Åland is a destination that is constantly developing and there are plenty of exciting activities waiting for you even this summer. In this article we have listed our top 14 novelties for you. Which of them will you be most keen to experience?

ENJOY A LUNCH OR DINNER CRUISE

The restaurant cruiser Sunnan II tours the Åland archipelago during summer. The menu highlights local ingredients in season. Step on board the Sunnan II and you’ll experience sights like the Kastelholm Castle from a unique perspective. Sunnan II was built as a steamboat in 1906 and it used to sail in the lake Saimen, the biggest lake in Finland.

STAY AT A COZY GUEST HOUSE

Last year the popular Kvarnbo guest house celebrated its 100 years. They also opened a small wine tasting room next door called Vinsmedjan. Vinsmedjan’s nice interior and warm atmosphere welcome guests to enjoy both wine tastings, music and culture.

EXPERIENCE DISC GOLF

Have you ever tried disc golf? It has become hugely popular and there are several courses around the Åland Islands, e.g. in Mariehamn, Geta and on the islands of Lappo and Seglinge. The aim is to open 16 courses in total around the whole Åland and the majority of the courses are already in use. Bring your own discs, borrow a disc set from Visit Åland’s tourist information in Mariehamn or buy a new set at some of the stores in Åland and have a fun day outdoors with family or friends. Find out more about the disc golf courses in Åland.

SHIPOWNER’S VILLA CARLSRO

The beautiful shipowner’s villa Carlsro from 1912 is located in the picturesque village Degerby on the island of Föglö. The villa has been rebuilt into a cozy hotel that will welcome its first guests this spring. Last year the owners opened a café, restaurant and a deli in this historically interesting building and their concept was a great success from the very beginning.

EXPERIENCE SAUNA WITH AN EDGE

Hotel Brudhäll in Kökar has built a new beach-sauna right by their guest harbour. Here you can enjoy a wonderful sauna with a seaview. If you need to cool down, you can take a dip in the sea, or enjoy the view from the jacuzzi.

TRY YOUR LUCK AT SLOTTSBANAN

Åland is a well-known and a popular golf destination on the Baltic Sea. There are several golf courses, great facilities and all the challenges a golfer could wish for. Åland Golf Club’s completely renovated park-like course Slottsbanan was re-opened last year. The modern 18-hole course, designed by the golf course architect Philip Spogárd, is expected to become one of Europe’s top courses. The new Slottsbanan course offers exciting challenges by the sea bay and spectacular views over Kastelholm Castle.

TASTE A GIN FROM ÅLAND

A new distillery called Åland Distillery opened in Kastelholm in 2020. Their first products are a tasty gin, long drink and snaps and the plan is to launch new products in the future. Åland Distillery is a collaboration between Smakbyn, Stallhagen and Silverskär, all three highly appreciated establishments in Åland.

COCKTAILS, GAMES AND A TOUCH OF INDIA

At Compagniet in the centre of Mariehamn you will find a sense of calm and peace and a scent of mystique. Elements of India can be found in the decoration, in the form of soft carpets and oriental colours. Here you can take a seat, eat something tasty, sip on a cocktail or just lounge with your friends playing a board game.

SEE BOMARSUND IN A NEW LIGHT

Download the Coastal Past app for Iphone or Android and experience Bomarsund in a whole new way. Stroll around the fortress area and read, listen and look at the app to learn more about the fascinating history of one of the most significant sites in the Åland Islands.

TEST YOUR LIMITS AT FLOWPARK

Challenge yourself and your friends in the ecological adventure park at Sandösunds Camping on Vårdö. Flowpark in Åland has three levels of difficulty. The easiest one is suitable for anyone over the age of ten. Test your courage in different tasks like swaying paths, liane jumps, swings and cable slides.

GO ON A BOAT TRIP

Go on a seal safari, visit Märket Lighthouse in the middle of the sea of Åland or experience the rich bird life on the island of Signilskär. The new boat transport company Sefyr organises fantastic excursions to Åland’s western archipelago where the sun sets into the horizon and the open sea views make an impact you won’t forget. You can also have a unique archipelago adventure tailored according to your personal wishes and interests by the experienced boat-master Fredrik.

PLAY PADEL WITH FRIENDS

Padel is a racquet sport that is a mix of tennis and squash and it’s typically played in doubles. In Åland you can play this fun sport at the new padel court at the Tennis club MLK about 4 km north of the Mariehamn town center. Bring along your friends and book a court – racquets can be rented on site. You can play padel also at Käringsund Resort & Conference in Eckerö, as well as at Gröna Uddens Camping in Mariehamn.

WALK ON BEAUTIFUL HIKING TRAILS

There are more than 30 hiking paths of varying length and level of challenge in Åland. Common to them all is beautiful nature, access to sea and a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere. There’s a lot of space and time to explore the diversity of nature. On the Åland mainland you’ll find gorgeous forests and on smaller islands harsh rocks and archipelago vegetation. Surroundings change rapidly from uninhabited forests to ancient monuments and cultural sites. Many of the nature trails are in the nature reserves. 

SMART MARINA APP

Smart Marina Baltic is a new app for boaters. It helps you plan your route in the archipelago and present guest harbours in Finland, Sweden and Estonia in a 360 view.

The application contains information about service, safety equipment, berths and depth of the marina. You also find contact information and links to the different harbours’ homepages. Download the app at Playstore or Appstore in good time before the upcoming boat season.

Site updated 19.2.2021