Tourism in Åland

Explore notable sights and destinations in this country

Europe / Northern Europe

Tourist attractions

Kastelholm Castle

Region: Sund

Cultural Heritage

14th-century medieval fortress. Also used as summer residence of Finnish royalty.

Bomarsund Fortress Ruins

Region: Sund

Historical Ruins

Fortress ruins built by Russian Empire. Destroyed in Crimean War, now an open-air museum.

Åland Maritime Museum

Region: Mariehamn

Museum

Comprehensive shipping museum with adjacent sailing ship Pommern on display.

Sjökvarteret (Maritime District)

Region: Mariehamn

Cultural Landscape

Harbor recreation district with wooden ship workshops and tar kilns.

Eckerö Post and Customs House

Region: Eckerö

Historical Architecture

19th-century Russian Imperial neoclassical architecture.

Jan Karlsgården Open-Air Museum

Region: Adjacent to Kastelholm Castle

Folk

Recreates rural life by relocating 19th-century farmhouses and windmills.

Kobba Klintar Old Pilot Station

Region: Off Mariehamn

Maritime Ruins

Small island with white lighthouse cottage and cafe, a scenic viewpoint.

Jomala St. Olof Church

Region: Jomala

Religious Architecture

One of Finland''s oldest stone churches dating to late 13th century.

Silverskär Nature Reserve

Region: Northern archipelago

Nature

Uninhabited island group popular for kayaking and birdwatching.

Mariehamn Linnainmäki Street

Region: Mariehamn

Modern Architecture

Main street with beautiful plane tree avenue and wooden villas.

Suggested itineraries

2-Night 3-Day Highlight Tour

Duration (days): 3

Highlights: Kastelholm Castle, Mariehamn Old Town, Midsummer Pole Viewing

Short trip touring main island by rental car after ferry arrival, enjoying main historic sites and local cuisine.

5-Day Archipelago Cycling Route

Duration (days): 5

Highlights: Lumparland Strait, Vårdö Island, Eckerö

Bicycle trip covering approximately 150km using bridges and cable ferries connecting islands.

7-Day Leisurely Island Time and Gourmet Journey

Duration (days): 7

Highlights: Skördefesten, Seafood Cruise, County Island Spa

Enjoy slow life with autumn harvest festival and apple orchards, sauna-equipped cottage stay.

Travel tips

  • Ferry from Finnish side Turku or Swedish side Stockholm takes approximately 5–6 hours.
  • From Helsinki by plane approximately 40 minutes.
  • Summer has midnight sun with light until 10 PM, but winter has short daylight hours.
  • Credit cards more common than cash.
  • Bus routes only in main island center. Rental car or bicycle convenient for archipelago tourism.
  • High season (June–August) accommodations book early, advance reservation essential.
  • Fewer mosquitoes than mainland but strong ocean winds. Windbreaker jacket recommended.
  • Tap water is safe to drink.
  • Life jacket wear may be mandatory for outdoor activities.
  • Winter ice road opening status announced on municipal website.
  • Mobile roaming is EU area rate.
  • Emergency number is 112 (Finland common).
  • No alcohol-free days but alcohol sales restricted after 1 AM.

Back to list