10 Must-See Places in Åland
Åland is full of fascinating places to visit, but if you're short on time, it can be difficult to fit everything into one trip. We've put together a list of ten places you shouldn't miss on your first visit to Åland. When you’ve ticked them off, you can continue exploring the rest.
1. The Kastelholm Area
In Kastelholm in Sund municipality you’ll find Kastelholm Castle, the Jan Karlsgården open-air museum, Vita Björn Prison Museum and Smakbyn restaurant and distillery. Here, you can combine fascinating guided tours that bring the area's history to life with local food and drink experiences.
In summer, children’s activities and arts and crafts days are held at Jan Karlsgården, and in the castle you can go on a treasure hunt and dress up as a royal.
If you’re travelling with your own boat, you can moor in Kastelholm’s guest harbour. If you're interested in golf, the Åland Golf Club is located on the other side of Slottsundet Bay.
Kastelholm Castle is open daily until the end of September.
2. The Bomarsund Fortress Area
Between 1809 and 1917 Finland and Åland belonged to Russia. In the 1830s, Russia began to build its westernmost outpost, a magnificent fortress in Bomarsund. In 1854, during the Crimean War, the half-built fortress was bombed, and today its ruins remain in an ancient monument area covering 870 hectares.
Start your visit at the Visitor Centre where you can explore Bomarsund's history through interactive displays before heading out to discover the ruins themselves. The Visitor Centre is open daily from early May until the end of September.
You should also take the opportunity to visit the shallow beach by the fortress area and take a walk along the hiking trail on Prästö Island.
3. The Cultural History Museum of Åland and the Åland Art Museum
The permanent exhibition in the Cultural History Museum of Åland takes you on a journey through 7,500 years of Åland's history. You’ll find out how it all began when the first seal hunters went ashore on the barren islands, and you’ll get to see how Åland developed into today’s global and diverse society.
Art from Åland artists from the past and the present is shown in the Åland Art Museum. Paintings, sculptures and installations harmoniously fill the space. In addition to the permanent exhibition, several temporary exhibitions are held each year. These also include works by artists who are not from Åland.
Both museums are open all year round.
4. Åland Maritime Museum
The exhibitions at Åland’s Maritime Museum explain how the sea has shaped life in Åland throughout the centuries. Personal stories, interesting objects and entertaining activities will make the visit stimulating for everyone.
The collection of beautifully crafted ship models is impressive, as are the many figureheads that decorate the walls.
The Maritime Museum has an exciting children’s room, many interactive displays and a fun treasure hunt, making it a favourite with younger visitors. Here, children get to set sails, take charge of a ship and play among fish and sea monsters on the make-believe bottom of the sea.
The Maritime Museum is open daily all year round (except on certain bank holidays).
5. The Museum Ship Pommern
If you visit Åland between May and September, you mustn’t miss the museum ship Pommern. The visitor experience “The Pommern – 100 days under sail” takes you back to the 1930s where you join a fictional voyage around the world. The crew’s authentic stories from the long voyage are highlighted and on the middle deck you can take part in both work and leisure on board.
Learn to mend sails, be involved in a traditional line-crossing ceremony and join the crew for a dance, safely moored in the port of London. A visit to the Pommern will be an unforgettable experience!
Pommern is open daily from early May until the end of September.
6. Mariehamn Town Centre
Åland’s only town, Mariehamn, has a lot to offer and all within walking distance. Get to know the town centre by strolling down Torggatan and browse the charming shops and pick up a souvenir. You'll find welcoming cafés and restaurants, the town library and park areas like the Stadshusparken, Lilla Holmen and Esplanaden.
Mariehamn is known as "the town of a thousand lime trees", and you'll soon understand why. Follow the leafy avenue west from the market square and you'll arrive at St George's Church.
7. Käringsund in Eckerö
There are not many spots that are as idyllic as the old fishing village of Käringsund with its rows of old boathouses in Eckerö, western Åland. But Käringsund offers much more than its iconic boathouses. In the high season, you can visit the Åland Hunting and Fishing Museum, go on a guided game safari tour at Viltsafari or spend time at the nearby adventure playground Leklandet.
There are stays like cottages and campsites, a beach and plenty of fun activities on land and at sea that will suit the whole family. During autumn, the area is a tranquil spot where you can enjoy a sea view and stroll along the shore.
8. The Maritime Quarter in Mariehamn
Just a stone’s throw away from Mariehamn town centre lies the Maritime Quarter. This lively waterfront area offers an insight into traditional boatbuilding, blacksmithing and local craftsmanship.
Here, you can stroll along the piers and admire the beautiful wooden boats, visit the Boatbuilding Museum and sample local specialities such as Voffelrakan potato waffles.
The Maritime Quarter also offers shopping at the Guldviva jewellery and the crafts shop SALT. A little Sailors’ Chapel at the furthest point on a breakwater is popular for weddings and christenings.
9. Kobba Klintar
The islands of Kobba Klintar are located on the approach to Mariehamn. In the past, ships were guided into Mariehamn harbour from here, and today the islands are a popular day trip destination for both tourists and locals.
In summer, a tour boat runs to the islands, and you can look into both the pilot’s cabin and the white beacon. A café serves Åland pancakes and sandwiches. Bring your swimsuit and enjoy a refreshing swim from the smooth granite rocks.
Kobba Klintar is just as lovely during the low season, especially in autumn when the sea is still warm. If you contact a water taxi, you can visit the island even if the buildings are closed for the season.
10. Grottstigen Nature Trail
The hiking trail Grottstigen in Geta offers breathtaking views. Many consider Grottstigen to be Åland's finest hiking trail, thanks to its dramatic scenery and spectacular sea views.
Along the trail you'll discover caves and impressive rock formations. This is also a popular spot for bouldering.
The shorter Trollstigen trail is suitable for younger children as well. Please note that the terrain can be challenging at times, especially when the rocks are wet after rain.
