Here is a selection of all the 100+ events you will find on in Åland in 2012. Don't miss out - put these Åland favourite events on your calendar now! How about a short and documentary film festival in Mariehamn or a party in the centre involving the world's best beach volleyball players?

Derek Coombes is a marketing executive from the Isle of Man in the Irish Sea. When he first came to Åland, it was love at first sight. That’s why he came back with his family. This is his story.

In summer 2010, a two-hundred-year-old ship was found at the bottom of the Sea of Åland. The wreck turned out to be a treasure trove. Its cargo included 160 bottles of champagne that were almost two centuries old. Some of the bottles were from the Veuve Clicquot champagne house. That’s how Fabienne Moreau first discovered Åland.

Lillajul, or "Little Christmas", is an old and popular tradition in Åland. It is always celebrated on the Saturday before the first Advent.

"Hire a bicycle trailer". This one simple piece of advice goes a long way to make the family's cycling tour easier and more fun. Many like to cycle with children in Åland owing to the quiet roads and short distances. Here you can read about practical tips for families that want to go out and cycle with children of all ages.

The Harvest Festival is autumn's great adventure weekend in Åland. On three fun days from 16 to 18 September 2011, the festival celebrates all the good things in life by means of experiences and enjoyment for all the senses. 34 farms across the whole island state are opening their gates to the curious.

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.

The European Championships will be decided in a match race regatta in Åland from 17 - 20 August 2011. Twelve of Europe's best crews will be squaring up to each other for the gold medal, among them Sweden, Finland and Denmark. A large crowd of spectators are expected to follow the competition live from the museum ship Pommern.