Language
Swedish
The islands are officially monolingually Swedish. Finnish is taught in schools as an optional subject.
//
Europe · Northern EuropeUsable guideAutonomous region of Finland
Photo: Ane Cecilie Blichfeldt, CC BY 2.5 dk via Wikimedia Commons
The Åland Islands in the Baltic Sea are known for their extensive maritime history, relatively warm and sunny weather compared to the rest of the region, and popular outdoor activities. Although the islands are part of Finland, they form a self-governing autonomous territory. The islands' approximately 30,000 inhabitants (2021) mostly speak a local dialect of Swedish.
Answers to what travellers most often look up about Åland Islands.
Swedish
The islands are officially monolingually Swedish. Finnish is taught in schools as an optional subject.
Åland has a distinct identity shaped by its autonomy and Swedish-speaking culture. Many residents identify primarily as Ålanders (Swedish: ålänning) is generally appreciated. Don't call them Finns.
Attractions, food, stays and travel essentials, with ratings, reviews, opening hours and directions.
Public transport and paid services in Åland Islands.
By ferry
The archipelago ferries serve the archipelago throughout Åland. Foot passengers travel free of charge, while vehicle passengers must book and pay for most longer crossings.
By bus
By boat
Boats provide access to many of the islands. There are many guest harbours, and anchoring is often possible away from settlements. You can charter a boat or hire a sea kayak.
By car
Roads are good, distances are short and traffic is light, even in Mariehamn. Car-rental options are limited, so booking in advance is advisable. Fuel is available throughout the islands.
By taxi
Taxis can be booked through Ålands Taxi.
Apps for booking a taxi or a ride in Åland Islands.
Finding apps for Åland Islands…
Other ways to travel:By bike
Operators checked against their official websites in October 2026; services that have stopped running are not listed. Logos and Wikipedia links: Wikidata (CC0)
Calculated from climate averages: mild daytime highs and lower rainfall. It does not account for festivals, crowds or prices.
Average conditions in Mariehamn
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. high | 1° | 0° | 1° | 5° | 10° | 14° | 19° | 18° | 15° | 9° | 6° | 3° |
| Avg. low | -1° | -2° | -1° | 2° | 6° | 11° | 16° | 16° | 12° | 7° | 4° | 1° |
| Rainfall (mm) | 53 | 40 | 38 | 36 | 42 | 58 | 58 | 64 | 60 | 70 | 68 | 62 |
| Humidity | 87% | 89% | 87% | 86% | 85% | 82% | 82% | 81% | 83% | 85% | 88% | 87% |
Choose your passport and destination to see whether you need a visa.
We do not label countries as safe or unsafe. Below is the official advice from two governments, with the date it was last updated. Always read the full advice before you travel.
US Department of State
No advisory found from this source.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
No advisory found from this source.
Stories, itineraries and practical advice for travelling in Åland Islands.
ItinerariesThe Archipelago Trail or Archipelago Ring Road (Swedish: Skärgårdens ringväg, Finnish: Saariston rengastie) is a route in the Archipelago Sea in Finland, which uses roads and ferry connections to visit many of the major…
Wikivoyage
Travel tipsThe Baltic Sea is in many ways good for cruising on small craft. There are many towns worth seeing, an abundance of guest harbours – and large archipelagos with thousands and thousands of islands and islets.
Wikivoyage
Travel tipsThis article is about cruise ferries local to the Baltic Sea. See Cruising the Baltic Sea for international cruise ships visiting the Baltic Sea, and Boating on the Baltic Sea for independent boating.
Wikivoyage
Nature & adventureThe right to access in Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden allows people – foreigners as well as locals – to hike and camp more or less freely in the woods and in the mountains, regardless of land ownership.
Wikivoyage
Culture & historyThis article describes old towns and other remnants in the Nordic countries from the unification of Sweden, Norway and Denmark in the 11th century, to the Industrial Revolution of the mid-19th century.
Wikivoyage
Culture & historyMidsummer redirects here. For white nights see Midnight sun.
Wikivoyage
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.