Aland Guide

Aland, pronounced Oh-lahnd is a group of Islands that belong to Finland but have their own flag and parliament. Despite officially belonging to Finland, the language spoken in Aland is Swedish although many people are more than happy to communicate in English. In the summer months temperatures often reach above 30C. In fact, you will see a lot of people swimming in July and August.

You will be mesmerised by the Aland islands

The official currency of the island is the Euro but the Swedish Krona is also commonly accepted. Mariehamn is the main town with 11.000 year round inhabitants and the town has a lot to offer including shopping, restaurants and museums.

Aland is naturally famous for its natural beauty and is a mecca for sports enthusiasts of all kinds. Aland is an excellent destination for golf, fishing, canoeing and bicycling. Of course, hiking is another popular option with 30 different nature trails available. Aland's landscape, where you are never more than a few metres from the sea, will delight and enthrall you whether you take it easy or go sports mad.

Going out in Aland is also a pleasure. Aland has over 100 restaurants and cafes. In fact the local newspaper estimates that there are 53 places to eat in Mariehamn alone. Aland's restaurants deliver a true taste of Scandinavia with touches that are unique to this special destination. Try delicate smoked flunder fish with potato salad or the local blackbread, svartbröd, which is in actual fact sweet! To finish off your meal try an Aland pancake. This is a traditional desert most often served with stewed plums and whipped cream. Delicious!

Travel in Aland

Ferries are the most popular form of transport between the islands and bicycles are used by most people to get from A to B.

Things to see and do

Visit the museum ship the Pommern which is a ship restored to its original state and reminds visitors of the great fleet of sailing ships who once had Mariehamn as their home port. On board you will discover what life was like for sailors in the 1900's when sailors had to share their ship with pigs, sheeps, dogs, cats, and, of course, rats.

The Pommern

Also worth a visit is Kastelholm, this castle, built in 1380's, was home to many Swedish kings who reigned the combined kingdom of Sweden and Finland. There are guided tours in English and other languages.

Very close to Kastelholm castle is the Jan Karlsgarden Open Air Museum which features a number of traditional Aland buildings moved in from around the islands. Here, you'll get a true sense of how life was throughout the years on this majestic archipelago.

So, take the ferry to Aland as part of your European travels or plan a trip to this unique destination. You won't regret your choice and you can rest assured that you got a great price for you ferry by using AFerry.co.uk!

All photos courtesy of Visitaland.com