Aland islands in Finland

A natural wonder of more than 6000 islands, islets and red granite reefs, provides some of the most little known glimpses of Scandinavia, all only two hours ferry from Stockholm. It is the Alands archipelago in the Gulf of Bothnia, bridge over the Baltic sea between the coasts of Sweden and Finland. Inhabited since the ancient ages, these islands today are mostly uninhabited, but they have always been a natural bridge over the Baltic to promote commerce and shipping.

Aland island, a view of the coast

Aland islands between Sweden and Finland

Politically part of Finland but with a population predominantly of Swedish origin and language, they have wide administrative autonomy and their own flag. Alands are little jewels seemingly possessed by the wonderful magic of nature, where the ancient Swedish culture also rediscoveres its roots in the old pagan age. An ideal destination to spend a relaxed week after an intensive week-end dedicated to sightseeing at Stockholm.

Itinerary across the Alands archipelago

In the main island, Fasta Aland, is situated the only one city of the archipelago, Mariehamn. Founded by Tsar Alexander II, it is the main docking port for ferries which connect Sweden and Finland. The large sailing ship Pommern is anchored here in the port. It is a four-masted cargo ship (windjammer); it is the only one of this kind left in the world, still in original condition. Still speaking of sea, nearby you can also visit the Aland Maritime Museum or the Aland Museum that exhibits the archeologycal and cultural history of the islands from the stone age until the present.

On the main island there is also the Castleholm Castle in the municipality of Sund, remarkable medieval stone churches such as Saint John's church, Saint Mary's and Saint Anna church on the Kumlinge island. Charming fishing villages, dotted along the coast of the island, contribute to the fascination and beauty of the place together with the wonderful panoramas on the Baltic.

Connected through bridges and the Alandstrafiken ferry service, the main islands of the archipelago can be visited by motorbike, camper or by car with bicycles attached (the scenic routes also have bicycle paths), staying in the outside islands such as Sund, Vardo, Lemland, Lumparland, Kumlinge, Foglo, Sottunga, Kokar (the most remote and picturesque) and the most eastern one, Brando, a thin strip of land near Finland's coast. The itinerary in the islands, which goes through twelve bridges and eight ferry transits, is signposted by brown road signs which point to 'Saariston Rengastie'.

Aland: a fishing cabin

A fishing cabin in the Aland islands

The old mail route

An another interesting way to discover the archipelago might be the old Mail Route over land and sea, issued by Swedish Queen Kristina in 1638 with a decree, to establish a regular postal service from Stockholm to Helsinki via Aland. Today this route is an historical itinerary to explore the 9 Aland's counties served by the archipelago ferry line Alandstrafiken in the first part and then by Eckero Line, from the port of Eckero to Grisslehamn in Sweden (north of Stockholm).

During the trip you can discover places such as the fairytale-like Brando county whose 500 permanent inhabitants live across the ten islands, which are all connected by ferries, bridges and roads. Or the former shipping village of Vardo, where the old houses of the shipping owners stand out in the main street. Godby has a central location on Aland and is inhabited by only 800 people. When the weather is clear, you can admire a wonderful view and see five bell towers and many churches from the top of the outlook tower 'Hoca C' near the 'Uffe pa Berget cafeteria'.

The constant presence of Midsummer poles in each village is a folk tradition that you can't but not notice travelling through the islands. They are really beautiful poles decorated with flags and colourful ornaments built during Midsummer celebrations. The Eckero port is the last stop before returning to Sweden. From the harbour, ferries depart several times daily for Grisslehamn; otherwise, if you prefer coming back to the Finnish mainland, there are lots of daily ferry connections from Mariehamn to Turku and Helsinki.

Aland, Brando island

Landscape of Brando island

Tourist information