In the outermost southern part of Åland lies the archipelago of Kökar, consisting of one larger island surrounded by thousands of smaller ones. The main island has a population of about 250 and has been inhabited for about 3000 years. The first inhabitants were presumably seal hunters. The waters of Kökar have always been rich in fish and where there's fish there are seals. Fishing has been the main industry for hundreds of years. The natives would sail to the fish markets in Stockholm and Turku to sell their catch and trade it for goods they needed. People have always been self-reliant here.
Kökar is also known for the Fransiscan monastery that stood here during medieval times. Today the Franciscan days are held every year in July to celebrate the saint.
What most of all attracts visitors to Kökar today is the beautiful nature, composed of barren rocks with pockets of lush forests, wild fields and protected bays for swimming. On some islands you can find the delicious cloudberries growing.
The sea and the ice have shaped the terrain during millions of years and created many beautiful and interesting geological formations. The most famous of these is the cauldron of Källskär, believed to have been shaped during the ice age.
In Northwestern Kökar lies Hamnö, where you'll find the church, dedicated to Saint Anne and built from stone in 1784. Inside there is a font from the 13th century. Next to the church lies a chapel and the ruins of the medieval Franciscus monastery. This was one of three such monasteries in Finland, and was probably founded in the 14th century.
The monastery was abandoned in the 1530s, when the Nordic realms became Protestant. Modern archeological excavations have uncovered traces of several monastic buildings.
Neighbouring Hamnö is Munkvärvan, where you'll find the accommodations Sandvik Gästhamn and Camping, as well as Antons Gästhem.
In the middle of Kökar lies the main village Karlby, with most businesses and services. Here you'll find the supermarket Kökars Skärgårdsbutik, with provisions and everyday items. Newly built Karlby Café is next doors. There they sell Klostersenap's world-class Kökar Mustard, which took gold in the World-Wide Mustard Competition in Wisconsin in 2023 — and Klostersenap's Christmas mustard won the entire competition in 2025.
In Karlby you'll also find Brudhäll Hotell, beautifully situated by the sea, with a marina in front. The hotel features fine architecture with classical Nordic red wood sidings. They are open year-round and offer a restaurant, a seaside bar, and several kinds of sauna.
Källskär lies in the outer archipelago of Kökar and is one of the most iconic destinations of the archipelago, famous for a smooth rock formation resembling a cauldron, presumed to have been shaped during the ice age. During the summers scholarship artists reside here to seek inspiration in the barren wilderness. Here visitors can find a statue of the gods' messenger Mercury as well as a beautiful garden. Boat tours depart for Källskär daily during summer, from the Brudhäll Hotel.
In western Kökar there is a nature trail stretching through impressive nature, where you can see traces of the Bronze age and Iron age, stone cairns, a stone labyrinth (called jungfrudans) and remains of WWII fortifications.
In Northern Kökar lies Hellsö, with accommodation Klobbars, if you are looking to stay a bit more secluded, in a cabin or in their guesthouse. Another accommodation provider here is Havspaviljongen, with a restaurant and marina. On your way to Hellsö you can stop by the local museum Kökars Hembygdsmuseum, with many interesting things to learn and admire - especially the boat exhibition.
We offer several bicycle tours where you visit Kökar and stay for a night on your way around the archipelago. Among them our best selling "Big Archipelago Tour", and our brand new easy biking "Pilgrim's Path" route. Ferry transports are included in the tours, as well as rental bikes, accommodation, and everything you need.
Island ferries depart for Kökar from Långnäs on the main Åland island, from Överö in Föglö, from Sottunga, and from Galtby in Finland. The route is called the Southern Line, and reservations are made with Ålandstrafiken.
