Best Places to Visit in Åland Islands, Top Attractions

Islands overlooking the Baltic Sea, which has many attractions and attractions that attract thousands of tourists every year. In it, tourists will find hotels and resorts that provide the best services, museums that tell the history of the city in particular and Finland in general, and lively ports. In addition to local and international restaurants, entertainment and commercial centers that combine fun and fashion at the same time. As well as its picturesque nature, which varies between sandy beaches with clear waters and rocky ones, and green spaces represented by lush trees and flowering gardens. All these elements encourage tourists and visitors, coming from all over the world, to visit it again and again in order to explore it and learn about its various wonderful details. Sandwiched between Finland and Sweden in the Baltic Sea, these autonomous islands are easily accessible by a beautiful ferry ride from Sweden or Finland. From medieval castles to lavish hotels and foodie points, there is so much to explore for Åland Islands sightseeing. There are plenty of interesting places and attractions to visit in Åland, but sometimes you just don’t have enough time for them all. 

#1- Mariehamn town centre
Åland’s only town – Mariehamn – has a lot to offer within a walking distance. Get to know the town centre by strolling down Torggatan and buy yourself a souvenir from one of the charming shops. Mariehamn town centre has some lovely restaurants, the welcoming town library and park areas like the Stadshusparken, Lilla Holmen and Esplanaden. Mariehamn is called “the town of the thousand lime trees”, and you’ll understand why when you walk westwards from the market square under the foliage of the treetops. St George’s Church (S:t Görans kyrka) is located in the middle of the avenue of lime trees – worth a look inside for a quiet moment.

#2- The museum ship Pommern
If you visit Åland between May and September, you mustn’t miss the museum ship Pommern! The new visitor experience “The Pommern – 100 days under sail” takes you back to the 1930s where you get to go on a fictional voyage around the world. The crew’s own stories from the long voyage are highlighted and on the middle deck you can take part in both work and leisure on board. For example, you can mend sails, be involved in a traditional line-crossing ceremony and dance away with the crew when they organise a party, safely moored in the port of London. A visit to the Pommern will be an unforgettable experience!

#3- Käringsund in Eckerö
There are not many spots that are as idyllic as the old fishing village of Käringsund with its rows of old boathouses in Eckerö, western Åland. But Käringsund consists of much more than the classic boathouses. In the high season, you can visit the Åland Hunting and Fishing Museum, go on a guided game safari tour at Viltsafari and enjoy the adventure playground Leklandet a stone's throw away. There are hotels, cottages, campsites, a beach and plenty of fun activities on land and at sea that will suit the whole family.

#4- Åland's maritime museum
The exhibitions at Åland’s Maritime Museum explain how through the ages the sea has had a major influence on the Ålander population. Personal stories, interesting objects and entertaining activities will make the visit stimulating for everyone. The collection of beautifully made models of ships is impressive, as are the model ships and the many figureheads that decorate the walls. The Maritime Museum has an exciting children’s room, many interactive displays and a fun treasure hunt, making it very much a children’s favourite. They get to climb up the mast, take charge of a ship and play among fish and starfish on the make-believe bottom of the sea.

#5- The Maritime Quarter
Immediately north of Mariehamn town centre, by the eastern shore, is the Maritime Quarter. This marine area gives you the opportunity to familiarise yourself with shipbuilding, smithery and other arts and crafts. Stroll along the piers and admire the beautiful wooden boats, visit the Boatbuilding Museum and get a taste of Åland-style pizza, the “plåtbröd”, in the Pub Niska restaurant. The Maritime Quarter also has the Guldviva jewellery and the crafts shop SALT, and at the furthest point on a breakwater there is a little Sailors’ Chapel, which is popular for weddings and christenings.

#6- Åland Islands art museum
Åland artists from the past and the present show their art in the Åland Islands Art Museum. Paintings, sculptures and installations harmoniously fill the space, and in addition to the permanent exhibition, several different separate exhibitions are put on each year. These also include works by artists who are not from Åland.

#7- Kobba klintar
The Kobba klintar islands are located on the approach to Mariehamn. This is where ships were guided in to the harbour in Mariehamn in former times, and today the “Kobbar” are a popular day trip destination for both tourists and locals. In the summer, a tour boat runs to the islands, and you can look into both the pilot’s cabin and the white beacon. A café serves Åland pancakes and filling sandwiches, and if you bring your swimsuit, you can go for a dip from the smooth rocks.

#8- The Kastelholm area
Kastelholm in Sund municipality has Kastelholm Castle, the Jan Karlsgården open-air museum, Vita Björn Prison Museum and Smakbyn restaurant and distillery. You’ll be able to combine some interesting guided tours where you’ll learn more about the area’s history with some exciting taste sensations. In the summer, there are children’s activities and arts and crafts days at Jan Karlsgården, and in the castle you can go on a treasure hunt and dress up as a royal.

#9- Grottstigen nature trail in Geta
The hiking trails Grottstigen in Geta offers breathtaking views. Grottstigen is, according to many, the best hiking trail on Åland and you can find amazing nature experiences. Along the trail you’ll find caves and stately rock formations, in addition to an impressive view over the sea. This is also a popular spot for bouldering. The terrain can be challenging at times, especially when the rocks are wet after rain.

#10- The Bomarsund fortress area
Between 1809 and 1917 Finland and Åland belonged to Russia. In the 1830s, Russia began to build its westernmost outpost, a magnificent fortress in Bomarsund, Sund. In 1854, during the Crimean War, the half-built fortress was bombed, and today its ruins remain in an ancient monument area that is 870 hectares in size. Download the Coastal Past app to your smartphone and let it guide you around the area and visit the newly opened Visitor's centre. Visit also the Bomarsund Museum in the Prästö Pilot’s Cabin and peer into Stants’n, the old telegraph building on Prästö, where you’ll learn even more about Bomarsund’s history.

Photo Source : Google