⚠️ Timetables, opening hours, prices and access conditions may change without notice, for reasons beyond our control (season, weather, decisions by operators, venues or local authorities). Before every trip, check the information with the relevant authorities and service providers. Entry requirements and local rules (reserves, quotas) are subject to the same caveat.
Between Sweden and Finland, Åland is a self-governing, demilitarised and Swedish-speaking region of Finland. Its thousands of islands and skerries are explored by bike, by kayak or by hopping from ferry to ferry. Mariehamn, the only town, keeps the memory of the great sailing ships alive with the Pommern. Inland, Kastelholm and the ruins of Bomarsund tell a contested history.
Mariehamn, the town of two harbours
Mariehamn stretches between two harbours. The big ferries from Sweden and Finland dock in the western harbour, where the Pommern, a four-masted barque turned museum, is moored along the Sjöpromenaden walkway. The eastern harbour is the marina, lined with restaurants and jetties. In between, tree-lined streets are easy to explore on foot.
The centre has the essentials: the Visit Åland tourist office on Torggatan, the Åland Museum and its art museum, cafés and a few well-regarded restaurants. The airport is only about 3 km away. Mariehamn makes a good base for a first visit, before heading out to the countryside of the main island or into the archipelago.
Ferry-hopping through the archipelago
The archipelago ferries, run by Ålandstrafiken, link the main island with Föglö, Kökar, Sottunga, Kumlinge and Brändö. Passengers without a vehicle travel free; a car ticket covers travel across the network. In summer it is wise to book crossings with a car, except on the Föglö line, which cannot be booked.
The terrain is mostly flat and many roads have cycle lanes, so cycling is the best way to discover Åland. The islands have guest harbours, waterside cabins and kayak rentals. On the smaller islands services are scarce out of season, so arrange transport and meals with your accommodation in advance.
Castle, fortress and self-rule
Kastelholm Castle, first mentioned in 1388, is Åland's only medieval castle. It reached its height under Gustav Vasa and his sons, when the islands belonged to the Swedish realm. Restored as a living ruin, it is open from May to September, next to the Jan Karlsgården open-air museum and the old Vita Björn prison.
After 1809, Åland passed to Russia along with Finland. The Empire built the Bomarsund fortress there, destroyed in 1854 during the Crimean War. Its ruins, open all year, have had a visitor centre since 2022. Today demilitarised and self-governing, Åland has its own parliament, flag and postage stamps.
Essentials & your questions
| Getting there | Viking Line, Tallink Silja and Eckerö Linjen ferries from Stockholm, Grisslehamn, Turku or Helsinki. Finnair flights to Mariehamn (MHQ) from Helsinki, Turku and Stockholm. |
|---|---|
| Best time to go | June to August for cycling, kayaking and more frequent ferries. May and September are quieter; many island businesses close out of season. |
| Currency | Euro (EUR). Cards are widely accepted; carry a little cash for buses on the main island. |
| Language | Swedish, Åland's only official language. English is widely understood; Finnish is little used. |
| Entry requirements | EU and Schengen area: ID card or passport. Åland lies outside the EU tax territory, hence its own customs rules and tax-free sales on board the ferries. |
Do I need a passport for Åland?
No. Åland is part of Finland, the EU and the Schengen area, so EU travellers only need a valid national identity card or passport.
Why do the ferries stop in Åland?
Åland lies outside the EU tax territory. The stop allows ships between Sweden and Finland to offer tax-free shopping on board.
Can I visit Åland without a car?
Yes. The land is flat, there are many cycle lanes and the archipelago ferries are free for foot passengers. Buses leave from Mariehamn.
Photo: Johannes Jansson, CC BY 2.5 dk, Wikimedia Commons