5 Tips for an Active Outdoor Holiday in Åland
Active travellers love Åland. With its beautiful, ever-changing nature and fresh sea air, the islands offer ideal conditions for outdoor activities. Hike, cycle, paddle, sail or swim—the possibilities are almost endless. Here, the rhythm of nature sets the pace, and the sea and sky are your only limits.
Looking for inspiration? Here are five great ways to enjoy an active holiday in Åland. You might even discover a new favourite activity.
1. Cycle Through the Åland Archipelago
Exploring Åland by bike gives you freedom, fresh air, and a close connection to nature. Summertime, cycling is one of the best ways to experience the archipelago landscapes, with quiet roads, scenic views, and charming villages along the way.
You’ll pass historical sites, local cafés, and restaurants—and when it’s time to rest, there are plenty of comfortable places to stay.
There are many cycling routes to choose from, depending on how far you want to go. Bring your own bike or rent one in Mariehamn or at guest harbours around Åland.
For a shorter ride, cycle from Mariehamn to Järsö, Ramsholmen nature reserve, or the Lemström Canal. For a longer route, explore the main island and visit highlights such as Kastelholm Castle and the Bomarsund fortress ruins.
Want to go further? Take your bike on an archipelago ferry from Hummelvik or Svinö and enjoy island hopping in Åland. You’ll travel across bridges, causeways, and small islands—with a new adventure waiting at every ferry stop.
2. Play Disc Golf in Scenic Surroundings
Disc golf is a fun and accessible outdoor activity for all ages. It’s easy to get started—you only need a few discs, and most courses in Åland are free to play.
A round doesn’t take long, which makes it perfect for active days with variety. Thanks to short distances between locations, you can even visit several courses in one day.
Popular courses include Badhusparken in Mariehamn and the scenic course in Geta. For something extra special, combine your game with a trip to the archipelago and play on islands such as Föglö, Seglinge, Lappo, or Kökar.
3. Golf at Nordic Top-Class Courses
Åland is a well-known golf destination, offering high-quality courses in beautiful surroundings.
Ålands Golfklubb is consistently ranked among the best golf courses in Finland. Its signature course, Slottsbanan, is considered one of the top courses in the country, with views over Kastelholm Castle and the surrounding landscape.
Have you never played golf before? At Ålands Golfklubb you can get a green card, take lessons or take a beginners and advanced course. Eckerö Golf offers a large practice area and a scenic 18-hole course, suitable for players of all levels.
4. Go Kayaking, SUP Boarding or Rowing
Discover Åland from the water. Kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and rowing are fantastic ways to explore the archipelago at your own pace.
Paddle through narrow waterways and quiet bays, and discover hidden coves, small islands, and untouched nature. Föglö and Kökar are especially popular for kayaking in sheltered waters.
For experienced paddlers, the Norrhavet route offers a more challenging adventure. Starting in Käringsund in western Åland, the route passes along the northern coast and includes sections of open sea. It’s demanding—but also considered one of the most beautiful paddling routes in the Baltic Sea.
Out on the water, time slows down. The gentle movement, the sounds of nature, and the open horizon create a peaceful, almost meditative experience.
5. Hike Along Åland’s Nature Trails
Explore Åland on foot and experience the islands up close. The landscape changes quickly—from forests and meadows to rocky shores, cultural sites, and open sea views.
There are 40 nature trails across Åland, ranging from easy to moderate difficulty and typically between 1 and 8 kilometres long. No special equipment is needed, but comfortable shoes, water, and a picnic are always a good idea.
For longer hikes, there are also extended trails. One of them is Sadelinleden, which stretches around 60 kilometres across Åland and can be explored in sections.
Åland is also part of the St Olav Waterway—the world’s first pilgrim route through an archipelago. This unique route connects Turku in Finland to Trondheim in Norway and offers a meaningful way to combine hiking with cultural history.
