Nature trails are between one and eight kilometres long. They are all from easy to medium – none are difficult. No special equipment is required, but sometimes the ground can be a bit wet, so boots or good outdoor shoes are recommended. Many of the nature trails are in the nature reserve.
The long-distance footpaths in Åland are 10-60 kilometres long. They are also easy, for the most part, but it’s important to wear good hiking shoes or boots to go hiking, even on the easy paths - the path is uneven in parts and the bedrock can be slippery. Dress according to the weather - it may be chilly, especially during spring and autumn! Follow the trail all the time and help preserve the landscape.
The cultural nature trail in Prästö
There is much to see and experience along the 5.5-kilometre-long cultural nature trail in Prästö, Sund. Prästö is an island just next to Bomarsund and is rich in culture and history from Bomarsund times. There are several beautiful old cemeteries on the island where some of the people who came to Åland at the time the Bomarsund fortress was built are buried. These include Russian soldiers, civilians from the growing community and many anonymous prisoners of war. There are Greek Orthodox, Muslim, Lutheran, Catholic and Jewish people buried in the cemeteries. And even though most of the grave markers were made of wood and have rotted away, there are still about 50 gravestones left. The cemetery is still in use today and the area is well looked after. Informative signs have been put up as well.
The hiking trail takes you past the spot where the military hospital was situated. Most of the people who remained on Prästö died in one of the many epidemics that ravaged the garrison. You’ll go past the Russian telegraph station and the adjoining Doniken, where the telegraphists lived. Two of only a handful of buildings from the Russian period that still remain in Åland. You’ll go past the viewing tower, coves and charming villages and the Bomarsund Museum. The Prästö hiking trail mainly follows narrow gravel roads and footpaths through a beautiful landscape that bears the traces of centuries of human habitation. Because of two short rocky passages, the trail is classed as “easy” rather than “pushchair-friendly.”
Several nature trails and long-distance footpaths
The medieval trail in Geta
The medieval trail in Geta is of medium difficulty to walk and is just 2.5 kilometres long. There are quaint signs along the trail that describe the centuries among the Viking stone heaps and nature. You'll get acquainted with the farmhand Per, learn how things were done back in the old days and how the church came to be located where it is now. Begin your hike just east of the Geta church.
Sadelinleden
For those who appreciate longer hikes in a varied and changing environment, Åland now offers 63 kilometres of long-distance footpaths through the districts of Hammarland and Finström, with Geta as the final destination. You can download a map of the path here(PDF).
Lemlandsleden
23 kilometres of long-distance footpaths that take you through some of Åland’s most beautiful spots. It starts at Lumparsund and ends by Lemström canal. You can get a map at Visit Åland in Mariehamn or from Lemland library.
Kyrkleden
13 kilometres of nature and history in the same package, and a proper bit of exercise to boot. The hike covers Åland’s main historical sights – Kastelholm Castle and Bomarsund fortress. You can download a PDF about Kyrkleden here.
More information
Read more about hiking in Åland or feel free to ring Visit Åland on +358 18 24000 for more tips! Visit us at Storagatan 8 in Mariehamn to get detailed information and material about the long-distance footpaths.