Things to see and do Åland

The maritime district is a picturesque shipyard where you can watch boats under construction as well as traditional wooden boats parked on the harbour. Lively environment with also a forge and other craft activities in addition to a sailors' chapel, a restaurant, a museum. The latter, in a wooden shed, deals with the techniques and history of shipbuilding. Attention, no information in English.

The local customs and traditions are honoured with eight different themes: fishing and hunting, agriculture, the Viking origins, daily life, navigation, the city, wars and the autonomy of the islands of Åland. A comprehensive museum which allows you to understand the history of the islands and lifestyle of its inhabitants.

To find out about outdoor activities, find accommodation (large choice of chalets), understand how transportation works on the islands and ask for useful addresses or all kinds of advice. The tourist office provides all the information and maps you need for walking, ice climbing or canoeing. The tourist office also organises guided tours. It also provides information about the different museums in the city, or other cultural activities. Brochures can be downloaded from the Internet.

A site as unlikely as it is magnificent, proof (if proof were needed) of the variety of Åland's island heritage! On one side, a cave (where trolls once lived, according to legend), quickly accessible from the site entrance (but at the price of a few antics). On the other side, a forest and rocky passage worthy of Fontainebleau gives access to a (short) hiking trail, a picnic area and an observation tower offering a beautiful 360° view. A little tricky to find, but well worth the stop and the walk.

Feeling like you're at the end of the world is (a little) what awaits you when you arrive at the Herröskatan nature reserve, just south of Lemland. There are few people here, but the scenery is breathtakingly rich in nature, emblematic of the richness of the archipelago. It's also a paradise for birdwatchers, especially from the top of the tower (albeit a little faded). In short, for a break from the usual tourist circuits and a breath of fresh air: don't hesitate!

The most beautiful white sandy beach in the archipelago to swim in peace and quiet (calm and shallow water), or even spend the night at its friendly campsite.

The impressive ruins by the width of its red granite stones of a vast fortress built by the Russians between Finby and Prästö. The French and English destroyed it during the Crimean War in 1854. A possible opportunity for a 13 km walk between Bomarsund and Kastelholm Castle. Count 4 hours of walking on a well signposted route. Opposite, on the island of Prästo, is the small museum of Bomarsund where the results of the excavations are housed.

At 99 m, the summit offers exceptional views of the north of the island. It is the second-highest hill on the Aland Islands. Sweden to the west is not far away after all. Two recommended walks: the 1 km troll trail, perfect for children, and a 5 km path starting from the Soltuna panoramic restaurant and leading to a natural cave called Djupviksgrottan: an absolutely magnificent stroll through incredible rocky scenery. Be careful, though: in wet weather, it's very, very slippery!

The building was designed by Engel. It represented the far west of the Russian Empire, so it had to be grandiose. It houses a café, post office, art gallery and museum. The small museum, open from mid-May to mid-September, is housed in the former Post and Customs House. If you're an artist looking for a place to work over the summer, you can even take up artistic residency in the building!

Kastelholm Castle is housed in a late 14th century enclosure built on Sund Island where you can enjoy guided tours (about 45 minutes) or self-guided tours if you prefer to go at your own pace. The plus: a pirate route adapted for children, a good way to interest them and to avoid them getting bored. If the weather is good and you have time, take a short detour to Jan Karl's farm (Jan Karlsgården), right next to the fortress. All the typical buildings of the archipelago are represented.

This beach is next to the site of the same name. Pontoon, rafting, sauna and even equipment.

Two beaches in Marieham. The one on the small island, a white sand beach where children have fun with ducks, curious feathered hens and other domestic fowl. The beach is equipped with a pontoon, a diving raft, a rustic boat and swings. Café open in summer. A little further on is the Green Point beach (Gröna Udden). This beach is located next to the campsite of the same name. Pontoon, raft, sauna and even equipment.

Recently renovated and adjacent to the local history museum, the art museum brings together works from the 20th and 21st centuries with temporary exhibitions. The Åland Islands have always attracted artists and some famous painters have made the Åland Islands their home, including some beautiful paintings by Joël Pettersson (1892-1937), Victor Westerholm and Guy Frisk. The museum of local history allows you to discover the history of the islands.

This fully renovated museum traces Åland's maritime history. Beautiful figureheads and model ships. Visit the magnificent sailing ship Pommern, a superb four-master with 29 sails. Built in Scotland by a German company, she first sailed in 1903. She was purchased in 1923 by Gustaf Erikson in Mariehamn. During the Second World War, the yacht sailed between England and Australia before returning here. One of the largest sailing ships in the world, it is now moored in the West Harbour and converted into a museum.

In the summer of 1886, the Finnish painter Victor Westerholm (1860-1919) invited artist friends to his house on the Åland Islands. This was the beginning of the "Önningeby Colony", which lasted 30 years. The artists moved to surrounding farms where the omnipresence of nature inspired them. The museum retraces this adventure: lifestyle and works. Contemporary art exhibitions, poetry evenings and music concerts. Café and shop.

Head to the port of Käringsund for a peaceful stroll in a pretty cove with red wooden boathouses and a path leading to a beach. The place turns into a seaside resort in the summer, with boats for rent to make the most of the sea. And to continue the walk, you can go 9 km south of Storby to the beach of Degersand. The most beautiful white sand beach of the archipelago for swimming in complete tranquillity (calm and shallow water), or even spending the night there in its friendly campsite.

Since 1998, Axtours has been providing land and sea excursion services ranging from private yachts to classic cruise ships. In addition to standard programmes, the agency has a very good knowledge of the local places and providers in order to offer you the best possible tailor-made itineraries. You can choose from a wide range of stays focusing on outdoor activities, cultural experiences or culinary delights. Do not hesitate to contact them to tell them about your wishes and your budget so that they can offer you a perfectly adapted stay.