Far up in Northern Åland lies one of the island state's conference centres of excellence. April 2012 will see the opening of some new premises to be able to accommodate 120 conference guests. There is a new meeting building with a lounge where people can relax in front of a fireplace. Many want to have meetings by the sea – they find it inspiring.

A grand climax with fireworks and entertainment, or a time of devotion at the Seafarers’ Chapel. Tailor-made conferences and meetings are something of an Åland speciality.

At the beginning of July a large group of yachtsmen from New York Yacht Club and North American Station will be visiting Åland. Come along on their trip from Mariehamn to Kökar!

In the new Alandica Kultur och Kongress there are modern premises and conference technologies in an inspiring environment for all types of arrangements. The building will be finished in spring – centrally in the Nordic countries, centrally in Mariehamn, centrally in a park by the water.

This summer you can choose from a selection of delicious home-baked cakes and pastries at the newly opened Tjudö Café och Gårdsbutik (cafe and farm shop) in Finström on the main island of Åland: a perfect stop if you are cycling, riding a motorbike or are travelling with your family by car. Mari Bamberg does the baking and also serves behind the counter at this charming cafe in the old threshing barn in Tjudö.

Åland has good food on offer all year round. In November the local newspaper counted 53 places to eat in Mariehamn alone. In the summer there are many more than 100 places to eat that are open all around Åland. Enjoy well-prepared dishes with a taste of Åland and the archipelago at any one of the fine restaurants in the island state.

Mariehamn's newly opened casino feels a bit more friendly than I expected. I'm no James Bond - I'm simply an amateur at poker and roulette. But when I step into the Casino, I feel welcome - I like the place right away.