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Sottunga is a tiny island in the middle of Åland's archipelago with a population of about 100. The island has been inhabited for at least 1000 years and the population where at it's greatest size in the 1920's with about 400 inhabitants. When the sailing route between Finland and Sweden passed through the archipelago many sailors and travelers would stay the night in Sottunga. Like other natives the people of Sottunga had to arrange their travels in boats of their own until the 20th century when regular passenger traffic was introduced. Today the archipelago ferries haul the pier of Sottunga daily on their trips to and from Långnäs harbour.
The Sottunga marina and the restaurant Salteriet is located nearby the Sottunga ferry harbour and is a very popular stop for yachts, who often pass here on their way to or from the neighbouring Föglö islands. The beautiful wooden church built in 1728 is close to the harbour as well as a nature trail.
Buses depart to Mariehamn from Berghamn where the Eckerö Linjen ships arrive from Sweden. The bus takes 40 minutes.
Buses depart from the bus lot next to the city library, going to Långnäs harbour. From there the ferries on the Southern Line go to Sottunga and continue to other archipelago islands. The bus takes about 1 hour to Långnäs. The ferry from Långnäs to Sottunga takes about 1 hour and is free for passengers without vehicles.
An alternative route is going through Föglö to Sottunga. The buses to Långnäs stop by Svinö ferry pier where the Föglö ferry goes to Degerby. Degerby is connected by road with Överö in northern Föglö where the ferries on the Southern Line going east stop by on their way to Sottunga and onwards.
The ferries on the Southern Line stop by Sottunga on their journey to Långnäs harbour. The ferries are free for passengers without a vehicle and there is a café onboard.
Like it's sister church in Föglö, the Sottunga church is dedicated to St Mary Magdalene. The church is made of wood and was built in 1728 after the old church from the 16th century burnt down.
The Historical society centre is inside the renovated old school and hosts a museum and local historical exhibitions.
Sottunga has three hiking trails. The first is 2,5 km long, beginning and ending by the ferry pier. This trail has signs informing about the history of Sottunga. The second trail is 3 km long and begins by the school. This trail has signs informing about life in Sottunga past and present. The third trail takes you 1500 m through the nature, beginning at Sottunga Cabins.
On this island lies what remains of an abandoned mining project in the 19th century. The project is said to have been somewhat of a failure due to the drinking interests of the miners.
