Experience the idyllic surroundings of an island city and the lovely traditional landscape of the Åland islands. Take a bike ride and admire the sights and magnificent countryside.
A holiday in Åland has lots of things to see and do for travellers interested in history, culture and nature. Mariehamn, the administrative centre of the Finnish region of Åland, has all you need for a lively city break. The city’s museums depict the lives of the islanders in bygone times, dependent as they were on the sea for their livelihood. Hop on a bicycle and explore the unique scenery the islands have to offer as well as its fascinating medieval sites, either at your own pace or on a guided tour.
You can get to Åland from mainland Finland either by air or by sea. And because the islands are only some 60 miles away, the journey is short in either case. If you want to take your car to Åland, the car ferries from Helsinki, Turku and Naantali are the best option. To get there faster, there are also flights to Mariehamn departing from Turku and Helsinki. Åland is a very popular destination for cyclists because distances are short and the cycle routes are clearly marked in white and green. If you do not have your own bicycle, don’t worry – you can hire one at most of the island’s hotels and other accommodation.
Åland’s only city, Mariehamn, is fairly small, but its excellent assortment of shops, museums and restaurants are a guarantee of satisfaction on a city break to the archipelago. The idyllic small town boasts a wealth of shopping outlets, boutiques and eating places for all tastes. Recommended places to visit include the floating museum, Pommern, and the adjacent Åland Maritime Museum, where you can enjoy an interesting portrayal of the long connection between the islanders and the sea. Åland’s Art Museum, with its collection of work by local artists, is also worth a visit too.
Visitors interested in history should definitely head to the lovely Kastelholm Castle in Sund, dating from the Middle Ages. Nearby is the Jan Karlsgården Open-Air Museum, which offers an opportunity to discover what life was like for peasant farmers in olden times. Another important ancient place of interest is the Church of St. Olaf in Jomala. This is one of the oldest medieval holy places in Finland, near which an Iron Age burial ground and old foundations and cellars can be found. Those interested in the archipelago’s unique and beautiful scenery should visit the Nåtö nature conservation area south of Mariehamn – its wooded meadows are a reminder of the island landscape of a time that is rapidly disappearing.
Those after an activity holiday can take advantage of what Åland has to offer in the sports and fitness area. Besides cycling, there are excellent amenities for hiking. You could, for example, climb the rocks known locally as Getavuori for a gorgeous view over the archipelago. There are also 3 golf courses for golf aficionados. Åland has plenty to see and do for travellers of all ages, especially in summer. Take a holiday amid the dazzlingly beautiful landscapes of these islands and immerse yourself in the leisurely lifestyle of the small, maritime city of Mariehamn.
