Celebrate your winter holiday in Åland or spend a long weekend in the archipelago this winter. Winter season in Åland is not familiar to many, but there are plenty of reasons to travel here even during the low season. There are loads of outdoor experiences waiting for you as well as time for family and friends, peace and space.

WINTER FULL OF ACTIVITIES

Thanks to the mild sea climate winter starts often a bit later and it’s a bit shorter in Åland than in the mainland. Snow most often comes at the end of the year or in January which makes hiking on the many nature trails a perfect outdoor activity even in winter. So wear some water resistant outerwear and proper shoes, pack your backpack with something to sit on and a warm drink and head to a hike in the beautiful archipelago nature. Have a picnic at a lookout or by the water and enjoy the peacefulness.

Having a boat trip is possible even in winter. Contact a local water taxi company for a tailored and safe boat trip. You can also canoe in winter time. 

When was the last time you saw a sky full of stars or could distinguish the Milky Way? When there’s no snow and the darkness falls, the darkness is really intense. Light sources are few especially in the countryside and in the outer archipelago, so a night sky full of stars is a magical sight.

LIFE ON THE ICE

When the sea freezes the archipelago landscape is transformed to a winter paradise. You can make your way over the bays in a completely new way using long-distance ice skates and poles. There are regular excursions with experienced guides, and provided you have the right instructions and safety equipment, you can safely get around on the ice.

Would you prefer an ice rink to have fun on? Islandia in Mariehamn has free skate times, and the Olympic sport of curling is a popular group activity at the curling centre in Eckerö.

Ice-fishing is fun and an exotic activity to many. It’s exciting to drill a hole in the ice, jig for perch and pike perch or set up a fishing rod and wait for the little bell to ring, telling you that a pike has taken the bait.

CROSS-COUNTRY AND DOWNHILL SKIING

If you enjoy skiing, at Åland’s Skiing and Biathlon Centre you can head out on the cross-country track. You can hire skis on the spot and in winters when there isn’t much snow, artificial snow is provided. Some of Åland’s golf courses also have ski trails running through them when the winter is cold enough, and people who like to slalom and snowboard can enjoy some excellent winter days on the little but fun Germundö Alpin hill. After a couple of hours in the crisp winter air, you mustn’t forget to have a sauna, relax when you give wilderness bathing a go, or have a dip in a hole in the ice.

WORKOUT, SWIMMING AND CINEMA

Winter is the high season for indoor activities, of course. Go to the cinema, cosmic bowling and visit Mariehamn’s town library. You can indulge in your choice of fun in the water at the Mariebad and Åland’s Sports Centre swimming pools, and spend time in the museums to learn more about the exciting history of Åland. The Åland Maritime Museum, the Cultural History Museum of Åland and The Åland Island Art Museum have generous opening times even during the winter season. Are you up to physical exercise there are gyms and workout from yoga to CrossFit to fit all tastes.

Last updated 10.12.2020