There will be plenty of events in Åland this and next year. The celebrations of the 100th anniversary of Åland’s autonomy will start 9 June 2021 and The Tall Ships Races 2021 mega-event is coming to Åland in July.

The Tall Ships Races are a large international event for sailing vessels. In 2021 the race will be held in the Baltic Sea with Mariehamn as one of the host ports. Mariehamn will be both the finishing line in the race from Tallinn to Mariehamn, and the starting point for the race from Mariehamn to Szczecin in Poland. A hundred or so vessels will gather in Mariehamn between 22 and 25 July 2021, and the harbour area and town centre will be filled with activities and entertainment.

The visitors can familiarise themselves with the ships and meet the crew members from different countries. Masses of supporting activities are being organised and visitors will be able to enjoy Åland delicacies and drinks, take part in activities and both try out and learn new things. There’ll also be performances of song and music, and plenty more entertainment for people to enjoy.

Proud maritime history

Being a part of the Tall Ships Races matters a lot to Ålanders. Throughout the years, Ålanders have crossed the sea in sailing boats, and from the middle of the 19th century small Ålander cargo boats started to transport timber across the Baltic Sea and the North Sea. Ålanders then expanded their fleet of vessels with larger second-hand iron and steel ships, which sailed all over the world. The Ålander sailing ship owner Gustaf Erikson’s vessels continued to sail around the world from Australia to Europe until 1949, and one of these ships, the four-masted barque Pommern, now functions as a museum in Mariehamn’s western harbour.

Celebrating 100 years of autonomy

This summer is also when the celebrations of the 100th anniversary of Åland’s autonomy will start. The anniversary doesn’t take place until next year, 2022, but since autonomy is so important for Åland, it will be celebrated during the whole year. During the year a series of exciting events will be held. The events include an opera produced by the Katrina Cultural Association about the witch trials in Åland in the 1660s. A new visitors’ centre in Bomarsund is also due to be inaugurated as part of the anniversary celebrations, and a performance of another new opera, The Devil’s Dance in Skarpans, will be staged during the grand opening ceremony.

Plan your travels

Do you want to experience the The Tall Ships Races in Mariehamn or take part in the 100th anniversary celebrations of Åland’s autonomy? Start planning your Åland trip today and book your accommodation in good time ahead of the events.

Site updated 8.2.2021