Åland Islands: 6,700 islands between Finland and Sweden

Åland has been autonomous since 1922. The islands belong to Finland, but the local language is Swedish, and mainland Sweden lies just 40 kilometres away. Åland is at its best in summer, when ferries run more often, trails open up, and Mariehamn, Åland's only city, fills with cafés and visitors.

Compact, walkable Mariehamn

Pastel-coloured wooden villas from the turn of the 20th century line the streets of Mariehamn, a coastal town of around 12,000. For a view over the rooftops, walk from Badhusparken up to Badhusberget.

Torggatan, the main street, is lined with small shops and cafés. Bagarstugan Café & Vin bakes everything in-house, including ålandspannkaka, an Åland pancake made with rice pudding and served with stewed plums.

Even though it doesn't take too long for you to walk through the compact city center, the city still has many interesting attractions that are worth a visit.

One such attraction is the unique museum ship Pommern, built in 1903. Being the only four-masted cargo sailing ship in the world, it has been preserved in its original condition. On a ship visit, you time travel more than a hundred years back in time to the time when the ship owner Gustaf Erikson and his crew defied the high foam heads and sailed all the way to Australia.

If you're interested in the archipelago life, another great place to visit is the Åland Maritime Museum. The museum has an impressive collection of miniature models of sailing ships and objects representing Åland's maritime heritage – the collection even includes an authentic pirate flag from the 18th century! There is also plenty to explore for the youngest ones of the family. 

Maritime history is also alive in Mariehamn's beautiful, postcard-like Maritime quarter, where you can explore boat carvings and rustic boathouses, and purchase local craft and design products as souvenirs.

If you wish to spend time in nature also during your visit to the city, pack your lunch and head towards the nearby Nåtö nature reserve. The nature trail, which is about three kilometres long, passes through green flower fields and beautiful coastal rock landscapes.

Beyond Mariehamn

Finland's largest sea island has plenty to see also outside Mariehamn. You can explore the island by bicycle, car or boat, or even hop on a local bus.

About 20 minutes' drive from Mariehamn, Kastelholm Castle has stood since the 14th century and has weathered sieges and fires. Guided tours run in Finnish, Swedish and English, and children can join a pirate-themed tour.

Further on are the ruins of Bomarsund Fortress. Construction ran from 1832 to 1854, when the Åland War destroyed the fortress before it was ever finished. A 4.2-kilometre trail loops through the ruins and the surrounding landscape.

Åland is also known for its food, microbreweries, and locally bottled drinks. Restaurants range from farm tables to fine dining, drawing on local ingredients and the season's harvest, as they have for centuries. Try Smakbyn for local flavours, Stallhagen brewery for craft beer and small plates, or Mormors Gröna Hus. Mattas gårdsmejeri farm makes ice cream, and Amalias Limonadfabrik bottles soft drinks. At the Taffel crisps factory, you can taste crisps fresh off the line.

On the north side of the main island at Havsvidden, ice-polished red rocks meet the open sea. Havsvidden Resort has hotel rooms and rock villas with sea views. Eckerö, Finland's westernmost point and one of the sunniest spots in the Nordics, works for a day trip or an overnight stay.

The smaller islands

Ferries on the southern and northern lines run between mainland Åland and mainland Finland, stopping at the smaller islands along the way. The southern route passes Kökar, a group of islands of red wooden cottages set against open rock and sea.

Walk the 7–8 kilometre Kalen nature trail, stop at the Peders Aplagård apple farm, and visit St. Anne's Church and the 15th-century Franciscan monastery ruins. Rent a canoe, and you may see seals in the water. Nature and hiking trails across the archipelago pass through different terrain, ancient remains, sea views and cultural sites. Bicycles and canoes are also for hire.

Sälskär lighthouse, one of Finland's oldest, stands in the outer archipelago northwest of the main island. In summer, guided tours run from Hällö pier in Geta. The whitewashed lighthouse rises around 30 metres and was first lit in September 1868.

Åland is also a destination for disc golfers. Åland DiscGolfPark has 16 courses across the islands, all free to play. Pick one or play them all. With a local guide, the full tour can be done in a single day, though it may take 20 hours.

Finnair flies to Mariehamn year-round, with additional frequencies in summer.