RegionUsable guide

Åland

Autonomous region of Finland

Photo: Ane Cecilie Blichfeldt, CC BY 2.5 dk via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

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.

Getting there and around

Getting there

Ferries from Finland
Ferries from Sweden
Archipelago ferries
Ålandstrafiken ferries are free for foot passengers. Vehicle fares can be expensive, particularly for travellers who do not spend at least one night in the archipelago.
By plane
By bike
Most cruise ferries charge extra for bicycles. Cyclists usually board via the vehicle deck and should secure their bikes during the crossing.
By small craft
In favourable weather, any seaworthy boat can cross the Sea of Åland from Sweden. From Finland there is only a short open-water crossing (Skiftet) between the archipelagos.

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Getting around

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 bike
Cycling is a popular way to explore Åland. Many roads have cycle paths, and some ferries carry only cyclists and pedestrians. Ferry bookings may be necessary in peak season.
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 bus
By taxi
Taxis can be booked through Ålands Taxi.
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.

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Airports and nearby hotels

Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.

Mariehamn Airport

Mariehamn · Regional · MHQ

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Read before you go to Åland

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Full travel guide

Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.

MunicipalitiesÅland is divided into 15 municipalities and one city, Mariehamn. Most municipalities consist of an island group and the surrounding archipelago.

UnderstandThe Åland Islands (pronounced ohland) are an autonomous region of Finland. They gained extensive autonomy under a League of Nations decision in 1921, which settled a dispute between Sweden and Finland.

TalkThe islands are officially monolingually Swedish. Finnish is taught in schools as an optional subject.

Get inÅland is part of the Schengen Area, but not of the EU VAT union, so some items require customs clearance. If coming from abroad, pets need their passport and documented rabies and tapeworm treatment.

Get aroundMost ferries and buses are operated by Ålandstrafiken.

SeeMost sights outside Mariehamn have limited opening hours outside the summer season.

DoÅland is well suited to outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, swimming, and exploring its peaceful countryside.

BuyThe official currency is the euro (€). Swedish kronor (SEK) are often accepted during the summer season, but exchange rates are usually unfavourable. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted.

EatMost restaurants are in Mariehamn. Do not expect to find fast food outlets elsewhere on the islands. Some restaurants have limited hours of service and some are not open every day.

DrinkBrewery Stallhagen near Finström produces beer, offers guided tours and operates a pub. Its beers are widely available throughout Åland.

SleepHotels are concentrated in Mariehamn. Elsewhere, accommodation is mainly in guesthouses, cottages and campsites.

RespectÅland 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.

ConnectÅland uses Finland's country code (+358) for telephone services. For landline phones, the area code is 18.

Stay safeCrime is rare and Åland is generally a safe destination.

CopeMost Ålanders belong to the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland (see Finland#Religion), although membership has declined, from 95% in 1990 to 70% in 2020.

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Sources and licences

Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Åland" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Summary from the Wikipedia article "Åland", available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikipedia
Photo: Ane Cecilie Blichfeldt, CC BY 2.5 dk via Wikimedia Commons

Improve this guide on Wikivoyage

Sources and licences

Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Åland" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0

Summary from the Wikipedia article "Åland", available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikipedia

Photo: Ane Cecilie Blichfeldt, CC BY 2.5 dk via Wikimedia Commons

Improve this guide on Wikivoyage