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The Åland Islands are great for short or long bike trips, because of the flat topography. You can rent your bikes with us in Mariehamn, or start pedaling straight off the ship if you bring your own bikes. June, July and August are the most popular months for bicycle and MC tourism in Åland, but spring offers lush nature and fall gives you sunny days and fresh air. A large network of ferries traffic the various islands within Åland. They always have space for bikes.
Fishing is one of the most popular past-times in Åland. Fishing tourism is well developed and most cabin renters offer guests small fishing boats, equipment and fishing licenses for their waters. Fishing licenses are needed for all fishing on privately owned waters, they can be bought from your accommodation provider or online.
With an experienced private guide you are able to experience the best of Åland during a day or a few hours. Our partners at Åland Tours will tailor a day tour according to your interests and requirements, with the town Mariehamn as recommended starting point.
There are thousands of uninhabited islands to visit in the Åland archipelago. Going by kayak you get closer than ever to nature and don't have to worry about treacherous underwater rocks. Several companies offer kayak rentals. Bring your camping gear for an unforgettable adventure among the islands, or go on an organized kayaking tour with an experienced guide.
Around Åland there are many hiking trails, offering a variety of landscapes and distances. We respect the right to roam and you can walk about freely in forests and nature. Winter, spring, summer and autumn - every season has something to charm lovers of nature and freedom.
Few experiences are as appreciated among visitors as enjoying a good meal in the sun on one of the terraces of the island restaurants. Restaurang Seagram on Föglö has become a popular watering hole for locals as well as summer guests, with their famous fish buffet, summer balls and musical performances. The Salteriet restaurant on the tiny island of Sottunga is another favorite for boating visitors, with their great location on the marina.
In Kökar, the restaurant Brudhäll offers full service in their marina.
Just as in Finland, the sauna is an important part of Åland culture. The temperature is always high and the sauna is usually combined with a refreshing swim in the Baltic sea. The sauna tradition is strong in Åland and almost all accommodation providers offer a sauna to their guests.
Guesthouse Enigheten in Föglö is remarkable for their recently constructed beach sauna in traditional fashion. Another fantastic beach sauna – and wood fired to boost – can be found at Klobbars in Kökar, where you'll ahve a view of the sea from inside the sauna. In Kökar you also have Brudhäll Hotel, where they have public saunas, private saunas, an exclusive two-floor sauna, and even a jacuzzi.
In Geta in Northern Åland, the seaside hotel Havsvidden is famous for their luxurious bathing facilities, saunas and hot tubs. In Mariehamn, there is a public bathhouse called Mariebad with all kinds of bathing facilities available.
During a week in July, some of the largest acts in traditional Swedish "Dance band" music perform in the Föglö island during Ålands Dansbandsfestival. Since the start in 2022, it has already superseded all expectations and become one of the best festivals in this popular genre.
Kumlinge attracts visits in the beginning of July with their three day music festival "Visor så in i Norden", continuing a more than 20 year old tradition.
In the end of August each year, the "Night of the Ancient lights" is held around the baltic sea. Participants light large bonfires to celebrate our common Nordic history. In ancient times, these beacons were lit to aid seafarers or to warn other villages of impeding danger. The mystical tradition continues in Sottunga and Kökar, among other places.
The most popular festival in Åland is Rockoff and is held for a week during summer. This is a lively, drunken ramble, filled with shows from old one hit wonders, famous artists from Sweden, and new starlets enjoying their moment of fame.
Sailing and seafaring has been a central part of the life of the Åland people since prehistoric times, both by small boats and large ships. The waters are still today busy with cruise and cargo ships, but also lots of leisure sailing vessels, following the winds from port to port. There are many visitor marinas among the islands, offering good service for good prices. Often they are accompanied by restaurants as well.
Digital or analog charts are absolutely necessary to navigate the Åland archipelago, as the waters are full of treacherous rocks hidden beneath the waves. If you stay in the ferry lanes you will avoid most risk, but also miss out on beautiful mooring spots.
