Explore lush nature trails adorned with fairy-tale meadows, crawl into a real cave or cycle along scenic red roads. Springtime in the archipelago is beautiful and exciting, with a pace that suits the whole family.
Enjoy fun activities in a safe and welcoming environment where you can truly unwind together. After your adventures, treat yourselves to delicious meals at cosy restaurants in Mariehamn. Stay comfortably at a child-friendly hotel in the town centre—everything is close by, so even the little ones can keep up!
9 Family-Friendly Tips for Springtime
1. Hop on the Ferry – the Fun Starts Onboard!
Butterflies in your tummy signal that something exciting is about to happen, and when heading to Åland, the adventure starts in the harbour. The shortest ferry crossing from Sweden takes just two hours across the Åland Sea, and a little longer from Turku in the Finnish mainland. Upon arrival, an entire archipelago awaits exploration. The ferry trip combined with a couple of nights at a hotel and fun activities to enjoy offers a well-deserved break loved by both kids and adults!
2. Explore the Past
The medieval Kastelholm Castle is a firm favourite with children. Hunt for treasures with the help of a map and dress up as royalty or knights in the costume corner. At Bomarsund, explore fascinating fortress ruins from the 19th century, lookout points, and cannons steeped in history. Begin your journey at the visitor centre, where stories come alive through films and sounds, before venturing out to see it all in person.
3. See a Real Pirate Flag and Step Aboard a Ship
Want to see something truly exciting? At Åland Maritime Museum, you’ll find one of the world’s only two pirate flags, along with plenty to fascinate sea dogs and landlubbers alike. Embark on a treasure hunt with the ship’s rat, Ruby, or play on the research vessel r/v Ebba. Don’t miss the magnificent sailing ship Pommern, opening on 1 May. While the voyage across the oceans is pretend, the stories you’ll hear onboard are absolutely true.
4. Museums Children Will Love
When was the last time you visited a new museum? The Åland Museum of Cultural History in Mariehamn offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. Travel 7,500 years back in time to when the first seal hunters arrived on the Åland Islands. At the Hunting and Fishing Museum in beautiful Käringsund, curious children can explore animals, bird eggs, and fishing and hunting tools from days gone by. The museum opens in mid May and is perfect for inquisitive young minds.
5. Dare to Enter a Cave?
Troll tales and impressive rock formations—Trollstigen (Troll Path) in Getabergen is a must for children who love the outdoors. Older kids can take on the 4 km-long Grottstigen (Cave Trail), featuring real caves and dramatic cliffs. And the views are unbeatable! Åland offers around 40 nature trails to explore and 12 disc golf courses where you can challenge the family. It’s free to play—all you need are a few discs and weather-appropriate clothes.
6. Adventure Pools for Kids and Adults
Heated outdoor pools, waterfalls, and whirlpools. A 65-metre waterslide that will give you butterflies, bubbling streams, and relaxing saunas—Mariebad has it all. Want to treat yourselves to something extra? Rent the private relaxation area on the top floor for a steam sauna and a spacious jacuzzi, perfect for sharing with friends.
7. Explore Flower-Filled Meadows
Discover magical meadows that first glow golden with cowslips before transforming into seas of blue and white anemones. The garlic-scented wild ramsons thrive at Ramsholmen—but don’t pick them, as they closely resemble the poisonous lily of the valley. Hazel groves and ancient trees provide a cosy home for woodland creatures. At Ramsholmen, there’s a hollow tree so big you can crawl inside. But don’t tell anyone else about this secret hideaway! This lush oasis lies on a comfortable cycling distance from Mariehamn.
8. Get Up Close to Animals
Spring is the perfect time to see adorable lambs and calves grazing in the fields. From Monday to Friday, you can cuddle rabbits, guinea pigs, goats, and other farm animals at the 4H farm in Jomala. The ultimate weekend to meet farm animals is at the end of May, during the Åland grönskar event, the Åland Spring Fair, celebrating spring and its first harvest.
9. Cycle Along the Scenic Red Roads
Cycling on Åland is a classic family activity! With plenty of cycle paths, beautiful destinations, and short distances, it’s ideal for exploring by bike. Cycle paths run alongside major roads, ensuring you ride safely away from traffic. Pack a hearty picnic and stop wherever you like for a break. Bring your own bikes or rent them on site. And those famous red roads? Come and see them for yourself!
Book Your Spring Getaway Today
Travel by ferry from Stockholm, Grisslehamn, or Kapellskär in Sweden, or Turku or Naantali in Finland. It’s easy to bring your car for your own island adventures. If you’re staying in Mariehamn, everything is within walking distance.
Maybe you prefer to fly? A flight from Arlanda takes only 30 minutes and from Helsinki less than one hour.
