Things to do in Åland Islands

25 things to do in Åland Islands

Listed in full below. The running order is set by votes and loads with the page.

• Explore Kastelholm Castle

  Wander the medieval ruins of Kastelholm Castle, once a royal residence, and imagine life in the 14th century as you explore its towers and dungeons.

  Sund, Åland Islands

• Visit the Maritime Museum in Mariehamn

  Discover Åland's seafaring heritage at the Maritime Museum, featuring ship models, navigational instruments, and the story of the islands' sailors.

  Mariehamn

• Step aboard the Pommern

  Tour the four-masted barque Pommern, a preserved sailing ship turned museum, and learn about its voyages across the world's oceans.

  Mariehamn

• Wander the Bomarsund Fortress ruins

  Hike among the scattered ruins of the 19th-century Russian Bomarsund fortress, a silent witness to the Crimean War battles fought on Åland.

  Sund

• See Jomala Church

  Admire the medieval stone church of Jomala, Åland's oldest parish church, with its 13th-century architecture and serene graveyard.

  Jomala

• Cycle around Mariehamn

  Rent a bike and pedal along the coastal paths of Mariehamn, passing by harbors, parks, and quaint wooden houses under the Nordic sky.

  Mariehamn

• Kayak the Archipelago

  Paddle through the calm waters of the Åland archipelago, navigating between small islets and spotting seals and seabirds along the way.

  Various, Åland Islands

• Visit the Åland Museum

  Explore the Åland Museum in Mariehamn to understand the islands' history from prehistoric times to the present through artifacts and exhibits.

  Mariehamn

• Taste Åland Pancakes

  Savor traditional Åland pancakes, a semolina pudding often served with plum jam, at a local café in Mariehamn.

  Mariehamn

• Smoke fish at a local smokehouse

  Join a workshop or visit a smokehouse to try freshly smoked Baltic herring, a staple of Ålandic cuisine with a rich, aromatic flavor.

  Various, Åland Islands

• Explore Långnäs Nature Reserve

  Hike through the Långnäs Nature Reserve, where coastal meadows and rocky shores host rare plants and birdlife in a tranquil setting.

  Lumparland

• Birdwatch at Signilskär

  Take a boat to Signilskär, a birdwatcher's paradise where thousands of seabirds nest, including guillemots and puffins in season.

  Hammarland

• Hike in Ramsholmen

  Walk the trails of Ramsholmen, a forested islet near Mariehamn, offering peaceful woods, shoreline walks, and picnic spots.

  Mariehamn

• See Lemström Canal

  Visit the historic Lemström Canal, a hand-dug 19th-century waterway connecting Lumparland and Lemland, surrounded by lush greenery.

  Lemland

• Spot the Dånö Lighthouse

  View the remote Dånö Lighthouse from a boat, a striking beacon on the outer archipelago, symbolizing Åland's maritime navigation history.

  Outer Archipelago

• Attend Midsummer in Åland

  Join the Midsummer celebrations with maypole dancing, folk music, and bonfires, a vibrant expression of Åland's Swedish-rooted culture.

  Various, Åland Islands

• Sail the Åland Waters

  Charter a sailboat or join a crew to navigate the archipelago's channels, experiencing the freedom of island-hopping under sail.

  Various, Åland Islands

• Visit Jan Karlsgården Open-Air Museum

  Step back in time at Jan Karlsgården, an open-air museum near Kastelholm showcasing traditional Ålandic farm life with historic buildings and exhibits.

  Sund

• Hike the Geta Hills

  Trek the rolling hills of Geta municipality, where forested paths lead to viewpoints overlooking the archipelago's countless islands.

  Geta

• See Sund Church

  Visit Sund Church, a medieval stone church with a distinctive round tower, offering a glimpse into Åland's religious architecture.

  Sund

• Try Ålandic Cheese

  Sample locally produced cheeses at an Åland farm, often made from goat or cow milk, reflecting the islands' agricultural traditions.

  Various, Åland Islands

• Swim at Långnäs Beach

  Relax on the sandy shores of Långnäs Beach, a popular spot for swimming in the summer with clear waters and gentle waves.

  Lumparland

• Stroll the Esplanad in Mariehamn

  Walk along the Esplanad, Mariehamn's main street, lined with shops, cafes, and the iconic statue of a sailor overlooking the harbor.

  Mariehamn

• Visit Nåtö Nature Reserve

  Explore Nåtö Nature Reserve, a hidden gem with old-growth forest and coastal meadows, perfect for quiet walks and birdwatching.

  Mariehamn

• See Soltuna Viewpoint

  Climb to Soltuna viewpoint in Eckerö for panoramic views of the sea and islands, especially stunning at sunset.

  Eckerö