It gives you a wonderful feeling of freedom to wake up in the middle of the countryside, to the lapping of the waves and with sunshine streaming through the tent canvas. It also feels good to sleep on an even surface and have access to a shower if you’ve been on the go all day.
There are campsites all over Åland. You’ll find them in the town, in the country and out in the archipelago. What they all have in common is that they are located by the water and have their own beach and sauna as well as providing the possibility of fishing and paddling.
Overnight cabins
In addition to camping pitches for tents, the campsites also accommodate caravans and motorhomes. They provide showers, toilets and washing machines. In addition, most campsites have a café or kiosk.
In some centres there is also the possibility of staying in simple overnight cabins for people who are longing to sleep in a proper bed.
You can treat yourself to an overnight cabin at Gröna Udden campsite by Tullarns Äng forest meadow, for instance, which is within walking distance of the centre of Mariehamn.
The traditional red but modern overnight cabins have their own terrace and a little kitchenette for simple cooking. The campsite has a café and minimarket, minigolf, a Segway path, a child-friendly beach and beach sauna.
Beach and boat
If you stay at Degersands Camping in Eckerö you are nearly on the beach. According to a travel site, Degersands Havsbad beach is ranked second among undiscovered beaches in Europe and is Åland’s top sandy beach – long, shallow and south-facing.
The wood-fired beach sauna and Restaurang Q are highlights after a long day out. It’s pleasant to sit at an open-air café, enjoy the view and be served great food and drink.
Vårdö has an excellent archipelago environment to offer. Sandösunds provides spacious camping accommodation in natural forest surroundings by the sea and a shallow sandy beach with the possibility of discovering the northern archipelago in small boats and kayaks.
The centre has both overnight cabins and hotel accommodation of a good standard, with disabled access, in addition to bathing on board a floating sauna boat.
Activities and booking
Åland, with its winding country roads, proximity to the sea and potential for adventures out in the countryside, is made for touring, whether it be by car, motorcycle or bicycle, or on foot. The beautiful archipelago encourages paddling trips and other excursions at sea. The campsite hosts will be delighted to tell you about activities, what is worth seeing and events along the way.
If you plan to stay for an extended length of time or at a particular campsite, you should book in good time – especially if you are coming during the high season from midsummer to when the schools start. Contact the campsite and establish what their rules and regulations are, and what facilities they provide. Prices vary depending on standard and location.