New Åland Experiences 2026
A new year brings new reasons to visit Åland. In 2026, you can look forward to fresh experiences, creative traditions and places that invite you to enjoy island life. From local flavours and maritime heritage to peaceful gardens and playful family adventures, there is something new to discover around every corner. Which experience will become part of your Åland journey?
1. Lolo’s Hamnkök – A New Waterside Café by Marsund
This summer, a brand-new café opens by the water at the Marsund Bridge in Hammarland, beautifully set by the shoreline.
It’s a perfect stop for cyclists, located along the route between Mariehamn and Eckerö – one of many stretches where you cycle safely on a separate bike path, away from traffic. Nearby, you’ll find a swimming jetty and smooth seaside rocks, ideal for cooling off on warm summer days. You can also arrive by boat and moor at the guest jetty, which is planned to grow into a full guest harbour in the future.
2. Applecation – An Apple Experience at an Apple Farm
At Öfvergårds Apple Farm, you’re invited to join Applecation – a guided experience that follows the apple’s journey from blossom to fresh juice. Along the way, you’ll learn about life on the farm, apple varieties and local food craftsmanship, all in a relaxed and welcoming setting. The experience has received an honorary mention in Swedish and Finnish food craft competitions and naturally includes tastings of the farm’s award-winning apple juices. Applecation lasts about 1.5 hours and is a warm and memorable experience for the whole family.
3. The Gaff Schooner Emelia – A New Vessel Meets the Sea
Join the launch of the gaff schooner Emelia on 25 July 2026 at the Maritime Quarter in Mariehamn. It’s a festive day where craftsmanship, history and celebration come together.
Built step by step in front of the public, Emelia is a living cultural project that carries Åland’s shipbuilding traditions into the future. Made from solid oak, she will feature two masts, at least eight sails and berths for 27 people. Rigging the ship is a craft that demands both skill and precision, and while the master builders and riggers are from Åland, apprentices are welcomed to learn the trade. The launch will be one of the summer’s great public celebrations – a rare chance to witness the moment when a new sailing vessel meets the sea for the very first time.
4. Åland Museum of Photography Celebrates 25 Years of History
Åland Museum of Photography invites you on a journey through the history of photography and is home to one of the world’s largest camera collections. In 2026, the museum celebrates 25 years of preserving and sharing photographic heritage. Among the highlights are fascinating rarities such as Fridtjof Nansen’s camera from the Fram expedition to the North Pole (1893–1896) and press photographer Arthur “Weegee” Fellig’s iconic Speed Graphic camera. Spread across more than 1,000 square metres, the museum combines cameras, film equipment and photographs with guided tours – an inspiring experience for both photography enthusiasts and curious visitors.
5. A Midsummer Maypole by the Sea
Since 2022, the Maritime Quarter has celebrated Midsummer with its own artistic tradition: a one-of-a-kind maypole raised by the sea every year on Midsummer’s Day. In 2026, the maypole is designed by textile artist Ilse Berg, known for her handwoven textiles and sensitive use of colour, form and materials. She is one of seven artisans behind the craft shop SALT, which offers Åland’s widest selection of local handicrafts from more than 100 makers. Join the maypole raising on Saturday, 20 June 2026 at 12:00, set against a maritime backdrop of wooden boats, seagull calls and gently lapping waves. This genuine experience on Midsummer’s Day suits anyone who appreciates art and craftsmanship.
6. Traditional Wooden Boats A New Museum Exhibition
The newly renovated Boatbuilder’s Museum is set to be one of the highlights of summer 2026. Here, stories of Åland’s maritime life unfold through beautifully crafted boat models, photographs, personal stories, objects and film screenings, taking you from the 18th century right up to today. The exhibition shines a light on Nordic clinker-built boat traditions, recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage and deeply rooted in Åland. The result is a modern and welcoming museum experience that blends knowledge with atmosphere – ideal for anyone who wants to connect more deeply with the place they are visiting.
The exhibition shines a light on Nordic clinker-built boat traditions, recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage and deeply rooted in Åland. The result is a modern and welcoming museum experience that blends knowledge with atmosphere – ideal for visitors who want to connect more deeply with the place they are exploring.
7. Tired Little Legs? Borrow a Cucumber Scooter!
Mariehamn is easy to explore on foot, but sometimes young children need a break. Visit the tourist information office on the pedestrian street Torggatan and let your toddler take a fun little ride that brings smiles all around. The iconic green “cucumber scooter” by Åland toy manufacturer Plasto is now available to borrow. It helps even the most tired young explorer keep going, while parents can ask our friendly staff for tips and ideas. Here, you can also pick up maps and brochures for your next adventure – perhaps on a nature trail or a cycling trip.
8. A Hidden Garden Oasis in the Heart of Mariehamn
EDiscover Mariero Garden – a green oasis and a tranquil gem just steps from the pedestrian street Torggatan. Step through the gate in the yellow fence and you’ll enter another world. Stroll at a relaxed pace among flower beds, heritage plants and small green rooms where bees, butterflies and birds thrive. The garden has been carefully developed with sustainability and biodiversity in mind, featuring new plantings, a pond, stone walls and a meadow slowly taking shape. Mariero is a place for inspiration and calm – whether you love gardening or simply want a peaceful break from the crowds during your stay in Mariehamn.
9. Meet Happy Pigs Up Close
At Nygårds Pig Farm, you can join a safari tour and meet pigs living the good life. Here they roam outdoors all year round in forest enclosures, rooting in the mud and soil just as pigs love to do. The safari takes place every Wednesday in July by tractor and wagon, or by horse and carriage. Set in the beautiful Åland countryside, it’s a favourite with families but enjoyable for all ages. Tours are easy to book online.
10. Turn-of-the-Century Art at the Önningeby Museum
At the turn of the 20th century, the Önningeby artists’ colony was a vibrant creative community where painters found inspiration in Åland’s light, landscape and everyday life. Their art reflects nature, people and moments of quiet beauty, captured in a personal and expressive style. The Önningeby Museum has recently expanded with new exhibition spaces, and in summer 2026 the focus is on paintings by the colony’s founder, Victor Westerholm. With more than 400 works in the collection, along with photographs and objects from the artists’ lives, the museum offers an inviting and atmospheric visit for anyone interested in art and local cultural history.
Site updated March 2026
