Outdoor life

Germundö – Åland’s biggest ski slope, is located in Saltvik, about 30 kilometres from Mariehamn. There is a lift, a cafe and two ski runs that are excellent for skiing, snowboarding and pulka.

Åland must become more accessible to people with disability. This is what Åland’s tourist trade has decided. A campsite that has come a long way with work towards this goal is Sandösunds Camping.
 “We want people to be able to stay here in comfort and at the same time have an active holiday, irrespective of whether or not they are wheelchair users,” says Olof Salmi, owner of Sandösunds Camping.

Every spring and autumn birdwatchers travel to Åland. It is the island of Kökar, furthest out in the southeastern archipelago, that is of particular interest to them. Some come here around New Year’s Eve, just to see the last birds of the year and the first. The real enthusiasts come every year – one group is into its fifteenth year in a row.

Even though it is in the summer that Åland’s tourist season is busiest, many people prefer to come to Åland at other times of the year as well. “A lot of people reckon that it’s pleasant when it’s a little quieter and cooler, and the woods are full of mushrooms and berries. Or when the ice is shiny, smooth and inviting, and you have the urge to go for a drive,” says Marieanne de Mander, owner of Godby Gästhem, who has just decided to stay open all year round.

Åland is a fabulous island to discover on foot. There are close to 30 different nature trails and long-distance footpaths around Åland, all with varying natural surroundings and of different length and degree of difficulty. The Prästö nature trail is one of the more popular ones. In addition to a beautiful natural landscape you also get to experience a large helping of Åland history.

Are you dying to go on a fishing trip with your mates? Take the opportunity to do it this autumn when it is particularly easy to fish for perch and pike. Book a complete fishing package, including travel, accommodation and a fishing licence, and make use of a local fishing guide who will take you to the best fishing waters in Åland. That’s your best chance of a catch.

An excursion in the Åland archipelago presents you with some exciting history as well as plenty of fresh sea air. We are pleased to share with you a few of the trips that will be available in the summer of 2012, perfect for a hot summer’s day.

Are you finding it difficult to choose what sailing trip to take this summer? Visit Åland has put together three complete suggested routes to help you plan your summer sailing holiday.