10 Family Favorites
Explore Åland's interactive museums, enchanting nature, and beautiful beaches together with your family. Find your own hidden gem – start by checking out our top 10 recommendations!
Mariehamn:
1. The Åland Maritime Museum & the Sailing Ship Pommern
The Åland Maritime Museum, located in the western harbour of Mariehamn, has something for everyone – from seasoned sailors to curious landlubbers. See a real pirate flag, practice docking a boat, and go on a treasure hunt with the ship’s rat, Ruby. Did you know that the museum was named Museum of the Year in Finland?
Don’t miss the chance to step aboard the magnificent sailing ship Pommern, moored right next to the museum. Join a fictional voyage around the world and experience life at sea through interactive activity stations on deck and in the cargo hold. Kids can follow a special audio guide featuring Ruby the ship’s rat, who reveals all the ship’s secrets. The unique Pommern – 100 Days Under Sail experience is open from May to September.
2. Lilla Holmen
Lilla Holmen is a true kids' paradise, complete with a pirate ship, sandy beach, and adorable animals like rabbits. This little oasis is just a short walk from central Mariehamn, making it easy to reach even with small children. Cross the bridge to this magical island and enjoy a fun-filled day by the water.
3. Mariebad
Mariebad is an indoor bathhouse located on Mariehamn’s eastern shoreline. Families love both the sandy beach and the adventure pool, which features currents, caves, waterfalls, and whirlpools. A thrilling water slide twists and turns from a high tower, and there’s also a lap pool, jacuzzi, and saunas.
Westward:
4. Käringsund Resort
Käringsund Resort & Conference offers both accommodation and a variety of activities for the whole family. With an activity wristband, you can try beach volleyball, mini golf, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or even take a pedal boat out on the water. A visit here means a full day of outdoor fun! Since there’s both a beach and an outdoor pool, don’t forget to bring your swimsuits!
5. The Åland Hunting & Fishing Museum
Located in the charming fishing village of Käringsund in Eckerö, this museum offers a fascinating look at how Ålanders lived off hunting and fishing in the past. See local wildlife and bird eggs, play at the herring market, dig for pearls and amulets in the sand, or take part in a fun quiz trail.
Make sure to stop by the museum shop Havsboden, and if you’re up for more adventure, check out the geotrail, which starts just outside the museum.
6. Wildlife Safari
Käringsund’s Viltsafari, Wildlife Safari, is like Åland’s own version of the savanna! Hop on a safari wagon and get up close with deer, ostriches, wild boars, and other exciting animals. At certain stops, you’ll even have the chance to feed them while the guide shares fascinating facts.
Northward:
7. The Troll Trail
The Troll Trail in Geta is a one-kilometer-long hiking path that starts at the Geta mountain lookout tower in northern Åland. Along the way, you’ll encounter troll tales and a slightly spooky cave. After the walk, enjoy a tasty meal or a sweet treat at Soltuna restaurant’s outdoor terrace, followed by a round of mini golf or disc golf.
For older kids, the Cave Trail (Grottstigen) offers a bigger challenge with a 4.7 km hike past impressive caves. It starts and ends at Soltuna.
Eastward:
8. Jan Karlsgården Open-air Museum
Step back in time at Jan Karlsgården, an open-air museum showcasing a typical Åland farm from the late 1800s. On Wednesdays in July, the farm comes to life with activities like butter churning, wool spinning, and natural dyeing of yarn. After your visit, stop by Smakbyn to taste Åland’s famous pancake and don’t miss picking up handmade candies from Karamelleriet.
9. Kastelholms slott & Bomarsund
Kastelholm Castle, a medieval stronghold in the heart of Åland, invites children to become brave knights and noble princesses for a day. Just nine kilometers away, you’ll find Bomarsund, Åland’s largest historic site. Here, you can start your visit at the Bomarsund Visitor Center for all basic info, and then set off to explore the ruins and defense towers, built on high ground with sweeping views.
10. Flowpark
Located on Vårdö, Flowpark Åland is an eco-friendly adventure park where you can test your courage on high-ropes courses set among the treetops. Climb, swing, and balance your way through a variety of exciting challenges, from swinging bridges to Tarzan jumps, swings, and zip lines.
Every Flowpark is unique, so no two parks are the same. The park is suitable for all ages, but climbers must be at least 120 cm tall.
