Attractions - Finland

Attractions - Helsinki

Aland, Finland

The Aland Islands are a unique, self-governing set of islands off the Finnish coast. With their own distinct culture, flag and postage stamps, they are dotted with medieval churches and old-world fishing villages and are particularly ideal for get-away-from-it all cycling, camping and cabin holidays.

Several dialects of Swedish are spoken on the islands - indeed the islands are far more culturally related to Sweden than they are to Finland. The town of Mariehamn is the islands’ principal town. Known as the "town of a thousand linden trees" it was founded in 1861 by Tsar Alexander II, who named it after his wife Tsarina Maria. Situated on a narrow peninsula with two harbours, Mariehamn today is the administrative and economic centre of Aland. Visit the excellent Alands Museum and the Art Museum next door. The Alands Museum traces the history of the islands from prehistoric times up until the present day while the Art Museum houses a permanent collection of local art as well as interesting temporary exhibitions. Check out the spectacular four-mastered sailing ship, the Pommern, anchored behind the town’s Maritime Museum. Built at the turn of the century in Scotland, the ship once worked the trade route between England and Australia. Don’t miss the beautiful spring wildflowers in Tullarns Ang, a park just to the south of town. The park also boasts a fine beach and a café. Sund is one of the most interesting of the Aland islands. It boasts the impressive medieval Kastelholm castle, the ruins of a Russian stronghold and an outstanding open-air museum called the Jan Karlsgarden Museum. Featuring traditional buildings from the archipelago, it is one of the best places in Finland to experience the Midsummer festival. Visit the westernmost island of Eckero, a popular holiday spot since the 1800s. Take in the historic Post and Customs House in Storby, the attractive Karingsund harbour and the deer, black swans and wild boar in the fenced-in forest at Viltsafari.

The Kokar island group in the southern archipelago has a strikingly barren landscape and are ideal for walking and trekking. The Kokar Homestead Museum chronicles local history and is located in the village of Hellso on the main island.

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