Enjoy nature responsibly in Åland

In Åland, you are free to spend time in nature even when the land belongs to someone else. Thanks to everyman’s rights, a Nordic tradition, you can walk, spend time outdoors and enjoy nature without asking the landowner for permission each time.

There are, however, limits to what you can do, and the rules in Åland differ in some respects from those in mainland Finland. Whether you are hiking through the islands, spending a night outdoors or exploring the archipelago by boat, remember to respect nature, wildlife, landowners and people living nearby – and leave no trace of your visit.

Walking and spending time in nature

You are free to walk and spend time in nature in Åland. Use existing paths and tracks where possible. Stay away from private gardens and jetties, and keep a reasonable distance from homes.

Take care not to damage crops, plants or fences. If you open a gate, remember to close it behind you. You may also come across grazing animals, so give them plenty of space and do not disturb them.

Åland has plenty of nature trails and hiking routes where you can explore the islands on foot.

Camping and spending the night outdoors

If you want to spend a night outdoors, a campsite is the easiest option. If you would rather pitch your tent on privately owned land, ask the landowner for permission whenever possible.

If you cannot reach the landowner, you may pitch one tent for one night. Choose a place well away from homes and make sure you do not disturb anyone or damage the surroundings.

Different rules may apply in nature reserves and other protected areas, so follow signs and information at the site.

Lighting fires outdoors

Do not light fires in nature. Dry forests and other vegetation can catch fire very easily, especially during dry weather, and fire can cause lasting damage to rocks and the surrounding nature.

For your own safety and to protect Åland’s sensitive nature, use designated places for lighting fires where available. Always check the current wildfire warnings and any restrictions before using fire outdoors.

Picking berries, mushrooms and flowers

You may pick berries, mushrooms and flowers for your own use in forests and other natural areas. Do not pick them in private gardens, parks or close to homes.

Some plants are protected and must not be picked, including all orchids. In nature reserves and other protected areas, follow any signs and information at the site.

Dogs in nature

When exploring Åland with your dog, keep your dog on a lead and make sure it does not disturb wildlife, grazing animals or other people. Take particular care in spring and summer, when many wild animals and birds are raising their young.

Different rules may apply in nature reserves and other protected areas. Some places do not allow dogs at all, so follow signs and information at the site.

At sea and in the archipelago

You may swim, row, paddle and travel by boat on privately owned waters. Be considerate of people living along the shore, other people on the water and wildlife. Stay away from private jetties, and take all litter and other waste with you when you leave.

The Åland archipelago is an important breeding area for seabirds. Slow down and keep your distance if you come across birds with their young on the water. On islands and skerries, give nesting birds plenty of space.

Landing is prohibited on some islands and in some protected areas during part of the year or throughout the year. Pay attention to signs and information about landing restrictions. 

Guest harbours are recommended for overnight stays, but you may anchor in a natural harbour for one night. Keep a reasonable distance from homes and respect the privacy of people living nearby.

Fishing in Åland

Fishing is not included in everyman’s rights in Åland. You need a fishing licence for the waters where you want to fish, and different fishing areas may have their own rules.

Nature reserves

Nature reserves and other protected areas may have their own rules. These can cover camping, picking plants, bringing your dog or going ashore.

When you visit a protected area, use marked paths where possible and follow signs and information at the site. Do not camp or go ashore if signs tell you not to.

Nåtö, Ramsholmen, Prästgårdsnäset and Herrö are good options if you would like to visit a nature reserve in Åland. They have parking, information boards and nature trails. Björkör nature reserve and its traditional archipelago homestead are in the outer archipelago and can be reached by boat.

Rules vary between nature reserves, so check the information for the nature trail or area you plan to visit. If you are unsure, Åland Tourist Information can help you plan your visit.

Explore Åland’s nature

Nature trails, hiking routes, paddling waters and the archipelago offer plenty of ways to experience Åland outdoors. Find more ideas for walks, day trips and outdoor activities around the islands.

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