Åland in Springtime
Nature comes alive in spring, with fresh greenery, the season's first vegetables, and adorable newborn lambs. Springtime in Åland is truly magical, and weekends during holidays like Easter are ideal for exploring it. Take a look at our top tips for things to do in Åland in spring and get inspired!
1. Discover Åland’s Rich Birdlife
As the sea ice melts, the archipelago awakens, and migratory birds return in droves. Thanks to Åland’s location in the heart of the Baltic Sea, it’s a natural stop for birds heading north. Observe Åland’s thriving birdlife from the shore or during a boat excursion—just don’t forget your binoculars!
You can spot seabird species rarely seen elsewhere in Finland or the northern Baltic region. For example, the common eider, which winters around Åland, forms the largest eider population in the Baltic Sea. Another rare sight is a colony of razorbills, which are protected in Finland.
Birdwatchers will find paradise on the island of Kökar, where birdwatching platforms await. Each platform features signs displaying the most common bird species seen during the seasons. Kökar also offers scenic hiking trails that lead to excellent birdwatching spots.
2. Admire Spring’s Bloom
The first spring flowers, such as blue anemones and coltsfoot, peek out from the grass, and before long, the entire landscape bursts into lush greenery. Springtime’s beauty is unparalleled, and one of the best ways to enjoy it is by wandering along Åland’s many nature trails (in Swedish).
The Nåtö nature trail, located just south of Mariehamn, is a highlight in spring, offering stunning blooms and a diverse natural habitat. Here, you’ll find flowering meadows with wild orchids, coastal meadows, old pastures, and hazel groves. During spring and early summer, the wooded meadows explode with flowers such as blue anemones, wood anemones, pilewort, corydalis, and cowslips.
Other scenic wooded meadows include Tullarns Äng in Mariehamn and the trails at Prästgårdsnäset, Höckböleholmen, and Ramsholmen.
3. Enjoy the First Harvest
Dozens of different vegetables and root crops are grown in Åland’s fields. By May, the first fresh vegetables are ready for harvest, perfectly timed for the Åland Spring Fair. When apple trees blossom and asparagus is at its peak, Åland’s farms open their gates for visitors.
During one May weekend they are open for visitors and you get the chance of eating fresh vegetables, cuddling with newborn lambs, buying home made bread and other artisanal foods and simply taking in the lovely country atmosphere.
Many restaurants in Åland plan their menus around the season’s freshest ingredients. In spring, you’ll often find local asparagus featured, and as the season progresses, freshly harvested Åland potatoes paired with local fish become a must-try dish. Pair these with craft beer from the local brewery, Stallhagen, which produces a wide variety of flavours to suit every taste.
4. Discover Cultural Events
For culture enthusiasts, Åland offers a rich programme of events during spring. The Mariehamn Literature Days book fair and the Vera Film Festival are annual highlights held in March. Attend inspiring talks by renowned authors at the town library in Mariehamn or enjoy films in the cosy Bio Savoy cinema.
Other cultural events include concerts, stand-up comedy, and theatre performances at the Alandica Culture and Congress Centre. Those with an interest in the arts will find a treasure in the exhibitions at the Åland Art Museum.
5. Exciting Sport Fishing
As soon as the ice melts, local fishing guides are ready to help you reel in the best catches. Whitefish angling is a relaxed and popular way to fish in april, while pike fishing peaks in April and May.
May and June mark the height of the salmon trolling season. A trolling trip on the Sea of Åland is a thrilling experience, even for seasoned anglers. If you enjoy competitive fishing, join the Trollingträff Åland, a three-day event that attracts trolling enthusiasts from near and far. Did you know that some of the largest salmon caught in the Sea of Åland weigh up to 20 kilograms?
6. More Springtime Tips
In addition to the list above, springtime in Åland naturally offers a lot more to explore: Discover the Easter market in Mariehamn, seasonal menus and terrace openings at various restaurants, Walpurgis Night bonfires, running competitions and golf course openings.
Spring is also the beginning of a new cottage season. Why not rent a cottage in Åland this spring? Relax in the long, light evenings of the archipelago, and dream of summer as birds sing just outside your window.
