Aland Islands
A self-governing, Swedish-speaking archipelago of red granite and six thousand islands between Finland and Sweden - a world of cycling, sailing and sea.
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Illustrative image - a scene in the spirit of the place, not a photograph of it. Real photos are below.
Aland is an autonomous, Swedish-speaking region of Finland, a scatter of some six thousand red-granite islands in the Baltic between the two countries. With its own flag, ferries linking island to island, and a maritime past written in tall ships, it is a summer world of cycling, sailing and quiet coves.
What you actually see
- Mariehamn - the small maritime capital with its museum ship Pommern.
- The island-hopping ferries - the free and cheap ferries linking the outer archipelago.
- Kastelholm castle - the medieval castle on the main island.
- Red-granite coast - the smooth pink rock, coves and lighthouses of the Baltic shore.
When to go
High summer for warm seas, full ferry timetables and the sailing season; spring and autumn are quiet and many services wind down. It is very much a summer destination.
Honest expectations
It is spread across many islands linked by ferries, so getting around takes time and planning, ideally with a bike or car. Outside summer much closes and the ferries thin out. It is gentle and maritime rather than dramatic, best enjoyed slowly.
Nearby
Ferries connect to Turku and its archipelago in Finland and to Stockholm in Sweden; the Kvarken lies up the coast.
What to pack for Aland Islands
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
