The Åland Islands are a place for “gourmets”, those who have had enough of traditional routes. This amazing archipelago in the Baltic Sea belongs to Finland on paper, but in reality the inhabitants of the islands mentally gravitate towards the Swedes, and most of them speak exclusively Swedish.

I love Åland for the absence of crowds of tourists, commercial enticements like “photos with a dinosaur” and annoying excursion sellers. Here you can fully feel the very local flavor that travelers usually hunt for. It is not faked, not adapted for tourists - in Åland you really have to live according to local laws.

If you are a lover of nightlife, beach activities and foam parties, I do not recommend going here under any circumstances: it will be boring. But for the fans active rest nature, fishing and beautiful sunsets, you should definitely visit these northern islands.

With an 80% chance, you will be a pioneer among your friends: hardly any of them have been to Åland. What can we say about Russian tourists, if even Finns rarely visit this archipelago? For them, Ahvenanmaa (the Finnish name for the islands) is a sore point; the Alanders are considered almost separatists. Many residents of Suomi believe that the inhabitants of the archipelago do not learn Finnish out of spite, in order to demonstrate their disrespect. I don’t dare to argue whether this is so. And since Finnish national throwing is still alien to you, I wholeheartedly advise you to spend your holidays in Åland.

How to get there

The best way, in my opinion, is to go to Åland by ferry. It's convenient, fast and cheap. There is also the option of flying by plane, but it has many significant disadvantages.

By plane

So, why didn’t I like the plane? The first and main reason is the prices of flights. There are regular (twice daily) flights to the capital of Åland, Mariehamn, from Turku and Stockholm. On the Finnish side, they are served by Finnair, known for its excellent service, safety and extortionate ticket prices. In the summer season, the cost of an hour-long flight - Mariehamn (Turku - Mariehamn) can easily reach 200–250 EUR. Next Jet planes fly from Stockholm; a ticket will cost about 150 EUR.

In addition to the steep prices, the flight to Mariehamn is bad due to restrictions on baggage allowance and hand luggage. That is, problems may arise with transporting fishing equipment, tents and other attributes of a tourist going to actively explore the archipelago.

If flight prices are not very important and you are not going to take a lot of luggage with you, you can safely book plane tickets. View all offers available on this moment, you can, for example, .

The flight still has one advantage: the airport is located only three kilometers from the center of the capital of Aland, Mariehamn. But here, too, everything is not so flowery and candy. It is not possible to leave the airport by public transport; there are simply no buses or trains running there. The only suitable option is a taxi, which is not very affordable: for a 3-kilometer drive to the center of Mariehamn you will pay about 20 EUR.

In general, I advise you to think carefully before deciding to fly to Aland: there are much more disadvantages to air travel than advantages.

By car

Taking a car with you to Åland is a good idea: with your car you can get to hard-to-reach parts of the archipelago where public transport does not go.

Since there are no tunnels or bridges built to the island, the only way to reach it in this way is by ferry. Therefore, our conversation about road travel smoothly flows into the point about the features of traveling by water. The only thing I want to point out here is that don’t forget to book your ferry tickets in advance, because the amount of space on deck for cars is limited. In the summer season, you sometimes have to wait for weeks for free places to transport cars.

By ferry

The most successful and cost-effective way to travel to Aland. Dozens of large ships and small ferries go to the islands from Turku and Naantali. There are many competing companies providing such transportation: Eskerö line, Viking Line, Silja Line, Finnlines, Ålandstrafiken.

By traveling by sea, you can add new and interesting touches to your trip. For example, buy an evening cruise from and enjoy all the delights of such trips: shopping, good restaurants and nightclubs, live music. We most often combine a summer trip to Åland with a one-day visit to Stockholm: in the evening we leave and spend the night on the ship, the next morning we disembark in Stockholm and walk there for 5–6 hours. And on the way back we take the same ferry to Aland.

If you don’t have a lot of time and you don’t want to waste it on the road, you can take a ticket for a small fast ferry from Turku or Naantali. This trip will last about 4–5 hours. If you decide to choose a small ferry, look for tickets on the websites of the company Ålandstrafiken, the other companies I mentioned above sell tickets for larger ones cruise ships.

Tickets for large ferries cost about 30 EUR without a cabin; a standard cabin for 4 people costs about 100 EUR. Small ferries are even more affordable: a ticket for them will cost about 20 EUR. If you take a car with you, be prepared to pay about 40–50 EUR more.

Another advantage of traveling on small ferries is that they usually arrive directly at the port of Mariehamn. It is no more than a kilometer from the city center; you can walk or take a taxi. Large cruise ships that follow the route Helsinki - Stockholm usually stop at night at the port of Långnäs, from which you will have to travel about 30 kilometers to Mariehamn. At this time, it is not possible to get to the city by public transport; you need to order a taxi in advance. Therefore, if you are traveling without a car, it is best to take a ticket for a small ferry.

Clue:

Åland Islands - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow 1

Kazan 1

Samara 2

Ekaterinburg 3

Novosibirsk 5

Vladivostok 8

When is the season? When is the best time to go

The best time to travel to Åland is definitely summer. It is pleasant here, not hot: the temperature rarely rises above +25 °C. The season lasts from May to the end of September, during which time the main island entertainments are available: boat trips, fishing, cycling. And in Mariehamn, farmers' markets and fairs open in May, where you can buy fresh and tasty organic products: berries, fruits, fish and meat.

You shouldn’t be afraid of the dominance of tourists during the season: there are, of course, more of them here than in winter, but not as many as in some Italy-France. Since the islands themselves are not very densely populated, visitors simply disappear among the locals, and you are unlikely to feel their presence at all. The same applies to the cost of holidays: Ålanders are not too spoiled by the abundance of tourists, so they do not have the habit of greatly raising prices during the season.

You can monitor tours to Aland on search engine sites, for example.

Åland Islands in summer

Summer in Åland is wonderful, although a little unpredictable. It can rain at any moment, even when there seems to be not a cloud in the sky. I can’t stand the heat, so the local +23–25 °C degrees in June - July are ideal for me.

The greatest beauty of summer on the islands is that you can get around almost everywhere by bicycle. Lovers of two-wheeled friends will find plenty of freedom here: Åland seems to be created for cycling tourism. The relief on most of the islands of the archipelago is flat, the coastline is not very long, and the scenery along it is stunning. You can rent a bike (more on that below) and spend several days on two wheels, exploring the beauty of the island.

And the beauty of the summer months is that you can live in campsites and tents, go boating and enjoy the white nights. If you come to the islands at the end of June, you will be able to attend the summer solstice celebration Juhannus (Midsommar in Swedish). This is a fun folk holiday that is widely celebrated in Finland and Sweden: bonfires are lit, songs are sung, and fishing competitions are held.

In general, in all respects, summer is the best time to explore the archipelago. I repeat, there are not very many tourists here even in the season, but if you are a complete misanthrope and want to relax almost alone, come here in August. Classes are already starting in schools in Sweden and Finland, and there are very few vacationers in Åland.

Åland Islands in autumn

In the fall, you should come to Åland only in September - early October. And only if you are not a very heat-loving creature: already at the end of August it gets noticeably colder on the islands, the temperature stays at +15–18 °C.

If the coolness doesn’t bother you, you can still stay at campsites, go fishing in the summer, and enjoy sea ​​cruises and cycling. And, of course, take stunning pictures: the autumn nature of the archipelago is very picturesque, the rocks along the shores seem to be on fire.

Åland Islands in spring

In March - April it is still quite cold in Åland, and most importantly, very windy, so you won’t be able to enjoy the natural delights of the archipelago at this time. And traveling by ferry in early spring is not always a successful idea; sometimes it’s so stormy that you’re afraid to even move again (I remember my ferry trip to Sweden on March 8 last year, which I spent lying face down on the sofa by the window).

But May is a completely different matter; at this time it is always warm and sunny in Åland (it often turns out that May is much better and hotter than June). Another advantage of traveling in late spring is that there are almost no problems with parking spaces on the ferries, and you don’t have to buy tickets in advance.

Åland Islands in winter

I advise only the most desperate extreme sports enthusiasts to go to Aland in winter. Because it’s cold (very cold!), dark and quite boring. The most complete misanthrope will be scared: even Marienhamn completely dies out in winter, after 16:00 the probability of meeting a moose on the street is much higher than bumping into a person.

And what's the point of traveling to the archipelago in winter? You can't really ride bicycles or boats, ski slopes and there are almost no resorts here.

What are the prices for holidays?

Åland can hardly be classified as budget tourist destinations. The region is considered one of the most economically successful in Finland. For the Ålanders, this is, of course, happiness, which cannot be said about tourists. You will have to fork out money for literally everything: from accommodation to tickets for public transport. Hotel prices are especially extortionate: a night in an average three-star hotel will cost you 100–120 EUR per season.

Most often I book hotels on, and you can compare prices from different resources. You can check whether private owners offer apartments for rent.

Dinner in a restaurant for two (main courses, desserts, 2 glasses of wine) from 70 EUR.

The only one good news for tourists: prices for entrance tickets to museums and exhibitions are not very high here: on average, about 8–10 EUR. Well, a nice bonus: for children under 12 years of age, admission is free almost everywhere. We go to Aland every summer, so we have developed several ways to save for ourselves:

Main attractions. What to see

The main attractions of Åland are natural; there are many picturesque bays and bays, rocky shores. Therefore, be prepared for the fact that you will have to spend a lot of time outdoors, stock up on comfortable clothes, shoes and umbrellas/raincoats.

Good idea- rent a boat and bicycles for the entire stay: with their help you can thoroughly explore the islands and not depend on public transport, which does not always work perfectly in Åland.

However, the abundance of natural beauty does not mean that a lover of historical places will be bored in Åland. On the contrary, there is a lot of curiosity here for them, because at one time the islands belonged to both the Russian Empire and Sweden. In Marienhamn and other prefectures of the archipelago, it is very interesting to observe how three cultures so different from each other combine.

Tourist streets There are few on the islands, and almost all of them are located in Mariehamn.

Be sure to take a stroll through:

• Stora gatan. The central street of the city is full of souvenir shops, cafes and shops with local Åland handicraft souvenirs.
• Torggatan. The main shopping street of the city, all the best shops of Mariehamn are located here and in the nearby side streets.
• Esplanadi. A walking street, very pleasant and very lively in the summer. There are always a lot of young people, musicians and tourists here.

Going to Aland for one day is a real crime, because you definitely won’t have time to see all the delights of the archipelago. If it so happens that you decide to stop here for a short while on the way to Sweden, I advise you to stay on the main island and devote your time to Mariehamn and Jomala. And then go to Sund to see historical places archipelago.

Mariehamn

It is worth starting your “tour” from the shopping streets of Mariehamn Stora gatan and Torggatan. Here you can admire ancient wooden houses, which are very reminiscent of traditional Russian huts, and buy local souvenirs. Walk to the City Hall and St Görans kyrka Cathedral.

Then go to the Maritime Museum and don’t forget to see the monument to the Russian merchant Sitkov and the sailing ship Pommern along the way. This short excursion will take you about 4 hours. The distances in the city are short, but if you rent a bike, allow it to take 3–3.5 hours.

Yomala

After this, at the Mariehamn bus station, take the Lemland - Mariehamn - Jomala bus and go to Jomala to see the local medieval church St Olofs kyrka. Including the road, a tour of the church will take about 1–1.5 hours.

Here, in Jomala, I advise you to remember lunch and visit the cozy restaurant on the Ulfsby Gård farm. It is located near the church, within walking distance. This place serves incredibly delicious lamb dishes and berry desserts.

Sund

There is no direct bus Lomala - Sund, you will have to change trains in Mariehamn, so the journey will take you about 1-1.5 hours. On site, immediately go to explore Kastelholm Castle and Bomarsund Fortress. This will take you about 2.5 hours.

In principle, if you have time to visit all of the above places, you will be able to create some kind of picture about Åland. But still, the main charm of the archipelago is its natural resources and opportunities for active recreation. Therefore, the islands can hardly be considered a good destination for a one-day trip.

Top 5

Beaches. Which ones are better

Åland has many wonderful beaches, both wild and developed. Of those that I visited myself, I can recommend the following:

Best beachesÅland Islands on the map:

Churches and temples. Which ones are worth visiting?

All prefectures of Åland are full of churches and cathedrals: wooden and stone, medieval and relatively young (there are about 16 of them in total). But I advise fans of architecture and history to pay attention to these:

Museums. Which ones are worth visiting?

There are quite a few museums of different profiles on the islands, but if we discard the local history ones that are not so interesting to us, I can recommend 4 of the most interesting:

Parks

All the Åland Islands are one continuous park, there is a lot of vegetation, lakes and beaches, bike paths and picnic areas.

But I still advise you to pay special attention to these:

• Smart Park. It's not so much natural as amusement park in Eckerö. There are water attractions, a race track, and various competitions and games are held almost every day. There is a toy laboratory where children are shown interesting experiments and talk about the structure of the world. Fans of outdoor activities will also enjoy the park: here you can rent boats, Segways, bicycles, and have picnics. Address: Eckerö, Eckerövägen, 388.
• Kobba Klintar. This natural object worth a visit for the magnificent seascapes and views of the port of Mariehamn. There is a cafe in the park that serves incredibly delicious freshly baked donuts and other delicacies.

• Nåto and Järsö. These places can hardly be called parks. Rather, they are walking trails on the island of Lemland. The trails are easy for beginners, short (about 2 kilometers each) and very picturesque. From them you can admire the seascapes and mini-islands that surround Lemland.

Food. What to try

Food in Åland is a special topic; it is original, tasty and almost always made only from local organic products. There are a lot of farms here, where most establishments buy meat, dairy, vegetables and fruits. There are often restaurants right next to farms that serve only the freshest ingredients.

This is also why looking for budget restaurants on the islands is almost useless. Food is expensive; an average second course (meat plus side dish) will cost 20–25 EUR. There is very little street food here, practically none. If you decide to camp and cook yourself, I advise you to visit the markets of Marienhamn or Jomala: they sell fresh fish, meat, cheeses and baked goods. However, you should not hope that prices will be very low: local products are expensive in the markets. The cheapest places to buy food are at Lidl, Prisma, City-Market, S-market.

Åland cuisine is interesting because it has absorbed something from Russian, Finnish and Swedish, but at the same time retained its originality. The main edible product of the locals is, naturally, fish; they have thousands of interesting recipes for its preparation. It was here that I first tried salmon marinated in resin liqueur.

I doubted it for a long time, but in the end I was very pleased. Another important component of local cuisine is lamb, you can safely try it in all restaurants, it will always be delicious.

Drinks in Åland are a different story. Here they make delicious cider from local apples and blueberries, and drink wine and beer. Fans of the latter should definitely go to the village of Grelsby, in the Finström prefecture. The local farm brews so-called “slow beer”, the preparation process of which lasts from 4 weeks. I myself am not a fan of the foamy drink, so I can’t talk about its taste qualities, but my beer lovers, the first thing they do when they arrive on the islands, is to buy beer at Grelsby.

Top dishes to try in Åland

Mid-level:

• Indigo Restaurang & Bar. Mariehamn, Nygatan, 1;
• Bistro Koppar Grytan. Jomala, Sparvägen, 1;
• Cafe La Strada. Mariehamn, Torggatan, 6;
• ASS Paviljongen. Mariehamn, Sjöpromenaden;
• Ovningsrestaurang Hjorten. Mariehamn, Strandgatan, 1A.

• Smakbyn. Sund, Slottsvagen, 134 (Kastelholm);
• Nautical. Mariehamn, Hamngatan, 2;
• Bagarstugan Cafe & Vin. Mariehamn, Ekonomiegatan, 2;
• Strandhugget.Sottunga, Strandhugget, 1.

Grocery shopping in Åland is also distinguished by a certain elitism. That is, it’s not worth hunting with huge bags for sanctioned cheeses, ham and milk here: the prices for all this stuff on the Finnish mainland are much more humane, so leave this kind of purchases for later.

But it’s very possible to buy something from high-quality purely Åland products here. For example, in these stores:

• Mercedes Chocolaterie(Eckerö, Eckerö Post & Tullhus). This store is worth a visit even if you don't intend to buy anything. It is located in a beautiful old post office building, very interestingly decorated inside. Here you can buy excellent handmade chocolate souvenirs, marzipan candies, dark chocolate bars with local berries and fruits.
• Stallhagen(Godby, Getavägen, 196). The same beer store that I mentioned above and which my beer-loving friends adore. There are both “permanent” and “seasonal” beers here. Almost every day they organize tastings of new products.

Holidays

Juhannus/Midsommar (Ivan Kupala Day)

The most interesting thing that can happen to you in Åland is a holiday local day Ivan Kupala, or Juhannus, or, as the Swedes say, Midsommar. It falls on Friday from June 19 to June 25.

In fact, this holiday is widely celebrated in both Finland and Sweden, but for some reason it is especially loved on the islands of the archipelago. Most often I have seen Juhannus on the Finnish mainland, and I can say that he is much more modest there than in Åland. Here, from the very morning, everyone is actively preparing for the holiday: decorating houses, weaving wreaths, preparing food. All day long people have fun, go dancing, light bonfires. Many people gather in groups and go to relax in cottages or campsites.

Where to go

Be sure to visit the evening bonfire in the central square of Mariehamn. There will be dancing, songs, competitions and, of course, you will be offered traditional treats: salted herring, new potatoes with dill, grilled meat and local cider, beer or sparkling wine.

Fishing competitions are usually held in Eskerö on this day, and you can win a good prize. In any case, no matter which prefecture you live in, there will be a lot of interesting things there. Just take care of food and drinks in advance: finding an open store on this day will be difficult even in Mariehamn.

Harvest Festival

An interesting and very popular event among the locals. Usually takes place on the last weekend of September. These days, the farms of the archipelago open their doors to everyone: you can travel from one to another, try local products and watch how jams, wines, juices, etc. are prepared. In addition to gastronomic entertainment, farmers try to organize an active program for guests: horse riding , various lectures and material classes.

Where to go

In principle, you can visit any of the farms; almost all of them participate in the holiday. Be sure to go to Smart Park, where the festival opens: they organize an entertainment program for children.

Christmas

New YearÅlanders are not particularly fond of it, as are the Finns and Swedes. It is celebrated here very modestly. But Christmas is another matter; it is the main day of the local calendar. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day itself (December 24–25), Ålanders gather with their families at the table, give gifts and go to the sauna.

There's no use waiting in the cities these days entertainment program. But about a month before Christmas, the festive rigmarole will begin to be felt very clearly: almost every day there are concerts, fairs on the islands, and restaurants invite you to gala dinners.

Where to go

At the end of November, visit Mariehamn for the opening of the Christmas season, a fair and a big festive concert. Usually this action ends with fireworks on retail space. Don't forget to take the children: Santa will be handing out gingerbread cookies, candy and glögg - traditional hot berry drinks with spices.

Safety. What to watch out for

Actually, becoming a victim of scammers in Åland is about as easy as getting sunstroke in Lapland in January. That is, it is practically impossible. The locals are very calm, friendly and peaceful.

In already super-safe Finland, the archipelago is considered one of the most quiet places. If in the mainland of Suomi you might be confused in the evening by gypsies or refugees from the Middle East, then in Åland there are practically no such people (at least I didn’t come across any). Here you can safely walk in the evenings and at night, leave your car unlocked, forget things in public places: they will still return them to you!

We often hitchhike in the evenings if we need to get from the campsite in Eckerö to Mariehamn - we never met any suspicious people, all the drivers were very nice and friendly. They never even took money from us. So you can calmly relax and enjoy your vacation: Åland is certainly not a place where you need to be on your guard.

Things to do

In summer, Åland is full of places for active leisure; you can devote every day to a new hobby. Among the particularly popular entertainments, I will highlight these:

• Golf and tennis. Again, thanks to the calm, flat terrain, Åland is full of good golf courses. My friends especially like the places near Kastelholm Castle (for example, Linnankenttä) and the playground in Eckerö (Eckerö Golfklubb). There are also plenty of tennis courts that can be rented by the hour. The most popular ones are in Mariehamn near Idrottspark.
  
• Horseback riding. When I watch young Åland riders, it seems to me that these children were born in the saddle. Horse riding is so popular here that many wealthy Ålanders have private stables. Beginners are happily taught how to communicate with horses. Horse riding can be done at the schools Stall Aftonsol (Hammarland), Midgård Islandsstall (Sund), Ridklubben Sleipner (Maariehamn), Stall Rosenqvist (Eckerö).
  
• Bars. I’ll say right away and honestly: there’s a real problem with bars, pubs and nightclubs on the islands. What Ålanders understand as a bar will seem to us more like something like a bistro-cafe. In pubs, Ålanders adhere to their favorite concept: food should be prepared only from local products, and drinks should be expensive and of high quality. All establishments play rock music, and local bands are invited to perform on Saturdays and Fridays. For most of our tourists, the opening hours of bars come as a surprise: almost all of them close at 2:00 on Friday and Saturday, and at 00:00 on weekdays. However, I will mention those places in the archipelago that, if you have a good imagination, can be mistaken for bars:
  • Pub Niska(Mariehamn, Sjökvarteret). A good place for those who like to enjoy not only drinks and music, but also “bar” food. Here they make the best pizza in Mariehamn, again, only from local products. The waiters once boasted to us that even the cheese for the pizza comes from a farm on the island of Eckerö.
  • Tullkällarn Pub(Degerby, Lotsuddsvägen). Quite a stylish establishment, located in the premises of a former local customs warehouse. Again, in our understanding, it can hardly be called a pub: they serve pizza and various snacks, but you can only order light drinks: beer and ciders, wines, cocktails. The establishment simply does not have a license for stronger alcohol. However, the bar is worth a visit for its unusual decor and delicious fish snacks.
  • Pub Ettan(Mariehamn, Torggatan, 1). In my opinion, the most traditional bar in Åland. At least the locals love it and often gather here in the evenings for a glass of beer. There is not much food here and a wide selection of drinks. Local musicians play every Saturday and Friday.
• Shopping. I can hardly call Åland an ideal place for shopping. The shops here are oh so far from Milan outlets and Stockholm shopping centers.
  But on the islands there are plenty of cute shops with local souvenirs and designer items that are worth paying attention to. Basically they are all concentrated in Mariehamn.
  • Handmade stores. I can recommend the following:
    • SALT. Local goods store in the seaside quarter of Mariehamn (Sjökvarteret). Here you can buy products made from fabrics, ceramics, wood and iron. Everything is very expensive and high quality.
    • Labeled. Åland designer Linda Karlsson's store in Mariehamn (Torggatan 15). There are many interesting items made from recycled materials: dresses, bags, sweaters. There are souvenirs for home. In general, the design is not for everyone, but adherents of the green peace style will like it.
    • Gretas boutique. Half second-hand, half-handmade shop where you can find interesting vintage jewelry and home goods. It is also located in Mariehamn (Skarpansvägen, 23).
    • Judy's Hantverk(Jomala, Hindersvägen, 1). A cute colorful shop of handcrafted ceramics from local designer Judy Kuitunen. All products are in bright, positive colors. Here you can also find handmade textiles from other Åland artists.
    • Guldviva(Mariehamn, Sjökvarteret). I wholeheartedly recommend this store to those like me who are crazy fans of trinkets. Here you can buy interesting silver and gold items from local designers. From time to time you come across truly unique things, so you can safely come here for gifts for your female friends and relatives.
  • Stores of branded items. Let me warn you right away, branded items here are very expensive. Large sales on the islands do not happen very often (mainly after the Christmas holidays), so the chance to profit from something luxury is not so great. If prices are not so important to you, you can pay attention to these stores:
    • Ziz Zaci(Mariehamn, Torggatan, 9B);
    • Boutique Niccola(Mariehamn, Norragatan, 1);
    • Tara(Mariehamn, Torggatan, 13);
    • Martin's(Saltvik, Dragödavägen, 57).
  • Large shopping mall- Maxing Center. In fact, it is the only shopping mall in Åland, where you can find inexpensive clothes, accessories, equipment, cosmetics, etc. In addition, there are plenty of cafes, restaurants, and children's playgrounds. There are also grocery supermarkets. Located, oddly enough, not in Mariehamn, but in Jomala. Address: Jomala, Sparvägen, 1.

Extreme Sports

There are not many extreme activities on the islands due to the notorious flat terrain that cyclists love so much. But there is one beloved by the locals extreme view sport - sea kayaking.

Åland has ideal rowing conditions for both beginners and experienced people, as there are many sheltered bays and open beaches.

Do you want to exercise, take a leisurely kayak stroll along the shore and enjoy the beautiful scenery? Choose the beaches of Yomala or Sund prefecture: they are reliably protected from strong winds. If you consider yourself an experienced paddler, head straight to Degersand Beach. This is an open beach, there are almost always gorgeous waves within its boundaries, and you will have to work hard so that the boat does not capsize.

Kayaks and rescue equipment can be rented from a reputable local company. A single kayak will cost you 50 EUR per day, a double kayak - 90 EUR per day. You can rent them at a short time, for 2 hours. It will cost 35 EUR for a single kayak and 60 EUR for a double kayak. Special kayaks for surfing cost from 55 EUR per day. The same company offers rowing guide services and group tours along the routes.

Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift

As you already understand, Åland is a very atypical corner of Finland, so you won’t get away with traditional sweaters with reindeer and magnets from Jolupukki as souvenirs. Otherwise, no one will believe that you have been to the islands. So, the most interesting gifts from here:

Åland Islands - holidays with children

Åland is the best place for a holiday with children, even the smallest ones. Everything here is adapted for young tourists: in cottages, campsites and hotels you will be offered cribs, and all cafes have high chairs. And in general, the islands are very calm and safe, you can let children go alone to the playgrounds.

The beaches in Åland are well-kept, and many Finns I know call them lapsiystävälliset, which literally means “child-friendly.”

Things to do with children

• Visit Kastelholm, Bomarsund and the sailboat Pommern. All three objects are not very large and interesting, children will not have time to get tired while visiting them and at the same time will be imbued with the medieval romance of the fortifications, sea ​​stories about the adventures of a sailboat.

Ski holiday

Due to the surprisingly flat terrain in Åland there are no more or less decent ski slopes, so lovers winter species sports, I would not recommend the archipelago as a vacation destination.

Conditional areas. Descriptions and features

Åland consists of 16 prefectures, 10 of which are located on the large island archipelago Manner-Ahvenanmaa.

Prefectures of the Åland Islands on the map:

The following ones deserve the attention of tourists:

I advise you to get acquainted with the above prefectures of Åland first, because the most “delicious” places of the archipelago are concentrated in them. If you are going to the islands for a week or more, it is worth visiting other prefectures of Åland: Geta, Hammarland, Saltvik, Lemland, Lumparland, Brändö, Föglö, Kumlinge, Kökar, Vårdö. All of them are pretty and picturesque, each with plenty of interesting walking and cycling routes.

How to get around the islands

Public transport in Åland is not as well developed as we would like. The only available type is buses. There are no trams here, and certainly no one would build a metro for the sake of 25 thousand people. Ferries also go from island to island.

In general, the most convenient and profitable option for travelers is to come to the islands by car. If this is not possible, I advise you to rent it in Mariehamn, although it will be much more expensive. You can compare offers using various aggregator sites, for example.

For those who decide to use public transport services, I advise you to be patient and have the Internet. Both buses and ferries do not run so often, sometimes you have to wait 20-30 minutes, others even an hour. So it is best to check the schedules on the website of the local transport company Ålandstrafiken. You can buy tickets there immediately. If you don't want to pay online, go to the Ålandstrafiken ticket offices in Mariehamn and at the piers. Tickets are also sold on the buses and ferries.

One bus trip costs 2 EUR, but you can also buy cards for 10, 25 or 50 times. The greater the number of trips, the correspondingly more favorable the price: a card for 10 times will cost you 18 EUR, for 25 - 42 EUR, for 50 - 70 EUR. A single ferry trip costs 5 EUR. They sell passes for them, you can only buy an annual card, but why would a tourist who will spend two weeks on the islands at best?

I advise “carless” travelers to think about hitchhiking around the islands. This is common and safe here. I have experienced this myself many times and have never encountered any problems. Just remember to write your destination in large letters on some cardboard, and most likely you will be picked up within 10-15 minutes.

It is also worth paying attention to boats: a very convenient way to travel around the islands for those who do not want to be tied to the ferry operating times. In Mariehamn there is only one company offering “various caliber” boats and canoes for rent, which is already familiar to us. Apparently, this is why its prices are not the most affordable: using a regular rowing boat for a day will cost you about 100 EUR; in the case of a motor boat, add the cost of fuel. Renting for a week is more profitable: it will cost about 250–300 EUR. Canoes are a little cheaper: about 80 EUR per day and 150 per week.

The conditions for renting boats are no different from the rules for renting bicycles: you will only be asked for an identification card, you will not have to pay a deposit.

The most common way of transportation for locals, everyone in Åland has a bicycle, regardless of income level and social status. Even important officials often commute to work on two wheels. I advise you to move around the islands by bicycle, then you won’t have to depend on not very convenient public transport. And the savings will be significant, because gasoline in Åland is not cheap: a liter of 95 costs about 1.5 EUR, 98 - 1.7 EUR.

If you're on the islands in summer time, you don’t have to worry too much about equipment: most It’s daylight here, the risk of getting into trouble even on the busiest roads is minimal. If you suddenly decide to ride a bicycle in late autumn or early spring, it is better to take care of reflectors in advance - you can buy them in any supermarket and souvenir shops. Don't forget about helmets, especially when you go out of town. You will not be fined for their absence, but for your own peace of mind it is still better to protect your head.

Almost everywhere on the islands there are bicycle paths, which are laid a little further from the main route. As a rule, they are well lit in the area of ​​​​Mariehamn, Jomala and Eskerö. In remote areas of the archipelago (like Sottung), they often skimp on electricity, so make sure that your two-wheeled friends are equipped with side lights (rental bikes here are strictly checked, so they will definitely meet all safety standards).

So, if my arguments convince you and you decide to rent a bike, you can contact an already well-known company. Their prices are quite affordable: a day’s rental will cost 10 EUR, a week’s rent will cost 50 EUR. This company also has a lot of additional cycling equipment such as child seats, trailers for transporting animals, etc. The rental conditions are simple: you only need a passport; they don’t even take a deposit for renting bicycles. Well, try to return the equipment on time, otherwise you will have to pay some symbolic fine.

Taxi. What features exist

If you come to Åland without a car, you will have to use taxis quite often. To begin with, you can only get from the airport or seaport to the center of Mariehamn using it. Be prepared that taxis are a luxury here. When you get into the car, the meter already shows 9 EUR. There are no underground “cabs” in Åland, everything is official and according to the meter. Taxi prices here are so inhumane because of high taxes: a trip from the airport will cost you about 20 EUR. If you take a taxi from the distant port of Långnäs, which is 30 kilometers from Mariehamn, be prepared to fork out 60–80 EUR.

However, the widespread formality of taxis in Åland also has its advantages: for example, all cars are equipped with terminals, and you can always pay with a card. It is not customary to catch a taxi on the street here; they are usually taken at special parking lots at ports, the airport, and in the central square. You can call and order a car by phone: the operators of local taxi companies speak excellent English.

Public transport

As I already noted, buses are not the most convenient means of transportation around the islands. You won’t be able to rely on them completely: buses do not always have convenient schedules. And on weekends and holidays the number of shipments is reduced altogether: in small populated areas There may be no buses at all, for example, on Sundays. In the capital, Jomala and Eckerö, the situation is better, but still far from ideal. In any case, do not forget to use this site, then the likelihood of getting into an unpleasant situation will be reduced to a minimum.

Transport rental

Car rental in Åland is quite popular; the service is offered by both local companies and branches of large international companies. According to my observations, prices from international companies are slightly lower. We rented cars from Hertz several times: the prices there were the lowest on the islands, and the car fleet was quite rich. In addition to standard cars, the manager offered minibuses and jeeps, which can be used to get into any wilderness of the archipelago. Try searching for cars from other companies: Expedia, Car Hire, Runbergs Bil & Service.

The last company is purely local, Åland, and we had a short but pleasant experience of communication with it. We rented a car for a trip to Sottunga and were very pleased with the service. No one demanded a deposit from us; we were asked for a passport, which was immediately returned after a copy was made. As far as I know, all the local companies that rent cars work according to these principles.

Prices for cars from all companies also differ slightly: as a rule, a day's rental costs about 80 EUR, a week - about 400 EUR. Add to this the cost of gasoline, which is by no means cheap in Åland: about 1.5 EUR - 95th, 1.8 EUR - 98th. Fortunately, the islands do not have very long distances between the main tourist sites, and you are unlikely to spend too much fuel.

It is best to compare offers, as I already said, to use aggregator sites. Let's say .

Ålanders are some of the calmest drivers in the world, so even an inexperienced driver can navigate the islands. Even if you slow down and search for a long time for the turn you need, no one will honk irritably and rush you. There are a few things to pay attention to when moving around the archipelago:

• Remember the speed limit, in cities it is 40 kilometers per hour! Moreover, in Åland, unlike Russia, there is no “corridor” of 20 kilometers per hour; an error of 5 kilometers per hour is officially allowed. However, in our experience, the camera will not record a violation up to 10 kilometers per hour.

Information about Åland Islands

Location of the Åland Islands on the world map

The Åland Islands are an autonomous region of Finland (according to the new administrative-territorial division of the country dated January 1, 2010), occupying the archipelago of the same name in the Baltic Sea. Includes about 6,000 islands at the entrance to the Gulf of Bothnia. The part of the Baltic within which the Åland Islands lie is called the Archipelago Sea, being the largest collection of islands on Earth.

Most borders are maritime. The Åland Islands border on the east with the region of Original Finland. In the west - with the Swedish county of Stockholm. In the extreme northwest with the Swedish county of Uppsala. The Åland Islands also border on the latter by land - on the tiny island of Merketa, with an area of ​​only 3 hectares.

Map of Åland Islands

Government system of the Åland Islands

Åland Islands are autonomous region Finland. Until 2010, they formed an autonomous province of the same name.

In 1920, Finland granted autonomy to the islands by issuing the “Aland Islands Autonomy Act,” which the islanders did not accept. In 1951, the law was replaced by a new one, which on August 16, 1991, after 20 years of preparation, was again updated and adopted by the Finnish Parliament with the consent of the Åland Parliament. On January 1, 1993, the autonomy law came into force.

The inclusion of the islands into Finland on January 4, 1918 (after the recognition of Finnish independence by Sweden and Russia) initially caused a wave of protest both among the population of the Åland Islands themselves and the mainland of Sweden. People feared for their original Swedish culture. Therefore, to resolve disagreements, two meetings were convened at the initiative of the League of Nations. On June 24, 1921, the islands began to be considered part of Finland, with broad autonomy granted to them. After another 3 days, the “Åland Agreement” was signed between Sweden and Finland - a peace treaty on the status of the islands.

The modern islands are completely demilitarized territory. The construction of military fortifications and the deployment of military units are prohibited here. The demilitarization of the Åland Islands was unilaterally established by the Russian side following the Paris Peace Treaty of 1856, which ended the Crimean War.

In the international convention of 1921, the status of the islands, their demilitarization and neutral status during hostilities were confirmed. The convention was signed by 10 states, Russia was not among them. However, the Moscow Agreement on the Åland Islands of 1940 and the Paris Peace Treaty of 1947 contain provisions on the demilitarization of the islands. At the same time, there is no mention of neutral status in any of the documents.

Residents of the islands, as well as those who moved to the islands before reaching the age of twelve, are not conscripted for military service. Citizens are prohibited from carrying and storing any firearms other than hunting ones. An exception is made only for police officers.

The official language of the Åland Islands is Swedish (Åland dialect). All national television and radio programs and teaching in schools are conducted in this language. All written correspondence sent to government agencies must also be in Swedish.

Housing on the islands can only be purchased by persons with citizenship of the Åland Islands. This is done to preserve the priority right of ownership of land and real estate for its citizens.

The internal politics of the islands is regulated by the parliament of the Åland Islands - Lagting, which is the legislative body. Foreign policy is under the jurisdiction of the Finnish Parliament - Eduskunt.

The executive power of the islands is in the hands of the government, which cannot consist of more than 8 people. Members of the government are elected by Lagting deputies, and as a rule rely on the parliamentary majority.

Lagting deputies are elected every 4 years by secret and direct vote. The first parliamentary elections were held on June 9, 1922, and this date has since been celebrated annually as Åland Self-Government Day. Today there are 30 deputies in the parliament.

Control over such areas of public life as: education and culture, security environment, healthcare, transport, postal services, television and radio broadcasting, utilities, police and economic development are carried out by a management apparatus controlled by the government of the Åland Islands. All laws in these areas passed by Parliament are then sent to the President of Finland, who bases his decision on the opinion of the Åland delegation and, sometimes, the Supreme Court of the Republic. The chairman of the Åland delegation is the governor of the Åland Islands, appointed by the President of Finland after agreement with the chairman of Lagting.

Foreign policy, legal proceedings, the customs system, criminal and civil law, taxation are controlled by the same laws that apply throughout Finland. To protect the legitimate interests of the Åland Islands, one deputy from the islands is represented in the Finnish Parliament.

A Brief History of the Åland Islands

People began to populate the Åland Islands even BC. The first traces of human habitation in the form of ceramic products date back to 4 thousand BC.

Over the next centuries, the islands more than once became the scene of hostilities between the Baltic states. In particular in 1714-21. The Åland Islands were almost completely plundered by the forces of Peter the Great, and the population fled to neighboring Sweden.

Until the beginning of the 19th century, the Kingdom of Sweden had power over the Åland Islands, after which the islands as part of the Grand Duchy of Finland were annexed to the Russian Empire by the Treaty of Fredrikshamn on September 17, 1809.

In 1832, the Russian fortress Bomarsund was built on the islands. During the Crimean War, the fortress was captured by allied English and French troops. On March 30, 1856, an agreement was signed between Great Britain, France and Russia on the inadmissibility of building military fortifications on the islands and deploying military forces.

In December 1917, the Finnish parliament declared independence from Russia, taking advantage of the instability of the situation in the latter. At the same time, the population of the Åland Islands, fearing for the safety of their Swedish language and culture, seeks to reunite with Sweden. However, on January 4, 1918, Sweden and Russia recognize the independence of Finland and the islands are included in its composition. The final agreement between the two Scandinavian states on the status of the islands was reached only in 1921 following a meeting of 2 commissions created by the League of Nations. As a result, on June 24, 1921, the League of Nations decided to consider the islands part of Finland, but with the provision of autonomy. Three days later, Sweden and Finland signed the Åland Agreement, a peace treaty on the status of the islands.

On October 20 of the same year, representatives of ten states: Great Britain, Germany, Denmark, Italy, Latvia, Poland, Finland, France, Sweden and Estonia signed a convention on the demilitarization and neutrality of the Åland Islands in Geneva. This convention was not signed by representatives of Russia, because was considered contrary to the interests of the Russian state. The fact is that the islands lie near the entrance to the Gulf of Finland, and the convention signed by the leading world powers actually gave them complete control over the gulf and Russian naval forces. Before the Second World War, in violation of the convention, Finland erected fortifications on the islands, but under the terms of the agreements following the Soviet-Finnish war, Finland was obliged to demilitarize the islands, which was violated by the Finnish side literally a few months later. Only 3 years later, after Finland fought on the side of Nazi Germany, between the USSR and Great Britain on the one hand and Finland on the other, following a truce, an agreement on the inadmissibility of military operations on the territory of the Åland Islands was restored.

Nature of the Åland Islands

The area of ​​the Åland Islands (Finnish: Ahvenanmaa) is 1552 km2, of which about 27 km2 is occupied by rivers and lakes. The rest of the territory consists of 6,757 large and small islands and rocks. Only 60 of them are inhabited.

The largest of the islands is the island of Åland or main island, covering an area of ​​685 km 2. Other large islands are Eckerø, Vardø, Lemland and Lumparland. The islands are hilly, composed of granites and gneisses. The most high point of all islands - Orrdalsklint peak lies in the commune of Saltvik and reaches 132 meters in height. The second highest is Mount Kasbergen, located in the Yeta Mountains, with a height of 129 meters.

Numerous small islands and rocks occupying vast areas within the archipelago are called skerries and are usually uninhabited.

The climate of the islands is temperate continental maritime, milder than the climate of neighboring areas of continental Finland. The average annual air temperature is 7-8°C. In summer, the average air temperature rises to 15°C, in winter it drops to -2.5°C. In general, the climate of the islands is very even: the influence of the Baltic Sea is felt. The sea accumulates heat for a long time and then releases it for a long time, making the islands very warm in the fall and cool in the spring.

There is little precipitation - 550 mm per year. There are a lot of sunny days. According to the latest indicator, the Åland Islands are the sunniest region in Northern Europe.

Most of the islands are occupied by pine and broad-leaved forests. The rest of the territory is meadows, shrubs and arable land.

Administrative and territorial structure of the Åland Islands

The Åland Islands are divided into 16 communes, which are combined into 3 subregions: archipelago, village and Mariehamn.

Commune	Area (km 2)	Population (as of October 31, 2010)	Population density (persons/km 2)
Brando	108,07	482	4
Vordo	101,5	449	4
Jomal	142,55	4072	29
Yeta	84,36	484	6
Kumlinge	99,26	371	4
Lemland	113,09	1820	16
Lumparland	36,25	392	11
Mariehamn	11,79	11146	945
Saltvik	152,09	1795	12
Sottunga	28,05	119	4
Sund	108,07	1017	9
Föglö	134,78	573	4
Finström	123,26	2507	20
Hammarland	138,19	1503	11
Chokar	63,55	261	4
Ekerö	107,71	945	9

Population of the Åland Islands

The population of the Åland Islands as of October 31, 2010 was 27,899 people, of which more than 11 thousand people lived in the capital Mariehamn. In addition, about 50 thousand people from the islands live outside their borders: in Sweden, Finland, and Norway.

The average population density is 18 people/km 2 .

The majority of the population of the Åland Islands are ethnic Swedes (92%), and therefore the Swedish language has been given the status of the state language. Another 5% of the population are descendants of Finnish fishermen. In the municipality of Brandø the proportion of Finnish-speaking citizens is higher - 9%.

The share of women in the population structure is 51%.

The vast majority of the population, 94.8%, belongs to the Evangelical Lutheran Church.

The distribution of the population by age group on the Åland Islands is as follows: from 0-14 years old - 17.3%, from 15-64 (labor resources) - 65.9, over 65 years old - 16.8 (data given for 2005). The islands are characterized by an increase in the proportion of people of retirement and pre-retirement age, a reduction in the proportion of children, as well as a decrease in fertility and mortality, which ultimately results in a low natural population growth of only 0.3 ppm. In addition, every year the population of the Åland Islands increases by about 200 people due to immigrants who arrive in the autonomy from neighboring Sweden and Finland.

The unemployment rate in 2009 was 5.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 8.2%. However, in previous pre-crisis years, the unemployment rate fluctuated around 1-2%.

Economy of Åland Islands

The economy of the Åland Islands is based on the production and processing of crop products (sugar beets, potatoes, wheat, barley, oats, onions), dairy farming, fishing, tourism, the pulp and paper industry, trade services and transportation of products.

In total, over 2,000 enterprises are registered on the territory of the Åland Islands, most of which (30%) operate in the field of trade and tourism. About 20% of operating enterprises are engaged in the construction of mainly wooden cottages, which is due to the presence of an extensive construction base and the rental of almost a third of all cottages to tourists, the number of which is constantly growing from year to year and in recent years exceeds 2 million people per year, of whom only a quarter remain on the islands for more than one day. The main flow of tourists comes from neighboring Sweden and Finland.

17% of businesses in the Åland Islands operate in the financial sector. Insurance and banking are becoming important sources of income today.

10% of enterprises are engaged in industrial production and transportation. The location of the Åland Islands halfway between the main industrial areas of such highly developed countries as Sweden and Finland makes the islands an important transit point between them. And today, profits from transporting goods through the territory of the Åland Islands provide up to a third of the regional GDP.

The GDP of the Åland Islands in 2002 reached 906 million € or approximately 35 thousand € per capita, which is higher than in neighboring Finland and Sweden.

It is very interesting that approximately 15% of the total GDP of the Åland Islands comes from the Finnish state budget. This measure is taken as compensation for taxes, customs duties and excise taxes paid to the state treasury. In 2007, the amount allocated was €190 million, which is equal to about 45% of Finland's total income minus public debt.

Today's Åland Islands are one of the richest regions of the European Union.

The unique seascape of the Åland Islands captures the imagination of everyone who sees it for the first time. The picturesque skerry landscape, mild climate and a large number of sunny days a year attract many holidaymakers to the Åland Islands. And thanks to the soils, which are rich in limestone, a flora has formed here that is rather not typical for Scandinavia: oaks, ash trees, maples, elms and lindens and various types of orchids.

People began settling on the islands around 4200 BC. e., and for many centuries the islands were a “bridge” between Finland and Sweden, and the population of Åland was constantly increasing. During the Northern War, the islands, together with Finland, went to Russia in 1809, and in 1921 they were again transferred to Finland with the rights of a self-governing zone. In 1954, the Åland Islands received their own flag (red cross in a yellow field on a blue background); The official language on the islands is Swedish. They have been issuing their own postage stamps here since 1984. (Finnish stamps are not valid). Ålanders are proud of their special status and do not like to be called Finns. The main occupations of the Ålanders are shipping, vegetable growing and the tourism industry. After the abolition of duty-free trade in EU countries, the Åland Islands remain the only tax-free oasis in Europe.

On the Åland Islands you can see the oldest churches in Finland, see traces of ancient agriculture and buildings from the 12th century. Many ships were shipwrecked here, the most famous being the Vrou Maria, a Dutch ship loaded with treasures acquired by Catherine the Great. In 1999, the exact location of the shipwreck was finally discovered.

Turku - oldest city Finland, the largest port, former capital. It's an excellent base for visiting the islands, especially if you're traveling by bike, as free ferries run constantly between the islands, a true marvel of public transport. Here you can also observe a variety of flora and fauna, including seabirds, moose, seals, while experiencing the rural charm of the inner islands and giant lighthouses.

What to see on the Åland Islands

Mariehamn

Mariehamn or Mariehamn (11 thousand inhabitants, or 40% of the total population of the islands) - main city islands. The city of a thousand linden trees in the south of the archipelago was founded in 1861 by Russian Emperor Alexander II and named after Empress Maria Alexandrovna. Since 1889 Mariehamn - popular seaside resort, now it is the administrative and industrial center of Åland. The magnificent 1000 m long Norra Esplanadgatan street connects the Western and Eastern ports. Don't ignore the old Marine Quarter.

On Storagatan - the Museum of the Åland Islands with a rich archaeological collection; The cultural history of the region is also well represented. In the same building there is an art museum (Opening hours: daily 10.00-16.00, Tue. 10.00-20.00).

A maritime museum has been opened in the Western Port - its building resembles a ship (Opening hours: May-June, Aug. 9.00-17.00, July 9.00-19.00, other times 10.00-16.00). In the same port, the sailing ship "Pommern" is anchored - now a museum. Four-masted barque (95 m long)- the symbol of the city. From 1903 to 1952 he transported grain from Australia to England (Opening hours: May-Aug. 9.00-17.00, July 9.00-19.00, Sep.-October 10.00-16.00.)

Ramsholmen

3 km west of Mariehamn lies the beautiful Ramsholmen nature reserve (Ramsholmen). Here you can find species of meadow and shrub plants typical of the Åland Islands.

Kastelholm Fortress

23 km northeast of Mariehamn stands the Kastelholm fortress (Kastelholm). The first written mention of it occurs in 1388. Until 1634, “Northern Gibraltar” was the residence of the governor of Åland. In 1507, the Danish fleet destroyed the castle, and in the middle of the 18th century. The castle was damaged by fire. Today it has been restored and is open for inspection. (Opening hours: May, June, early-mid August 10.00-17.00, July 10.00-17.30, mid-Aug.-Sept. 10.00-16.30).

Jan Karl's estate

Not far from Kastelholm - open-air museum "Jan Karl's Estate" ("Jan Karlsgarden"). Museum visitors get acquainted with traditional way of life the lives of local peasants, and they can also look into a historical prison of the 18th century. "Vita Bjorn" (Polar bear) . Opening hours: May-Sept. 10.00-17.00.

Sund

A little further north of Kastelholm in Sunda (Sund) stands the stone church of St. John the Baptist (XIII century) with wooden sculptures. Not far from it in the forest are the ruins of the Viking fortress Borgboda (Borgboda).

Bomarsund

To the east of Kastelholm (11 km) stands the Bomarsund fortress, built by the Russians in 1832-1854. The fortress was intended as a powerful citadel of the Russian Empire, but during the Crimean War it was destroyed in 1854. Information about the fortress can be obtained at the Pilot's House on the island of Prasto. Opening hours: May-Ser. Aug. Tue.-Sun. 10.00-15.00.

Saltvik

North of Mariehamn (23 km along the highway through Jomala, before Kastelholm turn left) we will find Saltvik (Saltvik). The local church of St. Mary is one of the oldest on the islands. Of greatest interest are the baptismal font made of Gotlandic limestone, the triumphal cross and the altar chest (XV century)

Orrdalsklint

Northeast of Saltvik - Orrdalsklint (Orrdalsklint), highest place (129 m above sea level) islands. A beautiful view also opens from the Kasberg hill north of Saltvik.

Finström

20 km north of Mariehamn (after Jomala turn left) Finström municipality is located (Finstrom) centered in Godby (Godby). In the Church of St. Michael (13th century) frescoes from the 15th century have been preserved.

Geta

Another 21 km north of Godby - and we are in the northernmost commune of Göta on the Åland Islands (Geta). Mount Soltuna, the second highest, offers beautiful views.

Hammarland

21 km northwest of Mariehamn stands the Church of St. Katharina in Hammarland (XIII century). In Skarpnato commune Hammarland (Hammarland) A local history museum has been opened. Peasant buildings from the 18th century are interesting. and ancient windmills.

Eckero

In Storby under Eckero in the old post office building (1897) There is a postal museum. Among the exhibits there are even postal boats, on which the royal mail was delivered to Stockholm until 1910. Opening hours: May-Ser. June, mid. Aug.-Mid. Sep. 10.00-16.00, midday June-September Aug. 10.00-18.00.

Every year in June a traditional post boat race is held here. (40 km) along the Gulf of Bothnia - to Grisslehamn (Sweden).

The Hunting and Fishing Museum tells about the conditions of former life on the islands (Karingsund, Eckero).

Lemland

Municipality of Lemland (Lemland) is located on an island 15 km southeast of Mariehamn. Near the ruins of St. Olaf's maritime chapel (XIII century)- an ancient Viking cemetery, the largest in Åland. Former Viking sanctuary - stone labyrinth. Historic Pellas Shipowners' House Museum (1884) open: midday June-September Aug.

Kökar

To the town of Kökar (kokar, 300 inhabitants, guest ports Sandvik and Hellso)- a true paradise for sailing enthusiasts - accessible by ferry from Cogro (74 km southwest of Turku) and Langnas (28 km east of Mariehamn). It is worth visiting the church made of gray wacca, built on the ruins of a Franciscan monastery (XIV century). A small local history museum has been opened in Kökar; There are hotels, a restaurant and a campsite.

The Åland Islands have been considered a demilitarized country for over 100 years, thanks to the Paris Peace Treaty. The presence of military operations on them is completely excluded, since the islands are a neutral zone. Åland has 3 administrative districts and includes 16 communes. The territory has 6,757 islands, the main part of which is covered by landscapes of untouched nature.

The remaining 60 islands delight with their cultural heritage and development policy. Lagting is a local parliament that is not subordinate to Finland in its decisions. It is at this legislative assembly that regulation of educational, cultural, transport and other issues is decided. And this policy has a beneficial effect on all aspects of the development of a comfortable life in these areas.

The remarkable condition of museums, fortresses and castles will be taken away during the creation of these attractions. Åland opens up: new horizons in sailing, wide open spaces for hunting or fishing. It is on the Åland Islands that anyone can become an artist, since the harmony of the flora opens up a new frontier of consciousness for humans.

Coordinates: 60.20100000,20.48500000

Åland Museum

If you have plans to visit the Åland Islands in Finland, do not forget to add a point there - visit the Åland Museum. This museum is located in the city of Mariehamn and shares a building with the Åland Art Museum.

The permanent exhibition of the Åland Museum represents the life of people from prehistoric times to the present day (showing the life of the inhabitants of Finland and Sweden) and is divided into 8 thematic parts: hunting and fishing, agriculture, society, people, sea, city, war, autonomy. A separate area is reserved for temporary exhibitions featuring local artists. About 10 similar exhibitions on various topics are held throughout the year.

In 2010, an exhibition of shipwreck artifacts was held there. The exhibition featured the world's oldest bottles of champagne and beer, which were found after a shipwreck in the Baltic Sea in the 19th century.

Entrance to the museum is free:

Between October and April

The Aland Museum Card also gives you entry to all 4 museums in the Åland Islands.

The museum is closed for reconstruction 2013 - 2014

Coordinates: 60.09734400,19.94468900

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Kastelholm Castle

Kastelholm Castle, located on the Åland Islands belonging to Finland, from the end of the 15th century it was the administrative center of the island and the hunting house of the queen.

The exact date of construction of Kastelholm Castle is unknown, but the first mentions of it were in documents of the 14th century.

The castle was built from the end of the 14th to the middle of the 17th century and is a complex architectural complex.

In 1745, the castle was badly damaged during a devastating fire on the islands and was restored and opened to the public only in the 20th century.

Coordinates: 60.23876700,20.08343000

Adventure Island "Waska" will take your whole family back to the times when pirates kept many countries in fear, when numerous frightening and romantic legends were formed about pirates - about their audacity and assertiveness, nobility and mutual assistance.

Arriving here on a real pirate ship, you completely forget about modern city life. The pristine nature beckons you to go in search of treasures that, according to legend, were once hidden here by pirates.

And, to the great surprise of those who find themselves here for the first time, everything on the pirate island is ready for you to go on an amazing adventure journey. After all, only here, on the island of Vaski, can you experience the “pirate romance”: see a real pirate fortress, a fishing village, sunken ships, test your strength at a climbing wall, suspended crossings and take part in various other competitions for dexterity and courage.

The entire program is prepared by the organizers down to the smallest detail. Vaski Island will be remembered as a wonderful vacation for the whole family, because here, not only in a playful, but also in the most realistic form, you can live for some time in the image of pirates of the Middle Ages.

Coordinates: 60.48712500,21.97707700

Moomin Island

Moomin Island, located near the Finnish resort town of Naantali (in the vicinity of the ancient port city of Turku) is simply a fairy tale that all children dream of visiting. And it wouldn’t hurt for adults to relive their childhood with their family. After all, on Moomin Island everything is conducive to this...

This fictional country, which all the boys and girls dreamed of after reading Tove Jansson’s wonderful work about the good-natured Moomins and their amazing friends, is open to everyone. Only here you can personally meet the heroes of Moomin Valley themselves, visit their cozy house, which looks like a fairy-tale castle, take a walk through the magical forest...

A cordial meeting and a fascinating walk through the Moomin domain awaits everyone who decides to visit the sights of Finland and look at the island of Kailo. The wonderful land of the Moomins is open to everyone who wants to get closer to the fairy tale. Both young tourists and their parents will be delighted to meet the amazingly hospitable and kind hosts of the island.

Coordinates: 60.47312700,22.00793300

Mount Yeta

Mount Yeta is one of the main attractions of the Åland Islands. The delightful natural landscapes and inimitable romantic atmosphere of the Scandinavian countryside, like a magnet, attract thousands of tourists every year. Not only outdoor enthusiasts, but also older people, and even couples with small children come to Mount Yetu to follow the hiking trails. All this is possible thanks to a high-quality infrastructure that allows you to travel with maximum comfort.

Once you reach the top of the mountain, do not rush to leave it. Here, not only an excellent restaurant awaits tired travelers, but also a real observation tower. By climbing it, you can increase your impressions and enjoy the surrounding beauty from a bird's eye view.

Coordinates: 60.38333400,19.85000100

Maritime Museum in Mariehamn

The Maritime Museum in Mariehamn is located on the Åland Islands. Its permanent exhibition includes 8 sections covering a variety of topics.

One of the halls of this museum, which tells us about hunting and fishing, takes us back to the events of the Stone Age and the first settlers of these islands. It was thanks to these first settlers that culture from western Norway was brought to the islands.

There are also exhibition halls that tell us about agriculture, people, society, the sea, the city, war and of course about autonomy! After all, the beginning of autonomy on the Åland Islands was laid thanks to the First World War. We can add that every year, June 9, autonomy day, the museum is open to everyone!

Basically, the museum tells about the brave pioneers of the sea: brave sailors who obtained food for their families, as well as pirates. Here you can see various elements of ship decoration - coats of arms, flags and much more.

The most important exhibits of the museum are life-size ships and sailing ships in all their splendor and splendor. Fishing boats, military ships, submarines and much more are also represented.

Next to the museum there is a monument to the Unknown Sailor, it is dedicated to all people who connected their lives with the sea and those who died at sea.

Coordinates: 60.05550000,19.56400000

Russian fortress Bomarsund

The Russian fortress Bomarsund, located on the Åland Islands belonging to Finland, was built from 1832 to 1846 by the Russian Empire.

During the Crimean War, the fortress, on the territory of which at that time there was the Main Fort and three defensive towers, an Orthodox church and garrison town, was burned by local residents.

Bricks from the blown-up walls of the fortress served in the construction of many Finnish buildings.

Nowadays, only ruins remain of the Bomarsund fortress, but they also attract tourists from all over the world as one of the historical attractions of the islands.

Not far from the fortress is the Bomarsund Museum.

Coordinates: 60.21262400,20.23870300

Mount Geta

Mount Göta, rising 98 meters above sea level, is a natural landmark of the Åland Islands. It offers a magnificent view of the Botanical Bay, the surrounding islands and virgin forests. At the 300-meter peak of the mountain there is an observation tower and the Soltuna restaurant. You can easily walk along the “magic path” leading down, even with small children. Descending from the mountain you can visit the Åland caves, which, however, will have to walk 5 km.

Hiking routes on Mount Geta, such as the Caves, the Middle Ages Trail, and the Troll Trail, provide an opportunity to enjoy the nature of the islands and admire a wide variety of birds.

Coordinates: 60.38660000,19.84450000

Museum "Mariehamn in Miniature"

The Mariehamn in Miniature Museum, located in the Finnish city of the same name, Mariehamn, is a unique museum, one of the few of its kind in the country. The museum occupies a small room almost in the city center.

The exhibitions of the museum, which bears the second name Mariepark, introduce visitors to the history of each house in the city, from the year of its foundation in 1859 to 1920, as well as the history of its owners. Among the exhibits you can see models of city attractions, many documents and photographs.

Coordinates: 60.09190700,19.93258600

Ramsholmen Nature Reserve

Nature reserve Ramsholmen, located about 4 kilometers from the Finnish city of Marienhamn, is famous for its picturesque meadows and mixed forests. The territory of the reserve is small, but very diverse in flora and fauna.

People often walk in the park local residents and tourists. Here you can see a wide variety of trees: birch, pine, spruce, oak, maple and ash. Animal world Ramsholmen Nature Reserve is also very diverse. Squirrels, martens, and many unusual birds are found here. In summer, visitors to the reserve are delighted with flowers, among which the main one is the country's national flower - rhododendron, and flowering shrubs.

Coordinates: 60.12370200,19.96457900

The most popular attractions on the Åland Islands with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose the best places to visit famous places of the Åland Islands on our website.

The month is coming to an end, and I still have quite a few unfulfilled wishes from my friends. Now it's time to nordlight_spb We listen to the request:

"I would like to know more about the Åland Islands, the capital of the islands, Marienhamn, as well as about the Archipelago Sea."

So, move on to the unknown!

The Åland Islands are located between Sweden and Finland at the entrance to the Gulf of Bothnia in the Baltic Sea. The region's population is about 27,000 people, more than 90% of whom are Swedes. James Barros in his book divides the history of the islands into three main periods:

1. Control of Sweden (1157 - 1809);
2. Control of Russia (1809 - 1917);
3. Control of Finland (since 1917).

Due to the strategic location of the islands, the Åland Islands have been the subject of geopolitical games by several major powers for many centuries. In 1714, during the reign of Peter the Great, the region was occupied, albeit for a short period, by the Russian Empire. Over the following years, Russia and Sweden repeatedly fought for control of the region, which constantly passed from one empire to another. Only after the military campaign of 1808-1809 did Russia eventually manage to establish control over the Åland Islands and a number of Finnish regions, which were under Swedish control at that time.

The Åland Islands are located in the Archipelago Sea (Finnish: Saaristomeri, Swedish: Skärgårdshavet). It is part of the Baltic Sea between the Bothnian and Gulfs of Finland within Finnish territorial waters.

The Archipelago Sea includes a huge number of islands. The exact number depends on the definition of the term "island", since land areas range from small stones peeking out of the water to big islands with several villages or even a city on them. There are 257 islands in the Archipelago Sea with an area greater than 1 km² and about 18,000 islands with an area greater than 0.5 hectares. Including smaller uninhabited rocks and skerries, the archipelago includes more than 50,000 islands (for comparison, the number of islands in the Indonesian archipelago ranges from 13,000 to 18,000). The territory of the archipelago is roughly divided into internal and external groups of islands. The outer group consists mainly of small uninhabited islands. The archipelago occupies a triangular area with the cities of Mariehamn, Uusikaupunki and Hanko at the corners.

The islands began to rise from the water immediately after the last ice age. Due to the post-glacial rise of land, the process is still ongoing, new skerries and islands are formed, old ones increase in size or merge. The current rate of rise is between 4 and 10 millimeters per year. Since the islands are mainly composed of granite and gneiss, two very hard rocks, the rate of erosion is much less than the rate of uplift.

Barros in his book describes how Swedish diplomats “in vain insisted on the fact that the Åland Islands have always been a province of Sweden,” to which Russian diplomats responded that “we are now occupied not with the old borders of Sweden, but with the new borders of the Russian Empire.” According to Barros, "using the Åland Islands as military base against Sweden, the Russians were well aware of the strategic importance in terms of the defense of Finland, as well as the establishment of control in the Baltic Sea."

According to the Treaty of Fredrikshamn (September 17, 1809), the Åland Islands, as well as a number of territories of modern Finland, ceded to Russia. The issue of militarization or demilitarization of the Åland Islands was constantly on the agenda of Russian-Swedish negotiations throughout the 19th century. Sweden demanded the neutralization of the islands “as an independent state under the protectorate of France, England and Sweden,” and this demand was supported by Great Britain, but was rejected by Russia.

Mariehamn - translated from Swedish - “Mary's harbor”. Alexander II named the city in honor of his wife. Mariehamn has two ports, a sailing ship-museum, a steamboat-restaurant, modern high-speed yachts and cruise ships. The islanders call Mary their godmother, although they know little about her. Probably because the Empress herself had never been to the city that was named after her.

In 1856, Russia, France, and Great Britain signed the "Convention for the Demilitarization of the Åland Islands," which ended the debate until at least the collapse of the Swedish-Norwegian alliance in 1905. In 1907, in exchange for recognition of Norwegian independence, Russia demanded the annulment of the 1856 convention, which would allow Russia to station its troops on the islands. However, when Russia publicly voiced a proposal to annul the 1856 convention, it caused an uproar in Sweden and Great Britain, and the issue was taken off the agenda for some time.

During the First World War, Germany promised to return the Åland Islands to Sweden, but in exchange demanded Sweden's allied participation in the war. But Stockholm remained neutral and demanded that the Åland Islands be turned into a neutral zone. At the same time, Russia, knowing that Germany was preparing to occupy the islands, was preparing military forces for confrontation. In a letter to the Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Sazonov on January 1, 1915, the Minister of the Navy, Vice Admiral Ivan Grigorovich, emphasized the importance of the islands for Russia. “The entire territory is of strategic importance, so one of the main tasks of the navy is to keep the islands under strict Russian control.”

A turning point began for the Åland Islands with the fall of the Tsarist government in Russia, the establishment of the Provisional Government, and then the coming to power of the Bolsheviks.

After the fall of the monarchy in Russia, representatives of the Åland province-communes gathered in Mariehamn to jointly begin work on reunification with their old fatherland - Sweden. A request was made to the Swedish king and government to take Åland under their protection. By December 1917, signatures had been collected from almost the entire adult population of the Åland Islands.

During this period, Finland demanded independence from Russia, and in Sweden demands for the unification of Sweden with the Åland Islands intensified.

On December 6, 1917, Finland declared itself an independent republic (self-proclaimed, as we would say now) and denied Åland their right to self-determination, understood as joining Sweden. At the same time, Aland was still promised self-government. In May 1920, the Finnish parliament passed a law on Åland self-government. The Alanders met this law with hostility. In the Åland parliament, elected back in 1918, heated debates took place, ending with the two leaders Sundblom and Berkman being arrested on charges of treason.

England intervened in the matter, proposing to refer the issue to the League of Nations. On May 24, 1921, the League decided on Finnish sovereignty over Åland, but recommended that it give the Ålanders legislative guarantees of self-government, demilitarization and neutrality. Three days later, Sweden, reluctantly, signed the so-called Åland Treaty with Finland.

Finnish independence

In August 1917, the Ålanders held a secret assembly at which the issue of unification with Sweden was discussed. “A four-person delegation was formed with a mandate to convey to the Swedish government and parliament the deep desire of the Åland Islands to reunite with the Kingdom of Sweden for a number of special reasons,” writes Barros. From December 25 to 29, the population of the Åland Islands held a kind of referendum and signed a petition to King Gustav of Sweden calling for unification. This message strengthened the position of Swedish political groups that advocated the immediate occupation of the Åland Islands.

Taking advantage of the weakening position of Russia, King Gustav sent a message to Germany, Austria and Turkey demanding that the issue of the Åland Islands be considered during peace negotiations with Russia in Brest-Litovsk in order to “protect the vital interests of Sweden in these islands.” Germany offered Sweden its assistance in negotiations with the Bolsheviks on the issue of annexing the islands to Sweden. At the same time, Germany put forward a number of conditions: Sweden had to “allow the inhabitants of the islands to determine their future fate in a referendum, not build any fortified outposts or bases on the islands, not transfer the islands to any third party, and also begin negotiations to increase exports iron ore from Sweden to Germany after the war."

However, on January 4, 1918, Russia recognized the independence of Finland. It is surprising that, ahead of other European states, Sweden recognized Finnish independence on the same day. Subsequently, Helsinki will more than once use the argument that “Sweden and other states, by recognizing the independence of Finland without any preconditions, actually recognized the Åland Islands as a sovereign part of Finland.”

A few weeks after the recognition of Finnish independence, Civil War. While King Gustav tried to take cautious steps and avoid direct confrontation with Finland, the Swedish opposition demanded immediate control of the islands. Soon after this, Sweden sent ships of its fleet and occupied the Åland Islands. Subsequently, German troops established control over the entire territory of Finland, including the Åland Islands.

Status of the Åland Islands

Finnish independence did not solve the problem of the Åland Islands, and negotiations between Finland and Sweden, as well as negotiations between the superpowers and Russia, continued. Helsinki accused Stockholm of interfering in its internal affairs by supporting the islanders in their desire to unite with Sweden. This increased tension between the two states. The Finnish government has notified islanders that it "guarantees complete safety islands and urgently asks residents to avoid actions that could damage the territorial integrity of Finland, as such actions will be strictly suppressed."

"In the spring of 1918, Stockholm advised the inhabitants of the islands that independence could only be achieved by building their own institutions of self-government, and by preparing for a plebiscite at the right time regarding separation from Finland and annexation to Sweden."

At some point, speculation arose that Finland was considering the possibility of a “territorial exchange” by transferring the Åland Islands to Sweden and receiving the territory of Eastern Karelia in return. However, these speculations were refuted by a special statement from the Finnish government. Instead, Finland offered the islanders a high status of autonomy within Finland.

Negotiations between Stockholm and Helsinki did not produce results, and the parties agreed to transfer consideration of the issue of the status of the Åland Islands to the League of Nations. While the superpowers tried to mediate, the situation in both Sweden and Finland worsened. Public opinion in both countries hardened and demanded an immediate solution to the issue of the status of the islands. As a result, the League of Nations created two special commissions to resolve the issue of the islands. The first commission was to comprehensively study the political, legal and historical aspects of the Åland problem and propose possible solutions. The task of the second commission was to develop specific recommendations and draw up a peace agreement.

After hearing the arguments of both sides and conducting its own research, the first commission (commission of lawyers) concluded that “the fundamental issue is a legal one, namely the right of Finland to sovereignty over the Åland Islands. It is necessary to discuss the question of whether Finland was a sovereign state after the collapse of its union with Tsarist Russia and whether its sovereignty extends to the islands in the same way as to other parts of Finland" (Article 314). Regarding the question of Finland's right to the Åland Islands, the commission concluded that "the independence of Finland in 1917, which was recognized by other states, included the islands." This means that "Finland's sovereignty over the Åland Islands was not subject to dispute and the islands legally became part of the Finnish state."

The issue of the primacy of the territorial integrity of the state over the right of minorities to self-determination, which is still relevant today, was also discussed by the League of Nations commission. Question: “Is it possible to recognize as absolute the right of a minority to secede for the purpose of further unification with another state or declaring independence?” was raised in the commission's report. Quoting the commission's report, Barros writes: "To give in to the demands of any minority (whether linguistic, religious or otherwise) for separation from the community to which they belong, simply because it is their desire, would be a clear destruction of order and stability within the state and would give rise to anarchy in international life."

As a result, the commission of lawyers made the following recommendations regarding the status of the Åland Islands within Finland:
. “In the province of Åland, primary and technical schools must provide instruction only in Swedish. The compulsory study of Finnish, which is approved by law, should not apply in this territory.
. Residents of the islands in any situation should have priority rights in matters of acquiring land on the islands. In addition, newly arrived settlers can only gain the right to vote in elections after five years of residence on the islands.
. The Ålanders should have the right to submit to the government in Helsinki a list of three candidates for the post of governor of the islands, and the governor should be appointed only from this list."

The commission also threatened a referendum on the status of the Åland Islands if the Finnish government rejected these recommendations. These recommendations were added to the already existing guarantees of island autonomy adopted by the Finnish government. The final decision on the islands issue was made on June 24, 1921, and the League of Nations reaffirmed Finland's sovereignty over the Åland Islands. Three days later, on June 27, Sweden and Finland signed the Åland Agreement, a peace treaty on the status of the islands.
Autonomy structure of the Åland Islands

The Act of Autonomy for the Åland Islands was hastily drawn up and adopted by the Finnish Parliament on May 6, 1920. The islanders initially rejected the act. However, after the League of Nations debated the status of the islands, the proposed recommendations were added to the Autonomy Act of 1920. Lars Ingmar Johannson, who served as Secretary General of the Åland Islands Parliament in the 1980s, writes that “the first popularly elected institution on the islands was the Landsting, or Åland Parliament, which was elected by popular election in the Åland Islands, and its first plenary session was held June 9, 1922" (Article 25). Later, the Autonomy Act was again revised twice. This happened for the first time on December 28, 1951, and then again in 1993. The current legislation is fully harmonized with the Finnish government and the population of the Åland Islands.

The “fundamental principle” of the Autonomy Act was “to give the inhabitants of the Åland Islands the widest freedom in the management of their internal affairs in order to ensure the internal and external security of (Finland).”

The Autonomy Act clearly and clearly divides legal responsibility between the Finnish and Åland parliaments. The Åland parliament works on a similar principle to the Finnish parliament. It consists of 30 members elected every four years and functions as an institution that makes laws and decisions on issues of island life such as police, health care, education, communications, economic development of the region, etc. Johansson states that " in these areas, the functions of the Åland Parliament are practically no different from the functions of the legislative and executive bodies of an independent state."

"Preliminary laws approved by the Åland Parliament apply on the islands and are superior to laws passed by the Finnish Parliament. However, in those areas where the Åland Parliament is not vested with the power to legislate, Finnish laws have the same force on the islands as in the rest of the country Such areas include postal, customs and monetary services, courts, criminal code, many aspects civil law relating to matters of family, inheritance, trade and foreign affairs."

Ålanders also have a quota in the Finnish parliament and are directly elected by the island's population, just like the rest of the country's parliament. All adopted legislative acts of the Åland Parliament are sent for signature to the President of Finland, who has the right of veto only in two cases: if the law adopted by the Åland Parliament “goes beyond its competence” and if the adopted act “threatens the internal and external security of the country.”
The Åland parliament also makes laws regarding its own budget and taxation. Taxes, customs duties and other payments are collected from island residents in the same manner as from all other Finnish citizens. At the same time, the Finnish state budget has an annual guaranteed line for contributions to the Åland Islands. In addition to this, the Åland Parliament has the right to request additional funding from the Finnish state budget.

Ålanders have their own flag and local police forces. Moreover, the islands issue their own postage stamps and are represented (as part of the Finnish delegation) in the Nordic Council of Ministers. The Nordic Council is a regional organization that consists of ministers and parliamentarians of the Scandinavian countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, autonomous territories Faroe Islands(Denmark), Greenland (Denmark) and Åland Islands (Finland).

You probably noticed when sailing from Stockholm to Helsinki that the ferry makes a ten-minute stop halfway through the journey in a city with an unpronounceable name. Perhaps because the word Maarianhamina is difficult to pronounce, this city receives so little attention. However, it’s very in vain. Mariehamn (Maarianhamina) is worth a stopover for a couple of days. Cozy island life, so unlike life in a metropolis, or even life in a godforsaken village, will open before you in all its quiet splendor.

Marienhamn is located on a peninsula, therefore it has two ports, on the west and east coasts.

The history of Mariehamn is connected with the Eastern, or Crimean War, which determined the future fate of Åland as demilitarized islands. After the war, the local community petitioned Emperor Alexander 11 to allow the founding of a port city on the main island.

And in order to be sure to get consent, the petitioners proposed to name the city in honor of the emperor’s wife Maria Alexandrovna. By the Tsar’s manifesto on February 4, 1859, the founding of the city of Mariehamn (“Mary’s Harbor”) was “most graciously” permitted, and on February 20, 1861, a charter was signed establishing the city’s statute. Its existence is counted from this date.

The western port (Västerhamn) is of international importance, with ferries stopping several times a day on the route between Finland and Sweden.

East Harbor is one of the largest Scandinavian yacht ports.

For tourists, the capital of the Åland Islands offers ample opportunities for urban recreation: many hotels, shops, restaurants, cafes and museums will happily welcome their visitors. Not far from the city center is Lilla Holmen - a wonderful beach for the whole family and the Mariebad water park with a spa center.

The most interesting way to get to Mariehamn, the capital of the Åland Islands, is by ferry, going from Stockholm to Helsinki, and not vice versa: in this direction the ferry arrives not at four in the morning, but at midnight, which is much more convenient. Don’t be surprised by the very paradoxical pricing: getting from Mariehamn to Helsinki costs even more than from the more distant Stockholm to Helsinki.

Mariehamn has quite a lot of museums for such a small town. These are, firstly, the famous sailing ship Pommern, The Maritime Quarter and the Åland Maritime Museum, the Åland Museum, the hunting and fishing museum, the art museum and a little more.

Looking into the museum from the entrance, we concluded that these are typical provincial museums, which are not worth spending much time on if you are not a connoisseur of local arts and crafts. It only makes sense to visit the sailing ship Pommern. But if you don’t have enough time, you can still admire it from the pier (the masts and rigging look especially beautiful against the sunset).

Clean streets with toy houses not hidden behind fences, and silence, which is only occasionally broken by the roar of an old American car from the mid-century (every now I remember Stephen King’s “Christine”). As it turned out, taxes on the purchase of a new car are very high here, so young people prefer to buy impressive-looking “dinosaurs”, literally bring them into brilliant condition and in the evenings, wearing a cowboy hat, leisurely drive around the city with the whole company.

Ålanders are very careful about their mailboxes. Old mailboxes are wooden, hand-painted, and only a few dare to install newfangled plastic ones.

Mariehamn's main attraction is its hiking trails (especially in the western part of the island). Coastline reminds me a lot South coast Crimea: steep cliffs, small pine trees, winding paths. But, unlike Crimea, where only in the New World there is an equipped walking “ecological” trail, here there are equipped trails everywhere (and even inside the island, marked with a red line on the map).

This means that every N meters there are benches, bridges, fences and no garbage (despite the fact that during the season the tourist load on them is appropriate). All walking routes designed in such a way that after 2-3 hours of a leisurely walk you will return to the city.

There are several equipped beaches in the eastern and northeastern parts of the island. The sandy and muddy bottom is very flat - it will take a long time to get into the water. Because of this bottom topography, it is especially interesting to observe low tides, when a significant area of ​​​​the seabed is exposed.

The museum sailing ship Pommern is anchored in the western port. In the eastern harbor there is a Dutch steamship Jan Nieveen (also called F.P. von Knorring), converted into a restaurant. We also recommend visiting the city museum and art museum.

For architecture connoisseurs, it will be interesting to know that Marienhamn has several buildings designed by the famous Finnish architect Lars Sonck: the main building of the Åland Maritime College (1927), Marienhamn Church (1927), and the city municipality building (1939).

In the park in front of the city hall there is a statue of the city's patroness, Empress Maria Alexandrovna.

In 2011, Marienhamn celebrated its anniversary - 150 years since its foundation. This bronze monument is a gift from the Russian side.

Sculpture on a pedestal made of red granite. The monument was erected in the very center of the Åland capital.

The Russian fortress of Bomarsund reminds us of the military past of the Åland Islands. Now there is little left of it, only ruins, but the Alanders proudly bring tourists here. At the beginning of the 19th century, these islands, together with Finland, became part of the Russian Empire. But the history of Åland has been closely connected with Russia since the time of Peter the Great.

From this observation deck you can see the most beautiful road running between the islands. In the 18th century, an important postal route from St. Petersburg to Stockholm passed through Åland. Peasants living along the highway at a distance of up to 3 miles were at the disposal of the postal department and were required to deliver letters and parcels along a chain from yard to yard.

Postal workers were the first to celebrate the city's anniversary. They issued a stamp in honor of the Russian Empress. For the miniature, the authors used one of the most famous images of Maria Alexandrovna; there is exactly the same portrait in the Hermitage.

This is also a joint project between Åland and Russian post. The godmother of the city against the backdrop of a historical landscape. In Åland, only locally issued stamps are used, so now, with the help of the miniature Empress Maria, you can send a letter from Mariehamn to St. Petersburg. Very symbolic.

How to get there

Marienhamn can be reached from Turku and Helsinki, Finland, and from Stockholm or Kapellskär, Sweden.

A reliable, comfortable and popular form of transport for traveling to the capital of the Åland Islands is ferries.

Different fish are caught at each time of the year. In the summer - pike perch and salmon, in the fall - pike and sea taimen of frightening sizes, in winter ice fishing with a short rod is good, and in the spring salmon, sea taimen and pike bite well.

Since the land on the islands (and coastal waters) is privately owned, fishing is only possible in specially designated areas. These territories often consist of many small private holdings, the owners of which have united into fishing farms. There are about fifty of them in total.

To fish, you must purchase a fishing permit or a license for the territory where you plan to fish. To do this, you need to decide in advance on the fishing place (or rather, on the place where to live, since there is no point in living in one place and fishing in another). The license can be ordered in advance when booking a cottage or purchased directly on site from its owner. The cost of licenses fluctuates quite widely, depending on the amount of fish and the size of the territory. Each territory has its own rules; you should check them with the owner of the cottage when purchasing a license.

You need to immediately clarify what types of fishing are allowed in these places: pike are caught with spinning rods and spoons, perch - with light spinning rods, jigs and small spoons, salmon are caught by trolling (fishing at great depths in the open sea), sea taimen - with spoon-shaped spoons and wobblers, pike perch - on wobblers large sizes and jigs.

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