Where do you want to stay in Åland, Finland?

Christmas in Åland is all about relaxing. There is nothing like a crisp white archipelago environment and silence to soothe and restore the spirit. And though many hotels and holiday villages are closed for the Christmas weekend, there are a few that stay open.

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.

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.

Crayfish premiere in Åland is as early as 21 July. Several restaurants have crayfish on their menus from that day and there are crayfish parties all around Åland. The public is also welcome to book a place for premiere day on the island of Silverskär.

Give the heavy backpack a miss and leave the camping stove at home. These days many people opt to live in a hotel and eat at restaurants during their cycling holidays. “Nowadays people like to go on slightly more luxurious cycling holidays,” explains Johan Sjölund, who is involved with arranging cycling trips at the WellComing travel company.

After the long winter, summer is finally getting closer. Åland is a popular holiday destination in the summer, and for anyone who’s decided to visit the island, it’s high time to book a cottage. 
“We tend to start getting fully booked as early as May,” explains Maria Häggblom, owner of Hjortö Stugby.

Rent, buy or why not own a house in the form of shares in a housing company. If your dream is to have a holiday home in Åland, there are currently several options open to you.

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.