyone happy with sunbathing and swimming on the beach or a few rounds of mini-golf.

OUTDOOR LIFE.

The proximity to nature and all the beautiful views encourage an active holiday, whether you want to cycle, hike, play disc golf or go paddling. Åland offers plenty of winding country roads, scenic hiking trails, fun disc golf courses and archipelago islands to discover. Complement the exercise with a refreshing dip in the sea at one of the many public beaches to choose from.

Åland will liven up your holiday

Åland is the perfect destination for those who love being active outdoors. Its beautiful and varied nature offers plenty of activities, ranging from serene tranquility to high-energy adventures. Choose a route and a mode of transportation that suits your preference and skill level, then set out to discover the archipelago’s nature and attractions at your own pace.

PERFECT FOR CYCLING HOLIDAYS.

With cycle-friendly roads, calm traffic, and stunning scenery, Åland is a dream destination for cycling. The winding roads and diverse landscapes appeal to cycling tourists as well as road cyclists who want to stay active while on holiday. Rent a bike for the day or plan a longer excursion. The Åland Archipelago Trail is a route you won’t want to miss— the distances are manageable, with inviting stops for food, accommodations, and refreshing swims.

HIKING AMONG NATURE AND CULTURE.

Åland offers numerous nature and hiking trails of varying lengths. Some lead through nature conservation areas, while others reveal insights into Åland’s culture and history. The Ramsholmen and Nåtö nature trails are especially stunning in the spring. For a longer trek, try the Sadelin trail, the Lemland trail, or a pilgrimage along the St. Olov Waterway.

DISCOVER ÅLAND’S HIDDEN GEMS BY KAYAK.

In a kayak, the water becomes your guide, and with thousands of islands, the possibilities are endless. Here you’ll find everything from calm bays suited for beginners to thrilling paddles in the outer archipelago. Along the way, take breaks to cool off with a swim or simply enjoy the scenery. Preferably, paddle alongside an experienced partner or guide.

DISCOVER ÅLAND WITH YOUR OWN BOAT.

With 6,700 islands and pristine nature, Åland offers both secluded bays and welcoming guest harbours. Avoid the crowds as you explore the archipelago’s islands and inlets at your own pace. Visit uninhabited islands with smooth rock shores and charming natural harbours, then dock for the night to enjoy the warm hospitality of a guest harbor.

With nature as a playing field

We're at our best when we get to be outside in nature, whether it’s to swing a golf club or cast a rod. In Åland, fresh air, exciting adventures, and equally superb greens and fishing waters await.

THE BEST GOLF COURSE IN FINLAND. In 2024, the Slottsbanan course at the Ålands Golfklubb in Kastelholm was named Finland’s best golf course with record scores in categories such as most beautiful course, best design, and best condition and presentation. In addition, Slottsbanan has entered the list of Europe’s 100 best courses, and the tenth hole is considered one of the best in Europe.

FISHING IN BEAUTIFUL ARCHIPELAGO

NATURE. The most popular is pike fishing with a spinning rod, which is easy to understand. Strong pikes over a metre long are not uncommon. Sea trout fishing attracts fishers who seek a challenge in early spring and late autumn. Spring is high season for whitefish, while summer and autumn are the best time for zander. Perch fishing with spinners and jigs for lively perch is a fun summer activity that suits most people, especially families.

PLAY 3 X 18 HOLES. There are three 18hole courses in Åland. In addition to Slottsbanan, which is at the waterfront, the course Kungsbanan at the Ålands Golfklubb is also a possibility, a beautiful hilly 18-hole course with forest surroundings. Another option is a short course with six par-3 holes, which is perfect for anyone who wants to try their hand at golf. You can complete the Åland golf tour by playing 18 holes at Eckerö Golf.

LET

THE

FISHING GUIDE SHOW YOU THE

WAY. The fishing guides are committed sport fishermen who work with their great interest—sport fishing—during all seasons of the year. In addition to equipment and knowledge, you get help finding the best fishing spots. In addition, you will be well taken care of, and the guides aim to give you the experiences they are looking for themselves.

Åland is alive, day and night

It’s not all just sea, nature and relaxation, there is also a lot happening in Åland. Enjoy food, drink, socialising, the night life and entertainment.

THE CALYPSO BAR. Visit The Calypso Bar in the old stone house beside Indigo Restaurant & Bar in Mariehamn for a summer club that has a great atmosphere, delicious cocktails and fantastic music. It’s an indie disco and party club with DJs and an ambitious drink menu. Situated among rock pubs, nightclubs and outdoor dining, the bar is ready to create new festive memories.

VINSMEDJAN. Vinsmedjan in Kvarnbo offers warm hospitality and great knowledge about food and good drinks. Book a culinary wine tasting session with hostess and sommelier Ella Grüssner Cromwell-Morgan. A tasting plate is served with the wines as a perfect starter, and after the tasting you can order a filling “kvarnbröd” pizza for the main course.

COMPAGNIET. Compagniet at Hotell Arkipelag offers a perfect combination of food and fun to enjoy together. Surrounded by Indian-inspired draperies and rugs, you can gather the gang to eat well in the restaurant and try exciting gin drinks in the bar. End the evening by challenging each other to shuffleboard, boules, or billiards. Who will be the winner?

THE WINE BAR IN TELEGRAFEN. A new meeting place in Mariehamn can be found in Telegrafen, where one of the city’s oldest stone buildings is preserved inside a shopping centre. The charming radio repeater station from 1928 now houses Åland’s only wine bar, decorated in an Art Deco style that breathes the elegance of the 1920s. Take part in a wine tasting or sit back and enjoy selected wines in the relaxed environment.

DAHLMANS’ RECIPE FOR SUCCESS IS KNOWLEDGE, QUALITY AND GOOD FOOD

Last year, the family business W.J. Dahlman celebrated 100 years of commitment to Åland food craft. The recipe for success includes fresh ingredients, a great love for the art of cooking and a sense of quality.

YOU ARE GUARANTEED to find at least one Dahlmans product on the shelves of every refrigerator in Åland. From smoked ham for breakfast sandwiches to the weekend charcuterie board, every day becomes a party with Dahlmans’ delicious hamburgers or high-quality meat products, such as grilled entrecôte or perfectly seared tenderloin or butcher’s steak.

IT IS EVIDENT THAT THE COMPANY began its history in 1924 as a sausage maker. Dahlmans wieners are a real classic! They are an everyday-dinner’s best friend and are just as good boiled as fried or in a stroganoff. In addition, the sausages are great for grilling outdoors.

Cold cuts called lördagskorv or “Saturday sausage” and jaktkorv or “hunting sausage” are mild and enjoyable. If you want more heat, you can try Hardcore Chili or Krakova on the grill or as a flavour enhancer in various stews. The Skeppargrill or “Skipper’s sausage” and Lammgrill, a lamb sausage, are flavourful, but not too strong, and pair well with oven-roasted root vegetables during harvest times.

IN ORDER TO SECURE the supply of raw materials and to have full control over the quality, Dahlmans opened an abattoir in 1943, now the only one in Åland. Even today, Dahlmans works with Åland meat production of the highest class, which is guaranteed to be antibiotic-free and mostly involves freerange and natural grazing animals. More than 70 percent of the lamb meat is also organic; there is not a single farm in Åland that is classified as an industrial large-scale farm.

Food that tastes good is something you want to eat again and again until it becomes tradition. That’s why it’s not Christmas without Christmas ham, rullsylta (rolled jellied meat), prinskorvar (cocktail wieners) and salami from Dahlmans.

W. J. DAHLMAN AB

Karlbergsvägen 5, Mariehamn, +358 (0)18 528 000, info@dahlmans.ax, www.dahlmans.ax

Lamb grill with flavourful seasoning and a lot of character from ingredients such as ginger, nutmeg, chili, coriander, cloves and garlic.

In Åland, the restaurants are close together, only the views vary from islands and skerries to countryside and high cliffs. How many culinary experiences do you have time for?

CREATE NEW FLAVOURFUL MEMORIES

M/S SUNNAN II. Welcome aboard to experience good food and the archipelago in a pleasant combination on the steamship from 1906. After the departure from eastern Mariehamn, all you have to do is relax and enjoy some tasty dishes and nice views at your own pace. Take a lunch or dinner cruise, try a shrimp feast or come along to Degerby or Kastelholm. Live entertainment on selected days. www.sunnan.ax/en

THE VIKING VILLAGE IN SALTVIK. Experience a Viking-era feast with thematic food, drink, and clothing. A different experience in the spirit of the Viking Age with the opportunity for Viking games, combat demonstrations, and musical entertainment for companies, celebrations, groups, and school classes. Tors Tak is a new spot next to the longhouse with seating for many guests. www.fibula.ax

SOLTUNA RESTAURANT & CAFÉ. Enjoy good coffee or hearty and well-crafted food in combination with a fantastic view at Soltuna restaurant and café at the top of Getabergen. In between meals, you can go for a round of disc golf or hike to Geta Cave. Also try Soltuna’s incredible Christmas food selection with more dishes than you can imagine. www.soltuna.ax

KALLAS STADSKROG. The city pub Kallas Stadskrog is located in one of Mariehamn’s finest stone houses from 1927. You are welcome to pop in for a tasty lunch or a bite to eat and a glass of wine in the evening. In the welcoming and relaxed environment, the chefs serve a menu created from the season’s best ingredients. In summer, there is an outdoor dining area open on the grounds.www.stadskrog.ax/en

KALLAS ARCHIPELAGO. The beautiful environment and good food entice visitors to Kallas in the archipelago municipality of Vårdö. The farm restaurant is located in an old barn, but in summer you are welcome to sit outside in the large and lush garden. On the menu, you will find everything from freshly caught fish to Kalla’s own hot-smoked and cold-smoked fish. There is also dry-aged entrecôte. www.kallas.ax/en

KALLAS ARCHIPELAGO

KALLAS STADSKROG

SOLTUNA

VIKING VILLAGE

M/S SUNNAN II

ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST BEAUTIFUL ARCHIPELAGOS

Åland consists of a main island in the west and six archipelago municipalities spread out in a lovely formation of islands in the east. The larger ones are inhabited, and you can access them with your own boat or with the island region’s archipelago ferries.

KUMLINGE. This archipelago municipality consists of the main islands Kumlinge, Enklinge, Seglinge, and Björkö. Each island has its unique nature and character, from coniferous forest on Enklinge in the north to hazel woods on Seglinge in the south. Nature is always close by and full of things to experience. You can explore marked hiking trails, take a kayak tour, or fish from a boat in any season.

BRÄNDÖ. Jurmo in Åland’s northeastern archipelago is one of Brändö’s 1,200 islands and a place for those looking for peace and relaxation. The island is easy to visit. You can dock at the guest harbour if you come with your own boat; otherwise, you can take the archipelago ferry from Åva. Once there, an idyllic archipelago village surrounded by beautiful nature awaits. On the island, long-haired Highland Cattle are a common sight, and they help keep the cultural landscape open.

SOTTUNGA. In recent years, the small harbour in Sottunga has become a lovely meeting place in the archipelago. Strandhugget B&B offers a seaside location and an extraordinary breakfast, while the summer restaurant Salteriet is widely known for its Wiener schnitzel. Come with the archipelago ferry or with your own boat. There is both a guest harbour and a visitor pier. Play a round of disc golf and finish with a dip in the sea. There is even a diving platform on the quay.

FÖGLÖ. The archipelago village of Degerby developed during the 15th century thanks to its proximity to King Valdemar’s sailing route. At that time, customs, pilotage, trade, and accommodation were important business activities. Many reminders remain in the village from that time. To this day, you can stay overnight in the historic courthouse and guesthouse Enigheten, which dates back to the 18th century. The customs guard’s old residence now houses a library and tourist information.

KÖKAR. In Åland’s southernmost municipality Kökar, the myth-surrounded island of Källskär attracts visitors with its interesting glacial formations and unexpected environments created by the Swedish baron Göran Åkerhielm in the 1960s. On a barren island out in the ocean, a Mediterranean garden meets Finnish-Nordic-style buildings. The baron loved guests, and one of them was the writer and artist Tove Jansson. During the high season there are daily guided tours from Hotell Brudhäll.

VÅRDÖ. Last year, Vårdö-based author Anni Blomqvist’s novels about Maja on Stormskerry were given new life, this time as a film directed by Tiina Lymi. The film was mainly shot on Åland. In reality, Maja’s island is called Väderskär and is located in the Vårdö archipelago. On the island of Simskäla, you can visit author Anni Blomqvist’s home Strömmen. You can also find Åland’s smallest museum in an old telephone kiosk in Vargata with an exhibition about the history of the telephone exchange.

Föglö invites you to dance and let loose

Venture out into the archipelago and discover a happy and lively municipality with a packed calendar of summer events. Celebrate Midsummer, dance rockabilly and take a spin to the tunes of Lasse Stefanz during the dance band festival.

FIRST ON FÖGLÖ’S EVENT LIST is the traditional Midsummer celebration on 20 June with pole-raising events in three different villages. A perfect way to experience surroundings in the archipelago municipality! Föglö Day on 28 June is a real highlight, featuring a market and activities on the Degerby square.

IN JULY, AN INCREDIBLE WEEK of dance and music awaits. How about a dance band festival and a country market with pre-parties, non-stop dancing, live bands, DJs, and singers? The Åland Dance Band Festival, this year being held 5–12 July, has truly taken the concept of quayside dancing to a new level. Lasting eight days, the festival has become the longest dance band festival in the Nordics. Try out the good food and take a spin or two along the shoreline; the dance floor at the archipelago pub Seagram is right by the water. Experience performances by some of Sweden’s best dance bands, from this year’s newcomers Lasse Stefanz, Sannex and Donnez to established favourites Larz-Kristerz, Black Jack and Casanovas.

Meanwhile, the folksy market called Countrytorget is being held 4–13 July with food, drinks and music. Admission

to the square in the heart of Degerby is free. The first weekend includes delightful rockabilly music from the 50s and 60s, Brylcreem, and jiving legs. The rest of the week features after-beach fun with solo singers and live bands.

After the festival week, summer will continue with entertainment on the square every Tuesday until the beginning of August. Visit the tourist information point on the square for tips on things to see and do. Föglö offers everything from disc golf, hiking trails and museums to beaches and farms to visit. Many also choose Föglö for its calmness and nature. Rent a cabin and enjoy yourself in peaceful surroundings.

FÖGLÖ

Tingsvägen 3, Degerby www.foglo.ax www.dansbandsfestival.nu

The country square and the dance band festival attract many returning visitors, and it’s easy to see why.

Take the archipelago ferry from Svinö or visit Föglö with your own boat. In Degerby, there are two lovely guest harbours.

THE SEA AND NATURE

LEAVE NO ONE UNTOUCHED

It is easy to become addicted to the archipelago life. Turn your gaze towards the horizon and feel the calm come over you. It’s relaxing without being boring. Quite the opposite. The experiences here are neverending, regardless of whether the sun is shining or a storm is raging. KUMLINGE www.kumlinge.ax KÖKAR www.kokar.ax SOTTUNGA www.sottunga.ax

EVERY ARCHIPELAGO MUNICIPALITY has its charm. From Finland’s smallest municipality Sottunga with just over 100 inhabitants to Kökar in the southern outer archipelago. Also discover Vårdö’s lush apple orchards and the island municipality of Kumlinge, surrounded by fairways in the middle of the archipelago. One thing is common for each archipelago municipality: the sea and nature are always present, and the hospitality great. Choose between a cabin, hotel, guesthouse, camping site, or guest harbour, then all you have to do is come and enjoy life in the archipelago. Visit the archipelago’s restaurants and cafes, or shop locally in the small, but well-stocked, grocery stores.

THERE ARE SO MANY SIGHTS worth seeing. In the Middle Ages, King Valdermar’s sailing route went via Kökar, where a seafarers’ chapel and a Franciscan monastery were built on Hamnö. Today you can visit the monastery cellar with relics from the monastic period. At Enklinge in Kumlinge, the archipelago homesteader Hermas tells about the hard life of the fish farmers. Also visit Kumlinge’s church with its impressive chalk paintings. On Vårdö, Åland’s school museum, Seffer’s homestead and Wennström’s general store present older times from different perspectives. On Sottunga, the red chapel, one of three wooden churches on Åland, is worth seeing.

THE ISLAND WORLD IS MADE FOR activities all year round. Rent a bike or kayak if you want to see nature up close. Or hike! All municipalities offer nice hiking trails. You can also fish, play disc golf or tennis, work out at a gym, or sunbathe and swim. Discovering the archipelago is easy. Take your car or bike on the archipelago ferries, or visit the islands with your own boat, for there are many guest ports. There is even an airfield on Kumlinge!

WANT TO STAY LONGER? The archipelago municipalities welcome new residents and offer fibre-optic internet, seaside living, and most importantly, real quality of life! Get in touch with the municipalities if you are interested in a tour of daycare centres, schools, libraries, or residential areas. Discover a life in the archipelago!

VÅRDÖ www.vardo.ax

Stop for some good food at Gullvivan’s restaurant or stay overnight in the guest harbour.

From island to island – to a hotel

If you appreciate peaceful surroundings and yearn for a lot of sea and islands, Hotel & Restaurant Gullvivan in the archipelago municipality Brändö is for you.

GULLVIVAN IS KNOWN FOR its proximity to nature and the water that surrounds the entire hotel area. When you visit Gullvivan at the end of May, it is easy to understand where the hotel got its name. Then the entire cape is yellow with blooming cowslip flowers, “gullvivor” in Swedish. Did you know that the cowslip is the flower of Åland?

The hotel nurtures the blooming flowers in the green area. It’s nice to stroll along little paths by the beach and enjoy the changing seasons.

THE ARCHIPELAGO HOTEL IS OPEN YEAR-ROUND for reservations, while the restaurant opens during the peak season or in conjunction with bus tours and other group bookings. The surroundings inspire creativity, and Gullvivan is also a place of wellness. The hotel is popular with groups who want to gather around music, choir singing, painting or yoga. Especially during spring and autumn when the pace is at its calmest.

Cyclists and motorcyclists enjoy the winding roads on Brändö. The roads and bridge banks that stretch towards Fiskö are especially beautiful.

Gullvivan has 31 rooms with a sea view. There is a small

beach by the beach sauna. There is also a guest harbour with full service and docks for both overnight boat guests and restaurant visitors.

The new glass house on the veranda by the restaurant has a fireplace and is a cosy season extender. It’s also perfect for rainy days.

MOST REGULARS STAY FOR A WEEK and enjoy the archipelago life, and some visit Gullvivan several times during the season. There are boats, bicycles and kayaks for rent. You can also play both mini golf and 6-hole disc golf.

HOTEL & RESTAURANT GULLVIVAN

Björnholma, Brändö

+358 (0)18 56350, gullvivan@aland.net www.hotellgullvivan.com

THE ADVENTURE BEGINS ON BRÄNDÖ FOLLOW THE ISLANDS' STRING OF PEARLS

Brändö consists of more than a thousand islands, but only ten of them are inhabited. The islands are connected in a winding road network of bridges, causeways, and archipelago ferries. This means varied views and fun driving...or cycling!

BRÄNDÖ IS ÅLAND’S northernmost municipality. You travel here with Ålandstrafiken’s archipelago ferries from either the archipelago of Southwest Finland or the main island of Åland several times a day. It just takes 40 minutes from Vuosnainen in Kustavi to Åva in northern Brändö, or 2.5 hours from Hummelvik in Vårdö to Torsholma in western Brändö. You can fill the travel time with beautiful views of the archipelago. Once there, there are ten charming archipelago villages to discover, from Jurmo in the north to Asterholma in the south. Many people cycle or ride motorcycles from village to village.

YOU ARE WELCOME TO VISIT THE CHURCH DEVOTED TO SAINT JAMES. It is located by the old postal route and is one of three wooden churches in Åland. The sights also include the village harbour in Åva with its multitude of red boathouses, typical of the Åland archipelago. Also visit the archipelago museum on the island of Lappo, which tells about life in the archipelago in the past and shows aspects of traditional Åland archipelago and fishing culture. The museum’s collection of old wooden utility boats is one of the largest in the Nordic region.

THE SEA, CALMNESS, AND NATURE among the islands and skerries attract many who want to enjoy life in the ar-

chipelago. Here, you can do everything, or nothing. A calm and pleasant week in a cottage by the sea is often the most appreciated. It is close to services, especially in summer, with many fine restaurants and cafes. Sauna, bathing, good food, and socialising are the recipe for a good holiday.

COMBINE REST with experiences in nature. The nature path on the island of Jurmo is a favourite. Higland Cattle graze along the trail. There is an observation tower here, as in the village of Torsholma. You’ll also find nature paths on Jåsholm and Lappo. Sport fishing, paddling, and boating are popular, and there are three popular guest harbours in Brändö.

If you want to experience true archipelago life, there are several nice plots of land for sale for those looking for permanent accommodation. Contact the municipal office if you want to know more!

BRÄNDÖ MUNICIPALITY

Nottholmsvägen 71A, Åva +358 (0)18 56500, kansli@brando.ax www.brando.ax

You can travel from island to island with Ålandstrafiken’s archipelago ferries, which transport cars, bicycles, and passengers.

Travel with Ålandstrafiken!

You get to see a lot of Åland when you choose to take public transport. Local buses operate on the main island, while the archipelago ferries connect the islands in the archipelago municipalities.

ON THE MAIN ISLAND OF ÅLAND, there are four main roads that run in different directions. Local buses run along these roads on five routes, and the buses on routes 4 and 5 are adapted to coordinate with the itinerary of the archipelago ferries. A bus ticket is valid for two hours, and you can change buses freely during that time.

There is also local transport in the rural municipalities if you want to see more of Åland along the smaller roads. On most islands in the archipelago, you can book local transport that will pick you up at the ferry. There are city buses in and around Mariehamn.

WHERE THE COUNTRY ROADS END, the island region’s archipelago ferries take over. The ferries depart from Hummelvik in Vårdö to Osnäs in Gustavs and from Långnäs in Lumparland to Galtby in Korpo several times a day. To reach Vårdö, follow Main Road 2. A short trip by cable ferry is included. The ferry runs frequently and does not need to be booked in advance. From the Hummelvik ferry harbour, you can then continue east in the archipelago to Kumlinge and Brändö via the northern route.

To visit Sottunga and Kökar in the southern part of the archipelago, you travel from the harbour in Långnäs, at the end of Main Road 3. If you want to travel between the northern and southern archipelago, you can take the Cross Line which connects Kumlinge and Föglö.

The easiest way to get to Föglö is from Svinö in Lumparland via Main Road 3. The Föglö ferry makes many trips daily and operates without individual bookings. However, you do need to reserve a parking space on board the ferries that operate the Northern, Southern and Transversal Lines!

IT’S A GOOD IDEA TO BOOK THE TRIP well in advance. You get a 20 percent discount if you book and pay for your ferry ticket online. The same discount applies to the online purchase of open tickets that are valid throughout the year, but these do not provide a reserved spot on board. Please consider cancelling your reservation if your travel plans change—you’ll avoid additional fees, and other travellers can use the spot.

ÅLANDSTRAFIKEN

Styrmansgatan 1, Mariehamn +358 (0)18 25 600, info@alandstrafiken.ax www.alandstrafiken.ax

Ålandstrafiken belongs to the transport agency in the Department of Infrastructure, which is part of the Government of Åland.

The nicest way to travel

It’s nice to be home, but nothing beats travelling. Out at sea or beyond, the very essence of travel unfolds during the journey. There is no shortage of beauty to admire while cruising to Åland through Finland’s glorious archipelago. Regardless of your port of departure – Helsinki, Tallinn, Turku or Stockholm. Soothing for the eyes, but also for the soul.

If you were to book now, when would you be on board?

An active holiday AMONG THOUSANDS OF ISLANDS

The archipelago nature of Åland offers so many experiences that it’s best to seek the help of local experts. Contact a guide and book a package that suits you!

FISKELYCKAN. Guided fishing excursions offer unique and complete fishing packages with boats, motors, a large boathouse, fantastic fishing waters, and accommodation in a secluded, well-equipped cottage by Norrhavet Sound. You can also book archipelago excursions and affordable, professional fishing guidance with or without accommodation. www.fiskelyckan.ax

KÄRINGSUND RESORT & CONFERENCE. Here, there are truly activities for everyone, whether you want to run, hike, swim, mountain bike, or just relax by the pool. Rent a kayak or go on a jet ski safari, challenge the family to disc golf or paddle, test your balance on a SUP board, book a fishing trip, or play some table tennis or football. www.karingsund.ax

RO-NO RENT. Rent a bike or a speedboat and discover Åland from the road or the sea. RO-NO has rental locations in Mariehamn’s western and eastern harbours but also offers transport of rental bikes and boats across Åland's main island. If you’re energetic, choose a geared bicycle; otherwise, an e-bike is a good option! www.rono.ax/en

SOMMARÖGÅRD. Sommarögård is a family-run business that invites you to experience ecological farming and adventures in the archipelago municipality of Föglö. Book a cosy farm visit and learn more about life out in the country. You can meet all the farm animals who live here: cows, sheep, chickens, rabbits, and ducks. Then treat yourself to a cuppa with home-baked goodies. You can also purchase fish and the farm’s meat products. www.sommarogard.ax

LÄGERELDEN. Excursions including fishing and nature experiences in the Åland archipelago are always memorable, especially if you book a tour with an experienced sportfishing guide. With Lägerelden, you can fish for pike, perch, and sea trout, and the fishing guides will customise an experience according to your preferences. The guides also offer activities for those who want to do more than just fish. www.lagerelden.ax

SHIPLAND. Join Shipland on a guided island-hopping tour and visit lighthouses, pilot stations, and remarkable islands—or book a Geocache excursion to the lighthouse island Lågskär. You can go alone, with friends or colleagues. Choose a ready-made package or customise your own experience. A water taxi is also an option for small and large groups. www.shipland.ax

BICYCLE FERRY AND SÄLSKÄR LIGHTHOUSE. Where the road ends in Skarpnåtö, Hammarland, you can continue with the bicycle ferry Silvana to Snäckö in Geta, and vice versa. In 2025, everyday departures will run 23 June–24 August. Book a sea trip with Silvana to Sälskär’s stately lighthouse, Wednesday evenings 25 June–13 August. The visit includes a guided walking tour of the lighthouse. www.silvana.ax

A RICH CULTURAL LIFE WITH MANY HIGHLIGHTS

Fill your trip to Åland with memories and unique experiences. Many unforgettable events and other attractions await here.

KOBBA KLINTAR. The old pilot station and museum at the entrance to Mariehamn is easy to visit both with and without your own boat. When the flag is raised, the cafe is open. Exhibitions are arranged in “båken”, or the beacon, and humorous works of art by Juha Pykäläinen appear here and there. From seagulls with swimming goggles to the seal in the harbour pool.

KATRINA CHAMBER MUSIC.

August means chamber music festival in Åland. As per tradition, Katrina Cultural Association invites you to top-class concerts around Åland 5–9 August. Cecilia Zilliacus (violin) is the festival’s artistic director. This year she explores the theme of “The Little Mermaid” through enchanting and magical chamber music. This year’s composer is Minna Leinonen. The programme includes free concerts as well as meetings with composers and musicians.

THE ART CIRCUIT.

What does it look like when an artist works? Every year during The Art Circuit, known in Swedish as Konstrundan, artists welcome visitors to their studios. This creates the opportunity for interesting encounters and discussions. This year, this beloved event will take place 6–7 September.

ECKERÖ POST AND CUSTOMS HOUSE.

This year, the Post and Customs House will introduce two new permanent exhibitions. Begin your visit with Åland handicrafts and design in an exhibition with selected objects from the museum’s own collection. Then continue with the postal route, post rote and the interesting history of the customs service. One floor up, the summer exhibition draws attention to Åland ceramicists Judith Bradley, Paul Bradley, Mia Englund, and Marilinn Lund.

MARITIME QUARTER.

Close to the centre of Mariehamn, you will find an oasis for sailing ships and wooden boats with a small seafarers’ chapel at the end of the pier. Wander around the red storehouses and along the piers, and join in the happenings. From hammers striking in the smith’s forge to arts and crafts and the ongoing construction of the galeas Emelia.

CHRISTMAS MARKETS.

A taste of Christmas awaits you on the Saturday before the first Sunday in Advent when the Åland residents celebrate “lillajul”, or “Little Christmas”, with a traditional Christmas market at the Jan Karlsgården open-air museum. Here, you can find most anything related to Christmas. Several Christmas markets are also organised at the end of November and in December, including in the Maritime Quarter and at the market square in Mariehamn.

”I embroider my thoughts, thoughts that feel important to me. With my embroideries, I want to evoke memories in the visitor in different ways.”

ÅLAND ISLANDS ART MUSEUM EXPLORES NEW FORMS OF CAPTURED MEMORY

This year, the Åland Islands Art Museum invites you to exhibitions that present memories in various ways. From small embroideries with dates that must not be forgotten to art of what was once forgotten and is now found—and an entire life’s work.

THE ÅLAND ISLANDS ART MUSEUM presents Åland art from a broad perspective, from paintings and sculptures to installations. The art museum’s collective exhibitions depict the art history of Åland and change form every year. In addition, the museum hosts special exhibitions that continuously offer visitors new art impressions and influences.

THIS SUMMER’S EXHIBITION fills the entire art museum with tiny stitches by artist Barbro Eriksson. Eriksson has worked with the connection between the hand, the brain, and the heart and has embroidered metres of messages in different languages on textiles that have been in the linen cupboard for generations. Part of the exhibition shows dates that Barbro has embroidered every day since the war in Ukraine broke out, as a way of dealing with a worldview that had completely changed.

DURING THE FALL OF 2025, the art museum will show an exhibition with visual artist Minna Öberg, photographer Tiina Tahvanainen, and textile artist Matilda Karlström. All three

base their work on found materials: burnt boards, abandoned books, and salvaged textiles. Through paintings, photography and installations, they explore the theme of Memories together.

THE LAST EXHIBITION OF THE YEAR is a collaboration with the Cultural History Museum of Åland, where the life’s work of late city architect Folke Wickström is presented. As a city planner, his starting point was always to preserve the old building stock in Mariehamn. The exhibition highlights Wickström as an architect, drawer, debater, and visionary.

THE ÅLAND ISLANDS ART MUSEUM

Storagatan 1 Mariehamn, +358 (0)18 25 426 www.konstmuseum.ax

Barbro Eriksson, sculpture.

Tiina Tahvanainen, photo.

Discover Åland from past to present

A tour through Åland’s history begins at the Cultural History Museum of Åland, which presents the archipelago’s 7,500-year history in its permanent exhibition.

THE CULTURAL HISTORY MUSEUM guides you through a chronological story from the time of the first arrivals to today’s global and self-governing society. Along the way, you will learn that the tenacious islanders have hunted seals, subsisted on agriculture and fishing, sailed the world’s seas and been a part of Sweden, Russia and now Finland.

The museum also introduces Kastelholm Castle, Eckerö Post and Customs House and Bomarsund Fortress, and ties historical clues together into a single story.

THE CULTURAL HISTORY MUSEUM ALSO PRESENTS several themed exhibitions. This spring you get to discover a whole new world under the surface of the Baltic Sea together with Husö biological station, the artist Katja Syrjä and the Baltic Sea Fund's Åland prize winner Tore Lindholm. The exhibition "Algae of the Archipelago meets art: A journey of discovery!" brings the archipelago's microscopic and macroscopic algae to life through a unique combination of science and art. The result is a visually striking experience where film, light and visual art show the marine biological research on Åland and the importance of algae.

This summer's exhibition "MOPEDEN – a Swedish design

history" highlights the moped's journey from a simple means of transport to a stylish object of youth culture and personal expression in 1950s and 60s Sweden. The autumn ends with an exhibition about the late city architect Folke Wickström, in collaboration with the Åland Islands Art Museum.

CHILDREN ALSO ENJOY cultural history, which they discover together with the mascot Kluris. The shop corner with inspiration from an old general store is a favourite. Here the children stay for a long time and play before continuing to the children's island to play games and build lighthouse models. There are also tip tours and other activities for children who want to discover Åland's history.

ÅLAND'S CULTURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

Storagatan 1, Mariehamn +358 (0)18 25426, info@museum.ax www.kulturhistoriska.ax

The Cultural History Museum of Åland often holds lectures and themed guided tours that highlight interesting parts of Åland’s history.

Plenty of exciting history in a small area

Discover the well-preserved ruins of a medieval castle, hear the cautioning tales of a prison museum, and learn what an Åland farm might have looked like in the past.

KASTELHOLM CASTLE HAD ITS HEYDAY during the Vasa era in the 16th century when Åland was a Swedish castle province, and Gustav Vasa and his sons ruled. For several hundred years, the castle was Åland’s administrative centre, where both royalty and other fine folk passed through. Celebrations included fantastic feasts, where fine game meat and hundreds of litres of beer were enjoyed. Doesn’t that sound wonderful? In the castle’s children’s corner, anyone can try on medieval-style clothes fit for a castle to get a taste of extravagant princess life or to experience wearing real chain mail like a knight!

On a more serious note, the women accused of witchcraft in Finland’s largest witch trial were imprisoned in the castle. The stories of Kastelholm, both good and bad, come to life through the castle’s museum hosts and guides, who bring life to memories of the past in these historical surroundings.

AT THE JAN KARLSGÅRDEN OPEN-AIR MUSEUM, you can learn more about everyday life in the past. People lived in harmony with nature, animals and the sea. The houses were built by the farmers themselves. Furniture and other objects were also produced on the farms. There really is a lot to discover

here, from climbing-friendly wooden horses to a multitude of buildings to peek into.

Wednesdays in July are artisan days, sometimes featuring rope making, other times blacksmithing or butter churning. Children can participate in activities such as crafting, bun baking, and more.

THE VITA BJÖRN PRISON MUSEUM shows, in an imaginative way, how the view of punishment, and the daily life of prisoners, has changed over time. From the horrible whipping post in the yard, where other prisoners would watch the one who was whipped, to something more like today’s correctional treatment.

KASTELHOLM AND ITS SURROUNDINGS

Slottsvägen 110, Kastelholm

+358 (0)18 25000, kastelholm@museum.ax www.kastelholm.ax

During the high season, there are guided tours of the castle every day, which are appreciated by visitors.

Great contrasts between the prisoners’ cells in the prison museum Vita Björn and the idyllic Jan Karlsgården.

A FASCINATING PORTAL TO ÅLAND’S PAST

Bomarsund’s fortress is preserved as a memory from an important part in the story of Åland. By visiting the fortress ruins and the Bomarsund Visitor Centre, you can immerse yourself in the area’s exciting history. You will encounter 19th-century life in Åland and the events of the Crimean War, which for a few days put Åland on the world map.

THE STORY OF BOMARSUND actually begins when Sweden lost Åland and Finland to Russia after the war of 1808–1809. Since Åland became the Russian Empire’s westernmost outpost, Russia began the construction of an impressive coastal fortress in Bomarsund in 1830.

However, the fortress was never completed before it was destroyed by French and English forces during the Crimean War in 1854 after only three and a half days of fighting. This year the visitor centre is drawing attention, in various ways, to the history of the area from a maritime perspective.

AT THE VISITOR CENTRE YOU CAN EXPERIENCE Bomarsund’s rise and fall with the help of films and selected objects. Before you wander further among the ruins in the area, you can learn about life in and around the fortress, both the everyday and the festive. You can also learn more about the area’s part in the grand political game surrounding the Crimean War.

Of course, it is fine to visit the Bomarsund area even without seeing the exhibition, but taking part in the sequence of events before seeing the remains with your own eyes really enhances the experience. The visitor centre is open from May to September, and the ruins can be visited all year round. There are two hiking trails here, one in Bomarsund and one in Prästö, as well as nice views from Djävulsberget and the ruins of Notvikstornet.

THIS YEAR, THE EXHIBITION INCLUDES a new family-friendly route where all young visitors (and curious adults) can learn about the Bomarsund area from a local mythical animal, Skarp. It can be helpful to download the app for Åland Museum. The app provides access to everything Skarp has to say directly on your mobile phone. Alternatively, you can ask for a free information leaflet from the Visitor Centre’s reception.

BOMARSUND VISITOR CENTRE

Bomarsund, Sund

+358 (0)457 350 0596, bomarsund@museum.ax www.bomarsund.ax

History comes alive when objects from the Bomarsund period meet films and computer-generated content.

The Åland Maritime Museum, a world-class museum

The Maritime Museum’s unique collections are an incredible experience. If you combine them with the interactive visitor experience on board the tall ship Pommern, the visit will be unforgettable!

THE ÅLAND MARITIME MUSEUM is about experiencing and discovering. The museum is filled with lots of story treasures and personal destinies. The mighty and ever-present sea takes centre stage. Best of all are the environments that take you on board and show glimpses of life at sea through the ages. For example, you can hoist the sails, see what the sailors packed in their chests, or enjoy the splendour of the captain’s salon on the Herzogin Cecilie.

THE MUSEUM’S TEMPORARY EXHIBITION tells the unlikely story of Runar Husell, a captain and model builder. See the incredible model of the four-masted barque Ponape, which Runar built from memory while serving as a prisoner of war during World War II. The model, with its size, wealth of detail, and functioning deck equipment, continues to fascinate visitors.

TAKE THE FOOTBRIDGE over to Pommern, the four-masted steel barque launched in Glasgow in 1903, which has sailed the wheat routes between Mariehamn and Australia. From May to September, come aboard and join a fictional 100-day voyage around the

world. The visitor experience on board brings to life everything you’ve discovered in the Maritime Museum’s collections, allowing you to feel and experience a sailor’s life on the Pommern with all your senses.

There is still life and movement on board. All decks offer a visitor experience, and maintenance work is even done using traditional craftsmanship methods. Through this, old knowledge and seafaring traditions are preserved. As a visitor, you are welcome to stop by and see how the work is done. Feel free to ask questions if there is anything you are wondering about.

Discover Pommern together. Begin on the weather deck where you walk around with an audio guide and eavesdrop on the crew. While adults listen to their audio guide, children can have the same adventure with the ship’s rat, Ruby. Ruby and the sounds of departure are so realistic that many little listeners have been convinced that the ship is actually about to leave the dock.

Below deck, you can experience the journey in two new ways. First, you can test and try out things yourself, and then a powerful weather experience awaits you in the form of a sound and light show in the cargo hold.

THE MUSEUM VISIT becomes even more enjoyable when the whole family is having a good time. At both the Maritime Museum and Pommern, children get to be at the helm and steer the ship. Here, children and adults can discover and learn together, and even try things out in practice. For example, can you distribute the cargo on a cargo ship without it capsizing? Treasure hunting with the museum’s mascot, the ship’s rat, Ruby, and the imaginative playroom “Ruby and the Sea” are among the highlights. The pirate flag is a unique treasure that provokes the imagination.

THE ÅLAND MARITIME MUSEUM

Hamngatan 2 Mariehamn, +358 (0)18 19 930, info@sjofartsmuseum.ax www.sjofartsmuseum.ax

Events are happening all the time at Alandica. The full calendar with easy ticket booking can be found at Alandica.ax.

A vibrant venue for meetings and events

Almost anything is possible at Alandica Culture and Congress Centre. The only limitation is the imagination.

THE CULTURE AND CONGRESS CENTRE in the middle of Mariehamn is a natural meeting place for conferences and various events. Alandica has hosted everything from international science fiction conventions to small family christenings. It works just as well for two people at a wedding as it does for hundreds of people at a lecture.

FROM THE OUTSIDE, Alandica looks like it is made up of three islands in different colours. The multifunctional building is designed by Kjaer & Richter and consists of clean lines and materials. Indoors, the islands merge into a stylish whole that is suitable for dinners and corporate events as well as weddings, galas, and graduation ceremonies.

In the building, there are several meeting rooms, music, and theatre halls, an auditorium for 200 people, and a large hall for 600 people that still feels small and intimate, suitable for lectures and large performances alike.

THE FOYER IS BOTH FUNCTIONAL and beautiful with its hanging lamps, large glass panels, and a view of the water. It’s a great place for events such as trade fairs, concerts and re-

ceptions. Thanks to its flexible spaces, Alandica has also hosted a variety of cultural events, including concerts, opera, theatre, and dance performances. The venue has also welcomed circus artists, magicians, and illusionists.

Standup comedy is popular in Åland, and several of the big names in the standup scene have performed at Alandica over the years, for example Robert Gustafsson, Henrik Schyffert, David Batra, and Johan Glans. Next up is Carl Stanley in September 2025.

ALANDICA CAN BE RESERVED to host breakfasts, lunches and dinners, as well as cocktail buffets and gala dinners. The café and bar are open during events.

ALANDICA CULTURE AND CONGRESS CENTRE

Strandgatan 33, Mariehamn +358 (0)18 24570, info@alandica.ax www.alandica.ax

A POWERFUL AND GRIPPING STORY TOLD THROUGH MUSICAL THEATER

The Katrina Cultural Association`s mission is to develop the Åland music scene. This summer they will re-enact the new version of Katrina - a musical theater. A award-winning mezzo-soprano Erica Back will again star in the title role.

THE NEW VERSION was praised last year by audiences and critics. This summer you’ll get another chance to discover Katrina, as the production returns to Alandica with a choir and a large orchestra.

Behind Katrina’s story is the Åland writer Sally Salminen, whose novel Katrina is an important part of Åland’s cultural heritage. The book became an international success when it was published in 1936 and is now part of Finland´s literary canon. Sally Salminen (1906-1976) was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature three times in her lifetime.

The production’s new script is written by the director Ida Kronholm in collaboration with poet and writer Carina Karlsson, both from Åland. Together, they have breathed new life into this powerful and moving story. Join us on an emotional and visually beautiful journey to the tunes of composer Jack Mattsson’s (1954–2007) beloved music and linguist Lars Huldén’s (1926–2016) lyrics.

THE NOVEL IS ABOUT KATRINA, a farmer’s daughter from Ostrobothnia who meets Ålander Johan, gets married and moves to Åland. Here, the harsh archipelago life is not quite what Johan had promised. Through Katrina’s eyes, we get to

Also check out the Katrina Chamber Music festival, which takes place in 5-9 August 2025.

see everyday life among the poor and rich around the turn of the last century.

From the moment the curtain rises until it falls after the final act, Katrina is on stage. In Erica Back’s portrayal, you get to meet a hard-working woman and mother who does not shy away from challenging the village’s strong man. Through her unwavering sense of duty and justice, she eventually earns respect while reconciling with her fate.

Among other soloists in the ensemble, we find baritone Leonarde Brändström in the role of Johan and bass-baritone Philip Björkqvist as Captain Nordqvist.

KATRINA – A MUSICAL THEATRE PRODUCTION 4–6 July 2025 at Alandica Culture and Congress Centre, Strandgatan 33, Mariehamn. Ticket booking via www.alandica.ax, learn more at www.katrina.ax

The ensemble includes a choir of 20 people, an orchestra of 30 musicians. The performance lasts 2.5 hours, including an intermission. Tip!

COLOURFUL AND DISTINCTIVE CRAFTSMANSHIP FROM SALT

You’ll be delighted to visit SALT Arts and Crafts, the store where vibrant colours and bold patterns meet soft and stylish elements in a playful and irresistible combination.

THE RED CRAFTS HOUSE SALT is located at the quayside in the Maritime Quarter of Mariehamn. Here, six artisans have workshops and sell their products in an inspiring community. In addition to beautiful items from potter Siv Linney and textile designers Ann Granlund, Gunilla von Nandelstadh, Ilse Berg, Marie Lundgren and Anna Nilsson, the shop is filled with handmade items and award-winning craft food by select artisans and food creators from Åland. This means indulgence in beautiful and creative craftsmanship—from textiles, silver, ceramics and glass to wood, wrought iron, apple must, and chocolate.

IN CRAFTSMANSHIP, beautiful design meets the practical. This results in unique items that you can use every day. In this way, traditional craft methods are preserved while evolving and taking on a modern expression with each artisan’s personal style. Always a perfect gift, whether it’s for yourself or someone else.

THE MARITIME QUARTER and the view of the sea bay in the eastern harbour are worth a visit in themselves. The impressions continue among all hand-printed fabrics, woven carpets, beautiful jewellery, elegant ceramics, needle-felted cushions, knitted mittens, and all the creatively reused items. It’s extra fun to know that you always meet one of SALT’s artisans in the store. Take the opportunity to ask your craft-related questions!

SALT LOVES LIFE AND MOVEMENT and gladly participates in various events, such as the spring tar market in the Maritime Quarter, the beloved autumn event Harvest Festival Åland, and the Christmas market in the Maritime Quarter. As part of these events, Café SALT opens, always with delicious home-baked goods and often accompanied by lively music. A novelty this summer is that SALT is opening a gallery on the upper floor. There, you’ll discover the exhibition “Shimmer and shards”.

SALT CRAFTS HOUSE

Maritime Quarter, Österleden 110, Mariehamn +358 (0) 18 21505, salt@salt.ax www.salt.ax

SALT is the largest store in Åland and features craftsmanship, artisanal food, and design exclusively from Åland. Open year-round.

Did you know that Åland tastes like wild strawberries?

When the confectionery Ålands Karamelleriet captures the taste of Åland in its handmade candies, it tastes like wild strawberries. Try an Åland Flag candy, too!

BEHIND ÅLANDS KARAMELLERIET is Anna and Obi Marquardt from Bremen, Germany. The couple opened their candy factory on Walpurgis Night in 2021, and their delicious sweets immediately became popular Åland souvenirs.

- We make candies by hand the old-fashioned way in our candy kitchen in Smakbyn. The kitchen is open so anyone can observe the process and get to taste fresh samples! explain Anna and Obi.

INSPIRATION FROM GRÄNNA Anna and Obi’s path to Åland was inspired by Anna’s grandfather, who got hooked on a tourist advertisement about fishing in Åland back in the 1960s. Since then, four generations of Anna’s family have visited Åland every summer.

- And when you drive all the way from Germany with four children in the car, you have to stop and eat some polkagris on the way, Anna remembers.

That’s why the family always used to stop in Gränna to watch “polkagris” peppermints being made when they travelled through Sweden. It was so inspiring that Anna’s parents finally decided to open their own candy factory in Bremen in 2009, Bremer Bonbon Manufaktur.

- Both Obi and I worked there during and after our university studies and learned the craft.

Self-employed After their studies, Anna and Obi wanted to do something completely different, and during another Åland summer, the idea of staying there was born.

- When we decided to move to Åland, we took the confectionery with us, says Anna Marquardt.

MANY FINE family favourites

Fill the leisurely days of the holiday with plenty of time together. A string of happy days where everyone is having fun.

HIGH ALTITUDES.

At the Flowpark adventure course in Vårdö, you can challenge yourself high up in the trees. Often the height is the most pulse-raising—at the highest, you climb to about 15 metres above the ground. Luckily, there are courses at lower altitudes and at five different levels.

TASTE THE ICE CREAM!

Discover Åland by going from ice cream stand to ice cream stand. You can find delicious ice creams and nice excursion destinations throughout Åland, including in the Maritime Quarter in Mariehamn and at Lemström Canal in Lemland. By the canal, built in 1882, you can sit down and watch the boats go by or let the kids run around in the grassy areas. Or, combine the ice cream with a walk through the leafy meadows of Ramsholmen in Jomala. The lush nature trail is just the right length at 1.5 kilometres.

MARIEBAD.

At the Mariebad swimming centre, the whole family can splash around and play in the water. In addition to the lap pool with eight lanes and the shallow pool for the youngest ones, there is an adventure pool with a water slide, fun streams, and an outdoor pool. In summer, you can play beach volleyball or take a dip in the sea at Mariebad’s own sandy beach.

ADVENTURE GOLF.

A round of adventure golf offers a fun mix between golf and mini golf. At Eckerö Camping you can play a 12-hole course with different themes for the holes, then continue the tournament on Ångbåtbryggan’s adventure golf course in Mariehamn. If you like mini golf, you can find courses at various places in Åland, including Gröna Udden Camping in Mariehamn and Soltuna Restaurant and Café in Geta.

VISIT A PLAYPARK.

Children can have fun using up some of their energy at the indoor playpark Palleralla in Jomala. Here, you’ll find activities here for children of all ages. From slides, obstacle courses, trampolines, and climbing walls to air hockey, arcade games, and VR games. Tired adults can take a break in the café, which has a good view of the play area.

Sun and swimming can satisfy the whole family. Luckily, there is plenty of both in Åland.

Warm summer days

DEGERSAND. The long stretch of beach at Degersand, with its unbroken horizon towards the sea in the west, is a site loved by all. Both young and old like to throw themselves into the waves and swim around in the sea. Plus, there is a beach bar and a popular restaurant for when you get hungry or thirsty.

BAMBÖLE. Small children like a sandy beach, and older children enjoy jumping from a diving platform. Bambölevik in Finström has both. Here, you’ll also find expanses of smooth bedrock, grassy areas, and picnic tables with a fire pit. The swimming area is located in a sheltered bay where the water is often a little warmer than in other places.

LILLA HOLMEN. A stone’s throw from the square in Mariehamn is Lilla Holmen, a sweet little island with a long shallow sandy beach, a longer pier, a floating dock for swimmers, and a fun ship-themed play structure in the playground. On the island are also rabbits, peacocks, swings, and fun obstacle courses. The beach is accessible, with a ramp and changing rooms. In addition, a swimming wheelchair is available to borrow. You can reserve it via the city of Mariehamn.

VÄSTERVIK AND NOTPLAN. At Västerviken in Haraldsby in Saltvik, there is a sandy beach, diving platform, and volleyball net. However, the beach is not shallow. For families with smaller children, Notplan in Kroklund is more suitable. Here, you’ll also find a diving platform, a sandy beach and a beach volleyball court.

SINTING. Sinting, a swimming beach in the village of Degerby on Föglö, is a true pearl of the archipelago. There’s a sandy beach that is appreciated by the youngest in the family and a diving platform for those who like to jump into the sea from higher heights. There is also smooth bedrock perfect for sunbathing, as well as a pier for those who come with their own boat.

A GREAT ENVIRONMENT FOR FUN EXCURSIONS

Discover Åland by land or sea and make use of the pit stops to savour delicious food and enjoy sightseeing. You don’t even have to bring your car with you on the trip, you can easily rent one at Rundbergs Bil & Service.

ÅLAND’S ARCHIPELAGO IS A BOATER’S PARADISE. The nature is incomparable, and there are so many different route possibilities. Waterways are rarely crowded, and guest harbours and guest piers are spread out across a large part of Åland. Circumnavigating the main island is just one of several popular alternatives.

Åland is also a perfect place to discover by car. The scenery is stunning, ranging from quaint villages and rolling fields to glimpses of the sea. The distances between beaches, ice cream kiosks and attractions are just right.

FOR THOSE SEEKING A RENTAL CAR, Rundbergs Bil & Service offers a variety of car models in different sizes for all occasions, including plug-in hybrids and fully electric cars.

If you order the car directly to the terminal in the western harbour, the airport, a hotel in Mariehamn, or one of the city’s guest harbours, it will be waiting for you upon arrival. It’s also possible to have the rental car delivered on the main island of Åland, for an additional fee.

IT’S WISE TO USE THE MAP of filling stations for cars and boats when planning your Åland excursions. The stations are often located near popular service hubs that can include everything from excellent restaurants to attractions. For example, the boat filling station at the fishing village in Käringsund is close to the Åland Hunting and Fishing Museum, Käringsund Wildlife Safari, and the gastropub Bodegan. And the filling station at Kastelholm’s guest harbour is located beside the castle, Smakbyn, and other attractions in the Kastelholm area.

The service station in Mariehamn has generous opening hours and fast chargers for electric cars.

RUNDBERGS BIL & SERVICE

Strandgatan 1B, Mariehamn

+358 (0)18 525 502, bil@rundbergs.com www.rundbergs.com

OUR BEST TIPS FOR PLEASANT AND SAFE CYCLING

Cyclists enjoy Åland’s winding roads, and there are cycling tours available in all directions, sometimes following bike paths and other times along meandering village roads.

CYCLING HOLIDAYS IN ÅLAND are popular among both recreational and road cyclists, who call Åland the nordic Mallorca, only better! This is thanks to light traffic combined with excellent roads and beautiful scenery. In total, there are 1,100 kilometres of public roads and over 160 kilometres of bike paths, perfect for cycling at any pace.

FOR A SAFE AND PLEASANT BIKE RIDE, consider the following! A bicycle is a vehicle, meaning the same rules apply to cyclists as to car drivers. For cyclists, this means righthand traffic on both roads and bike paths. Always look in both directions at intersections and never drive straight into the intersection.

As always in traffic, be careful, consider the circumstances, and be attentive in all situations. Interaction with other road users is important; remember to signal well in advance! Also, check that you can turn without risk, remember to look behind you before turning.

It’s safest to ride single file. Bicycles with more than two wheels may not travel side by side.

DON’T FORGET A BIKE HELMET and preferably use a reflective vest. A safe bicycle should also be equipped with a bell, functional brakes, a white reflector in front, a red reflector in the back, two orange spoke reflectors, preferably a chain guard, and front and rear lights.

Familiarise yourself with all road signs that are important to know before you cycle.

ENJOY YOUR CYCLING JOURNEY!

THE GOVERNMENT OF ÅLAND

For tips and advice, visit: www.regeringen.ax/infrastruktur-kommunikationer /trafiksakerhet/cykel

Cycling is simple, inexpensive, and gives you plenty of fresh air. At the same time, you get to experience Åland at a comfortable pace.

Create holiday memories for the whole family with excursions, events and fun experiences.

Collect fine family gems

KÄRINGSUND WILDLIFE SAFARI.

Join us on a game safari and visit red deer, wild boar, ostriches and llamas in the game enclosure. It is an incredible experience to see the majestic animals up close. You may also even be able to feed some of the animals. The safari wagon departs every hour on the hour during high season. Feel free to also visit the safari shop. www.granbergs.ax /viltsafari

ÅLANDS KARAMELLERIET.

All confections are handmade with great passion in the old-fashioned way. Choose between traditional and modern flavours, from the classic “polkagris” peppermint to the gin and tonic candy. Visit the small candy makers’ shop in Smakbyn and see how natural ingredients are turned into tasty and colourful candies and lollipops. Samples are available! Thursdays in July and during the Harvest Festival you can make your own lollipop. Follow us on Facebook.

ECKERÖ POST AND CUSTOMS HOUSE.

Join mascot Ekke and discover the old post and customs house, which will soon turn 200 years old. The newly built children’s room is great—children like to stay here for a long time and play and do crafts while adults have fun with crafts, design and learning about the history of the house. The sheltered courtyard is perfect for children who are full of energy. www.museum.ax

VIKING MARKET 24–26 JULY.

Step into the age of the Vikings at the Saltvik Viking Market. During the three-day market, Viking groups from east and west will gather in the Viking village. Listen to hammers striking in the smith’s forge, battle cries of Viking warriors and Old Norse music. Food, drink and crafts will be sold, and there will be a varied programme of children’s activities and entertainment. www.fibula.ax

ÅLAND HUNTING AND FISHING MUSEUM.

Visit the Åland Hunting and Fishing Museum for educational experiences about animals, nature and Åland hunting and fishing culture, from seal hunting to the children’s herring market. You can also learn about spring bird hunting and different types of boats, weapons, and trophies. Go on trivia quests, play games, check out the museum shop, and try the pearl excavation. www.jaktfiskemuseum.ax/en

ÅLAND HUNTING AND FISHING MUSEUM

VIKING MARKET

ECKERÖ POST AND CUSTOMS HOUSE

ÅLANDS KARAMELLERIET

KÄRINGSUND WILDLIFE SAFARI

FROM SPRING SOWING TO AUTUMN HARVEST

Spring and autumn are times for festivals in the countryside when growers and producers welcome visitors to their farms during Åland Greens and Harvest Festival Åland.

IN BOTH SPRING AND AUTUMN, you can meet local producers, have unique taste experiences, and buy sustainable products directly from the farms. Enjoy delicate spring produce in May, then in September you can pick up preserves, juices, cheeses, and freshly harvested delights. Both events are equally popular thanks to the family atmosphere and welcoming vibes. It can also be a fun way to travel around and discover Åland.

ÅLAND GREENS takes place in the spring, 24-25 May, and marks the start of a new growing season. Nature will have just woken up and the farms are full of life and sprouting greenery. Enjoy spring weather, apple blossoms, and the first produce of the year.

HARVEST FESTIVAL ÅLAND is held 19–21 September and is Åland’s biggest event of the autumn with many nice sites, restaurants, and fun pop-up events. During this time, Åland’s raw materials and products are in focus, and there is a lot to choose from. It is a festival where old meets young, consumer meets producer, and you get to take part in Åland crafts, activities, and good food during the height of harvest time.

Several excursion destinations have catering, so you can enjoy local delicacies on site. One idea is to jump-start the festivities the week before the harvest festival weekend by feasting on the restaurants’ specially composed harvest festival menus.

KEEP IN MIND that the programme varies from day to day. Take a look in advance and design a schedule tailored for you in the Harvest Festival Åland app. Here, you will find programmes and all the information you need about both Åland Greens and Harvest Festival Åland. Some want to visit as many sites as possible, while others aim for a selected few. Either way, you have a wonderful Åland weekend to look forward to!

A relaxing stay all year round

Newly renovated rooms with sea views or the evening sun, sauna and pool, several restaurants, nightclub, and bars, live music, and the most popular dance floor.

FOOD, ACCOMMODATION, RELAXATION, ENTERTAINMENT, AND FUN—you’ll find it all at Hotel Arkipelag in Mariehamn. The hotel is located overlooking the water in the eastern harbour of the city and is within walking distance to the beach Lilla Holmen. The hotel is also enticing with its fine sauna area and pools both outdoors and indoors. On sunny days, the pool area with a summer restaurant is very popular; many head to a sun lounger right after breakfast and stay all day. Families with children also enjoy the pool area and the playroom.

ALL ROOMS HAVE THEIR OWN BALCONY. Either with the morning sun and a view of the sea or the evening sun and city views. The suites, family rooms and most of the double rooms have been recently renovated. The interior is decorated in a Nordic style with Åland elements noticeable in a modern and timeless expression. This Green Key-certified hotel also offers accessible rooms.

THE RESTAURANT COMPAGNIET is worth a visit in itself, but even more so considering the imaginative decor. Step in, and you’ll find yourself in Asia among brass, tigers, and billowing fabrics. It’s truly a delight for all the senses. Try fantastic drinks from the bar or treat yourself to some of the tasty items on the menu. After dinner, you can stay and socialise. Borrow a board game or challenge your dinner companions to shuffleboard, billiards or lawn bowls.

THE HOTEL’S RESTAURANTS prioritise using local ingredients to provide guests with a thorough Åland experience. You’ll find the taste of sea buckthorn, apple, and rhubarb in both the breakfast selection and in other dishes and drinks. And you can’t leave Åland without trying the classic Åland pancake!

ARKIPELAG IS ALSO A POPULAR MEETING PLACE. Flexible spaces mean that the hotel welcomes everything from smaller groups to large conferences. In the bright conference rooms, there is room for up to 180 people, while the banqueting rooms can welcome groups of up to 600 people. The wave-shaped bar Dyningen is a tribute to the sea, with jellyfish and wave shapes recurring throughout the entire ballroom.

Hotel Arkipelag is next door to Alandica Culture and Congress Centre.

HOTELL ARKIPELAG

Strandgatan 35, Mariehamn. +358 18 24020, info@hotellarkipelag.ax www.hotellarkipelag.ax

Inspiring surroundings for meetings and life’s festivities

You and your group get your own island and all the amenities you could wish for when you book Silverskär Islands, a unique place in the northern archipelago of Åland.

SILVERSKÄR ISLANDS OFFERS EXCLUSIVE experiences for groups on Silverskär, Sviskär and Klobben. Which of the islands suits you best depends on how big your group is and what purpose you have with the booking. Team building and meetings work just as well as weddings and birthday parties, with or without overnight stays.

Silverskär is an old archipelago homestead and the carefully renovated estate Mellangårds is a memory from that time. Since then, new buildings with modern amenities have been erected on the island without losing the charm of archipelago life. The innovative kitchen is housed in Norrgårds, while the neighbouring Ladugårds serves as a banquet hall and conference room.

KLOBBEN IS AN ISLAND ON THE EDGE OF THE SEA where you can meet with colleagues during the day or spend the night in cottages that remind you of fishing villages of old. All packages from Silverskär Islands also include a sauna and good food, and you’ll leave with wonderful lasting archipelago memories. Each summer, individual guests can enjoy the surroundings by booking a summer dinner at Silverskär or by joining an open

island excursion to Klobben. If you want to really relax, choose the “hermit hut” at Sviskär, perfect for 1–4 people.

THE IMPRESSIONS START ON BOARD the boat that takes you out to the islands, and it becomes rather difficult to put your finger on what it is that makes Silverskär so good: the surroundings, of course, and the well-crafted food. The hospitality and the relaxed atmosphere. Sauna, pentathlon, fishing, kayaking and other pleasant group activities. The feeling that anything is possible, from boat trips where you get to know Stormskerry Maja to champagne adventures and Silverskär’s collaboration with Veuve Clicquot.

SILVERSKÄR ISLANDS

Saltviks norra skärgård +358 (0)18 52 55 65, info@silverskar.ax www.silverskar.ax

At Silverskär Islands, the visit will be something out of the ordinary, regardless of whether it is a conference or a party.

RECHARGE YOUR BATTERIES IN ÅLAND

Åland's Sports Centre and Godby Hostel consolidate a variety of aspects of sports in a single place. Discover a complete facility for accommodation, health and training in the middle of Åland.

WHETHER IT’S A TRAINING CAMP or a cycling holiday, it's convenient to stay close and have everything gathered in one place. The hostel is just a few metres away from the sports centre, which has a hall for indoor sports, a gym and indoor swimming pools. Outside, there are tennis courts, exercise tracks and new exercise stairs, plus rentable bicycles. In other words, the training opportunities offer both quantity and variety. Both athletes and enthusiastic recreational exercisers love it here.

IN THE SWIMMING HALL THERE IS A LAP POOL with a timer and the possibility of underwater filming. The therapy pool is perfect for rehabilitation, while families appreciate the children’s pool. Naturally, there is a sauna.

The sports hall is suitable for most indoor sports, such as volleyball, badminton, tennis, table tennis, handball and floorball. If a team wants to practice against local teams, it can be arranged.

THE HOSTEL IS A CONVERTED SCHOOL where you can lodge in anything from double rooms to a large dormitory with up to 20 beds. Toilets and showers are in the corridor. There is a well-equipped kitchen and a larger dining room for groups. Common areas also include a TV lounge.

MANY CHOOSE GODBY as a base for their cycling holiday. The location is perfect for day trips with excellent destinations in all directions. For example, the swimming area at Degersand Beach in the west and Bomarsund Fortress in the east, or the disc golf course at Soltuna in the north and all the attractions of Mariehamn if you cycle south. If, for a change, you want to experience Åland on foot, there is a hiking trail just around the corner. It is also within walking distance to grocery shops in downtown Godby and the panoramic café Uffe på Berget.

ÅLAND'S SPORTS CENTRE

Bärvägen 5, Godby +358 18 41555, info@idrottscenter.com www.idrottscenter.com

There is a 7.5-km trail in Godby, called Godbyrundan, that offers varied nature and breathtaking views. The trail also passes through a forest park with about ten foreign tree species.

Family-friendly and comfortable accommodation in the middle of Mariehamn

Choose Park Alandia Hotel when you want a quiet and comfortable stay close to nature while still centrally located in the city.

MARIEHAMN IS KNOWN for its lush esplanade lined with linden trees, where every season has its charm, from the buds of spring and the green ceiling of summer to the masses of yellow leaves in autumn. Even winter’s bare treetops, illuminated by the city lights, are beautiful. At Park Alandia Hotel, you have a front row seat to the show. It is especially lovely in summer when the linden flowers are fragrant. Fortunately, the hotel’s large outdoor dining area gets ample sunshine plus a view of the esplanade.

AT THE FOUR-STAR PARK ALANDIA HOTEL, all guests, both young and old, are comfortable. From couples, families and pensioners to business travellers, conference attendees and sports or school groups. The rooms are decorated in a warm, harmonious style, and are quiet despite the hotel’s central location. You won’t be disturbed by the city life or the pleasant atmosphere in the hotel’s restaurant and bar.

Park also prides itself in its accessible rooms on the first floor, which have been highly rated by guests with mobility impairments.

IT’S EASY TO FEEL AT HOME at Green Key-certified Park Alandia Hotel. You’ll sleep well in comfortable beds, you’ll be

well looked after by the staff, and you’ll eat a good breakfast buffet featuring many elements from Åland. Morning sauna and pool access are included, but you can also rent the entire area for yourself.

At the heart of the hotel is the reception with its relaxing lounge. Regardless of whether you speak Swedish, Finnish or English, you will get answers to your questions about the hotel, Mariehamn and experiences in Åland.

WITH A POPULAR À LA CARTE RESTAURANT and a bar that showcases singers or live bands every weekend, you really have everything under one roof. You don’t even need to leave the hotel.

PARK ALANDIA HOTELL

Norra Esplanadgatan 3, Mariehamn +358 18 14130, info@parkalandia.com www.parkalandia.com

100% ÅLAND

DON’T SETTLE FOR LESS

Henrik Nordström at the incoming travel agency Ålands Turist & Konferens tailors and books trips to Åland for all types of groups. As an Ålander with over 40 years of experience in booking travel packages, he knows everything worth knowing about trips to Åland.

IT IS SMART AND CONVENIENT to let an experienced travel organiser book the entire trip. Usually, a phone call or an email with preferences for the programme and activities is enough for Henrik and his team to offer a complete travel package.

YOU’LL ALWAYS BE OFFERED A PRICE-WORTHY TRAVEL PACKAGE, regardless of whether you and your friends want to fish together in the famous pike-rich archipelago around Mariehamn or if your group wants to play golf on Ålands Golfklubb’s fantastic courses at Kastelholm. For those eager to golf, there is also the option of playing on the slightly easier course at Eckerö Golf.

SOMETIMES IT CAN BE DIFFICULT to know what you want —but never fear, there are ready-made packages to choose from. At www.turist-konferens.ax, you can familiarise yourself with perfect packages for golfers, sport fishermen, kickoff events, conferences, school groups and seniors.

GOLF PACKAGE – ÅLAND ALL-IN-ONE

• Boat trip on the routes Grisslehamn–Berghamn, Stockholm–Mariehamn or Turku–Mariehamn.

• One or more nights at a hotel of your choice in Mariehamn, a guesthouse/B&B/cottage near Ålands Golfklubb or at the exclusive Havsvidden Resort.

• Two or more rounds with ideal tee times on your choice of course: Slottsbanan, Kungsbanan, or Eckeröbanan.

FISHING PACKAGE – BASIC OR PRO

• Optional boat trip to and from Åland.

• Two or more nights at Hotel Arkipelag in Mariehamn or at Rundbergs Stugor in Kungsö.

• One or more fishing trips in the archipelago around Mariehamn, on your own or with a professional guide.

Henrik Nordström is an avid golfer at Ålands Golfklubb and a pro at exclusive golf packages with games on the coastal Slottsbanan and scenic Kungsbanan in Kastelholm.

ÅLANDS TURIST & KONFERENS

Småholmavägen 160, Mariehamn, +358 (0)457 526 7087, henrik@turist-konferens.ax www.turist-konferens.ax

Enjoy the comfortable hotel life

With three hotels in Mariehamn, Ålandhotels always has an option for you. Choose between the downtown hotels Pommern and Savoy or Hotel Adlon by the city’s western harbour.

MARIEHAMN IS A PERFECT DESTINATION for a short vacation, whether you visit the city as a couple or travel with family, friends or colleagues. The pace is slower, and there is time to socialise. Outside the hotel you’ll find shops, cosy cafés, and several museums that impress with art, cultural history, and maritime exhibits. It is also close to activities for the family, such as the swimming centre, cinema, and bowling yearround.

HOTEL POMMERN is known for its restaurant Kvarter 5, which entices with à la carte, tasty lunches, and playful creativity in the kitchen. The Friday evening after-work menu with three small courses plus dessert is also popular. One tip is to order something delicious from the wine bar, preferably with a savoury little snack, and enjoy it in the hotel’s lounge. The rooms are stylish, comfortable, and adapted for the hotel’s various guests. Choose between family rooms, Moomin rooms, or double rooms of different sizes, and sleep well in comfortable beds. The business rooms are specially adapted for those who travel for work and prefer to work in the hotel room.

POMMERN'S SISTER HOTEL SAVOY is popular among group travellers and families with children. The hotel’s sauna and pool area offer a cosy lounge, where a group can hang out and socialise after a swim. You will enjoy a quiet stay centrally located in Mariehamn.

AT HOTEL ADLON, you can enjoy the sauna and dips in the pool. The hotel also boasts a popular pizzeria, a sports bar, and a waterfront view in the city’s western harbour. Children and teens can enjoy the large social areas on the hotel’s bottom floor, which includes playrooms, ping-pong tables, board games and the possibility to play Playstation. In the lobby, you can start a historical maritime tour with pictures from the bathing house era and the history of the harbour before walking towards the Åland Maritime Museum and the tall ship Pommern.

WHETHER YOU WANT TO GOLF, go on a family vacation, or look forward to a relaxing weekend with good food, Ålandhotels offers travel packages for you. All you need to do is get in touch, and Ålandhotels will take care of the rest.

Ålandhotels is also a pro at various kinds of group arrangements: everything from meeting packages in modern spaces to school trips with educational programmes and sports groups with booked training times in excellent sports halls. Of course, travel, accommodation and fun activities are all included.

ÅLANDHOTELS

Norragatan 8-10, Mariehamn +358 18 15555, info@alandhotels.fi www.alandhotels.fi

Lovely quiet days at the beach hotel

At Grelsby Strand Hotell, a grand stone building from the 1930s has been converted into charming accommodation that is praised for its comfortable beds and good Åland breakfast.

GRELSBY STRAND HOTEL is beautifully situated on a hillside overlooking the water in the sparkling Snäckviken. The hotel attracts guests who enjoy the quiet surroundings and are happy to return.

The hotel building accommodates 16 elegantly furnished double rooms and one suite. All rooms are accessible and have been restored with traditional, timeless materials and recycled fabrics. Twelve of the rooms have connecting doors to the next room and can easily be converted into family rooms.

Many choose Grelsby Strand as a place to mark important celebrations. There is a small chapel with a pergola garden, great for christenings and weddings, and a banquet hall that can accommodate up to 130 people. The banquet space can be booked with or without catering, and guests can stay overnight at the hotel.

AFTER A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP, you can enjoy a delicious Åland breakfast indoors, or find a spot outside

in the kitchen garden. You can also take a breakfast tray with you down to the water. Perhaps you’d like to take a dip in the morning sun? At the beach there is also a “wilderness bath” and a floating sauna with an incredible view of the water. It’s great to have both a sauna and a swimming pier when it’s winter swimming season!

In the lush surroundings there is a generous lawn that truly invites you to play. For those seeking more variety during their break, there is also a football pitch, paintball range and a chipping range.

GRELSBY STRAND’S RESTAURANT is only available for reservations by groups. Otherwise, the hotel recommends a visit to Johannas Hembakta, which has a stone oven bakery and café in the same building. Here you will find sandwiches and the best coffee-time treats. Another option is the Stallhagen beer brewery, which is in walking distance and has a popular gastropub. Pub Stallhagen serves hearty and tasty food prepared with love and with local ingredients according to the season for both lunch and dinner.

THE HOTEL’S LOCATION IN THE MIDDLE OF ÅLAND is perfect for various excursions. If you’re looking for nice greens and smoothly rolling balls, you can book a round of golf at Eckerö Golf. This golf course caters to players of all levels with four tee options on the club’s 18-hole course, providing everyone a chance to play the holes according to their handicap. The first nine holes of the course are a bit easier, while the last nine are longer and more challenging. Beside the golf course, there is a driving range and a practice area with putting and chipping greens.

GRELSBY STRAND HOTELL

Strandvägen 1, Finström +358 457 004 9722, info@grelsby.ax

WHICH WILL

BE YOUR

dream inaccomondation Åland?

Some want to stay close to Mariehamn and enjoy everything the city has to offer. Others want to head out into nature, with the sea beside them and a starry sky above. What would you and your travelling companions prefer?

SNÄCKÖ CANVAS HOTEL. When you want to sleep well in a comfortable bed but still wake up by the water to the sound of lapping waves, then glamping is for you. Wonderfully close to nature, yet comfortable in a spacious tent with all the amenities. The most luxurious is the super suite, your own island with a sauna and a pier. In the morning sun, the goodies in the breakfast basket are especially delicious. www.snackocanvashotell.com

DJURVIKS GÄSTGÅRD. Here you truly live with the sea as a neighbour, just 12 km from Mariehamn. Take a dip and enjoy the horizon. Large lawns invite everyone of all ages to play. There is also a sauna, a barbecue area, rowboats, and a beach volleyball court. Choose between accommodation in rooms or overnight cabins. www.djurvik.ax

PENSIONAT SOLHEM. Stay close to nature and the sea while still near the centre of Mariehamn. Since 1912, Pensionat Solhem has been owned by the same family for three generations. Enjoy affordable accommodation with comfortable rooms, personal service and good breakfast. There’s a large lawn and a child-friendly beach. Take the rowboat out, have a barbecue in the boathouse or just enjoy the peaceful surroundings. www.pensionatsolhem.ax

SANDS STUGBY. Beautifully located on the beach with large lawns, sea views and rich fishing waters. You can smoke your catch in the fish smoker. A perfect place for those who want to alternate between quiet days at the beach and football, tennis and volleyball. End the day by visiting the lovely wood-burning beach sauna. The premises are child-friendly with a playhouse and playground. www.sands.ax

NORRÖ FISHING CAMP. The perfect place in the middle of Åland for a fishing trip with friends! Stay comfortably in spacious cabins with your own sauna and well-equipped kitchen. The accommodation includes stable Buster XS aluminium boats with powerful 20 HP engines, personal service, and fishing permit areas of various sizes. You can also book a fishing session with our guide and a larger boat! Instagram @norrofishingcamp

PELLAS GÄSTHEM. The vibrant archipelago village of Lappo welcomes you with its red storehouses and boathouses. Enjoy nature where every season has its charm. Pellas is open all year round and offers apartments of varying sizes, all decorated with warmth to make each and every guest feel like they are staying at the home of the host couple, the Thörnrooses. www.pellas.ax

SOMMARÖGÅRD. A small family business in the Åland archipelago at the family farm Östergårds. Here, you can stay in a small cabin surrounded by chickens, rabbits, sheep, cows, ducks, and cats in a cosy farm environment, or you can choose the old grandmother’s house or cottage life in the cottage village. Discover the archipelago municipality of Föglö or book a boat excursion or fishing trip. www.sommarogard.ax

Something of a meeting paradise

Åland is an ideal place for meetings — in the middle of the Baltic Sea with excellent connections. You don’t have to travel far to experience the feeling of being abroad, and it’s perfect when you need to disconnect from your regular circles.

IF YOU CHOOSE TO TAKE A FERRY TO ÅLAND, it is a good idea to start with meetings on board. That way, there is more time for bonding activities when you and your group arrive. Thanks to the short distances, you have time for several different experiences in the same day. Exploring the maritime city of Mariehamn combined with a relaxing round of golf on one of the Nordic’s most valued courses is just one example.

IN ÅLAND THERE IS A LARGE SELECTION of meeting and conference facilities for various needs, many of which are eco-labelled and offer spaces for both small and large groups. You can choose anything from gatherings by the sea at Käringsund Resort & Conference to meetings in the Alandica Culture and Congress Centre in the middle of Mariehamn.

The auditorium at the Åland Maritime Museum is also popular. Here you can lighten up the meeting day with tours of the museum’s collections and eat good

food at the elegant and well-reputed restaurant Nautical in the same building. At Silverskär Islands, you get access to an island of your own!

THERE ARE ALSO MANY DINING EXPERIENCES with a large selection of fine restaurants, especially in Mariehamn. In addition to Nautical, Indigo, Kvarter 5, Compagniet, Boquerian and Kalla’s city pub are popular. At Smakbyn, next to Kastelholm Castle, you can book cooking activities and tastings with celebrity chef Michael Björklund.

Also take the opportunity to book a visit to one of the Åland breweries and food producers and familiarise yourself with their operations. Here you can find everything from distilleries and beer breweries to apple farmers, chocolate artisans and a potato chip factory. The visits naturally include tastings.

ÅLAND IS THE PERFECT PLACE for outdoor activities and experiences in nature. Fishing, hiking, cycling, disc golf, paddling and other water sports are just a few examples. We dare

to promise that time in Åland will pass far too quickly!

With the right planning, a conference trip to Åland will be both effective and inspiring. Feel free to get help from the experts at the Åland Convention Bureau (ÅCB) when it’s time to plan your next meeting, conference, congress or kick off. ÅCB belongs to Visit Åland, Åland’s official tourist and membership organisation, and will be happy to help you realise your plans —completely free of charge!

ÅLAND CONVENTION BUREAU

+358 (0)18 24255, conventions@visitaland.com www.visitaland.com/acb www.facebook.com/alandconventionbureau

Move to Åland, life is so much easier here!

Are you looking for a safe and pleasant environment for you and your family? Welcome to Åland! Here, a simpler everyday life awaits for both children and adults, with more freedom and more time together.

Åland is a place where life is in balance, and it’s possible to combine a rewarding career with family and leisure. There are many reasons to choose Åland—here are a few of them!

PEACEFULLNESS AND SAFETY are the main benefits of living in Åland. The sense of community, trust, and respect in society creates a positive atmosphere with a higher quality of life. In Åland, children can play freely and cycle on their own to visit their friends, go to school or their hobbies. The neighbourhoods are friendly and engaged.

QUALITY IN CHILDCARE AND EDUCATION. Åland offers excellent childcare and schools with dedicated teachers who are passionate about giving children the best possible start in life. With small groups of children, each child receives the attention and support they need to grow and develop. Here, learning and creativity are the focus.

ACTIVITIES FOR EVERYONE. The availability of events and leisure activities is vast and varied, ranging from sports and music to art and experiences in nature. It is easy for children, teenagers, and adults to explore their interests, or discover new ones! Fees for organised hobbies are reasonable, and you don’t need to be on waiting list to get a spot.

DREAM HOME. Åland offers comfortable homes that are close to nature, many with sea views. You can choose whether you want to live in a house by the sea or on a farm in the country-

side. Apartments, semi-detached houses, and terraced houses are other great options. You can buy a house for permanent residence in Åland, even if you do not have a right of domicile in Åland, as long as you first apply for a land acquisition permit. This option applies to all areas intended for permanent residence.

EVERYTHING IS CLOSE BY. With short distances to work, school, and leisure activities, you can avoid long commutes. Everything you need is within reach. Thanks to “island time” you can reach most things within 10 minutes, making everyday life more convenient. Proximity also means short distances between residents and decision-makers, making it easy to be involved in the community.

MAKE ÅLAND YOUR HOME. Give yourself and your family the opportunity to live the life you’ve always dreamed of. Contact us today, and we will gladly answer all your questions. Welcome to Åland!

ÅLAND LIVING

More time for life.

+358 (0) 18 25 101, info@alandliving.ax www.alandliving.ax

There is time for cosy reading with the children at the daycare centres in Mariehamn.

Photo: Mariehamns stad

An excellent town to live, work, and do business in

In Mariehamn, everything you need is conveniently located. The town offers pleasant residential areas, shopping in a vibrant town centre, popular restaurants and cafés, a wide range of cultural experiences, and numerous businesses and workplaces across various industries.

Here, I am close to everything I need. Golf, nature, the sea and lovely people!

Merja Parviainen moved from Sweden to Mariehamn in 2024.

Located by the sea, the neighbourhood of Horelli offers a view of the inlet to Mariehamn. Here, you can find both rental apartments and residential lots.

In Mariehamn there are two large guest harbours and several marinas where you can rent a berth.

MARIEHAMN IS THE SMALLEST METROPOLIS in the Nordic region and the only town in Åland. Here, life has a more relaxed pace in a secure small-town idyll while being close to urban regions in Sweden and Finland.

It is unique that a town the size of Mariehamn can offer such extensive shopping, culinary experiences, events, and cultural and recreational activities. In this active town, many cultures, languages, and religions come together.

Surrounded by two bays, Mariehamn offers everything from beautiful views to dips in the sea or at the Mariebad swimming centre.

Proximity is one of the advantages of a small town, and in Mariehamn, it’s quick to get from home to work, daycare, and various activities. Many choose to walk or cycle. Short distances also mean it’s easier to manage everyday life and there’s more leisure time for all ages.

AS A WHOLE, ÅLAND IS A HIGHLY CREATIVE island region with a deeply rooted entrepreneurial spirit. All kinds of businesses are based in Åland, from large multinational companies to small family businesses, from high-tech companies to service companies. Many of them operate internationally.

Mariehamn welcomes new business establishments and offers available business premises in several areas. On the private market, there are various premises for sale or for rent.

The town is continuously recruiting, and the rest of the business community is dynamic with a robust job market. There is ample opportunity to secure a job before you move here.

“Right now I live in an apartment in Mariehamn with a view of the sea. My dream is to have a house of my own by the sea,” says new town resident Merja Parviainen, who works as project manager for an ESF project aiming to improve the competence of all employees in the Town of Mariehamn.

IF YOU WANT TO BUILD YOUR OWN HOME in Mariehamn, there are available residential lots with the centre and na-

ture as ypur closest neighbours, including lots with a sea view. Houses and apartments are also offered on the open market. Of course, renting your accommodation is also an option.

THE LOCATION OF ÅLAND and Mariehamn in the middle of the Baltic Sea makes it important to contribute to a healthier sea. The Town of Mariehamn is active in environmental work and has been ISO 14001-certified since 2011. The ambition is to be a leading environmentally friendly town, sustainable, safe and accessible to all.

ARE YOU CURIOUS about a life that is a little bit easier and close to nature? Mariehamn warmly welcomes new residents to its safe town, with the sea as a neighbour!

www.mariehamn.ax/en

Everything for the Baltic Sea, our shared sea

The Baltic Sea is an inland sea with brackish water and a unique ecosystem. The sea is wonderful and appreciated by many, not only the plants and animals that call it home.

ÅLAND IS SURROUNDED BY THE SEA; you could almost say that Ålanders have the sea in their blood. That’s why it’s natural for Ålandsbanken, which has had its headquarters in Mariehamn since the bank was founded in 1919, to want to be part of caring for the Baltic Sea. No matter how beautiful the sea is, it is not doing well. Today, the Baltic Sea is one of the most polluted seas in the world.

For Ålandsbanken, it has always been important to contribute to the development of the society in Åland. The bank’s active environmental efforts began in 1997, and since 2016, the focus has been on paving the way for a healthier Baltic Sea.

ÅLANDSBANKEN WANTS TO BE A ROLE MODEL, showing how both individuals and businesses can make a difference for the Baltic Sea. The bank’s environmental commitment is divided into three major divisions: the Baltic Sea Project, the Baltic Sea Account, and the Baltic Sea Card.

So far, the Baltic Sea Project has funded over 50 projects with a total of 5 million euros. Through the Baltic Sea Project, Ålandsbanken wants to inspire people to develop innovative ideas that can improve the situation in the Baltic Sea. One of the projects can be seen in Åland, in Mariehamn: a retention basin that purifies rainwater from the city before it flows into the sea. Several similar projects have been undertaken after the City of Mariehamn received funding through the Baltic Sea Project.

THROUGH THE BALTIC SEA ACCOUNT, the bank’s customers indirectly contribute to the Baltic Sea Project. Ålandsbanken donates a percentage of the collective balance on customers’ savings accounts to selected projects that support the Baltic Sea’s ecosystem. This is a simple yet effective way to participate in the work for the wellbeing of the sea.

ÅLANDSBANKEN ALSO INTRODUCED THE BALTIC SEA CARD, the world’s first environmentally friendly bank card. The card is made of sustainable materials and is linked to the Åland Index, which measures the climate impact of every purchase. It is a practical tool for those who want to reduce their carbon footprint and make conscious choices, while also supporting the Baltic Sea.

TOGETHER WITH ITS CUSTOMERS, partners, and other local initiatives, Ålandsbanken shows that there is hope for the Baltic Sea and that every effort counts. Everyone can contribute, and together we make a difference!

ÅLANDSBANKEN

Huvudkontor, Nygatan 2, Mariehamn. +358 (0)18 29011, www.alandsbanken.ax

Ålandsbanken The Baltic Sea

The Baltic Sea is one of the most polluted seas in the world. Our headquarters are located on the Åland Islands, right in the middle of it. We want to improve the environment in and around the Baltic Sea and act as a role model for other players in the region. Everyone can do their part.

How we try to improve the Baltic Sea:

The Baltic Sea Project

The Baltic Sea Account

The Baltic Sea Card & Åland Index

Welcome to a bank that values both you and the environment!

Mikael Mörn DIRECTOR ÅLANDSBANKEN ÅLAND

We walk our own path

GRISSLEHAMN

TECKENFÖRKLARING

MERKKIEN SELITYKSET • KEY TO SIGNS

Turistinformation • Matkailuneuvonta • Tourist information

Sjukhus • Sairaala • Hospital

Flygplats • Lentokenttä • Airport

Badstrand • Uimaranta • Beach

Utkikstorn • Näköalatorni • Lookout tower

Vandringsstig • Vaelluspolku • Hiking trail

Kyrka • Kirkko • Church

Sevärdhet • Nähtävyys • Place of interest

Golfbana • Golfkenttä • Golf course

Discgolf • Frisbeegolf • Disc golf

Familjepark • Perhepuisto • Theme Park

Cykelfärja • Pyörälautta • Bicycle ferry

Bilfärja • Autolautta • Car ferry

SKÄRGÅRDSFÄRJOR • SAARISTOLAUTAT • INTER-ISLAND FERRIES

Norra linjen • Pohjoinen reitti • Northern route

Södra linjen • Eteläinen reitti • Southern route

Tvärgående linjen • Poikittaisreitti • Transverse route

Föglölinjen • Föglön reitti • Föglö route

Grundkarta © Lantmäteriverket. Bearbetning © Vibb 2024 Reproduktion och partiell kopiering utan skriftligt tillstånd är förbjuden.

STOCKHOLM/TUKHOLMA

DEGERBY,FÖGLÖ

Vålö

ÅBO/TURKU

KORPO/KORPPOO GALTBY

TORSHOLMA,BRÄNDÖ

KÖKAR

Möckelövägen

SYMBOLFÖRKLARING • MERKKIEN SELITYKSET • KEY TO SIGNS

Turistinformation • Matkailuneuvonta • Tourist information Hotell • Hotelli • Hotel

B&B, gästhem • B&B, retkeilymaja • B&B, hostel

Stugby • Mökkikylä • Holiday village Campingplats • Leirintäalue • Camping site Gästhamn • Vierassatama • Guest harbour Restaurang, matservering • Ravintola, ruokatarjoilu • Restaurant, foodservice Kafé • Kahvila • Café

Livsmedel • Elintarvikkeita • Provisions

Alko • Wine & liquor store

Bank • Pankki • Bank

Post • Posti • Post o ce Allmän toalett • Yleinen WC • Public toilets

Sjukhus • Sairaala • Hospital Apotek • Apteekki • Pharmacy

Servicestation • Huoltoasema • Service station

Taxi • Taksi • Taxi

Busstation • Linja-autoasema • Bus station

Flygplats • Lentokenttä • Airport

E ektförvaring • Tavarasäilytys • Luggage lockers

Cykeluthyrning • Pyörävuokraamo • Bicycle rental

Gym • Kuntosali • Gym

Badstrand • Uimaranta • Beach

Simhall • Uimahalli • Indoor swimming pool

Idrottsplats • Urheilukenttä • Sports ground

Discgolf • Frisbeegolf • Disc golf

Utsiktsberg • Näköalapaikka • Lookout point

Museum • Museo • Museum

Kyrka • Kirkko • Church

Parkering • Pysäköinti • Parking

Skyltad cykelled • Merkitty pyöräreitti • Marked bike route

Strandpromenaden • Strandpromenaden kävelypolku • Strandpromenaden foot path

Grundkarta

MARIEHAMN

ÅNGBÅTSBRYGGAN – shellfish by the pier Östra hamnen • +358 18 17 613 • brasseriet.ax

DIABLO – stone oven pizza

Nygatan 3 • +358 18 17 100 • diablo.ax

BOQUERIAN – an oasis with a mediterranean feel Torggatan 13 • +358 18 17 660 • boquerian.ax

SITTKOFFSKA GÅRDEN – a popular meeting place

Torggatan 13 • +358 18 17 612 • sittkoffska.ax

ÄVENTYRSGOLFEN – for the whole family Östra hamnen • +358 18 17 613 • bryggan.ax 18-26 JULY 2025

DISCOVER THE ISLANDS’ STRING OF PEARLS

Brändö is the northernmost municipality in the Åland archipelago and is located close to mainland Finland. Archipelago ferries operate daily to Brändö year-round, both from Vuosnainen in Kustavi and from Hummelvik on the main island of Åland.

Brändö consists of over a thousand islands—come and find your own.

CLOSE TO YOU: 2 hours from Turku • 4 hours from Helsinki

3.5 hours from Mariehamn

Sport fishing for the whole family!

Cycle around the beautiful archipelago!

Cosy cottage accommodation with a sea view