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The Åland Islands are an archipelago in the Baltic Sea. It is an autonomous province within Finland. It has the same telephone code as Finland, but its own parliament, flag, post office, stamps and domain.

The archipelago is located at the entrance from the Baltic Sea to the Gulf of Bothnia. The Åland Islands border by sea with Finland, in the west and north-west with Sweden, including a land border on the island of Märket. The archipelago stretches 130 km from north to south and consists of 6,757 islands (of which 60 are inhabited). This is an archipelago with the largest concentration of islands on Earth. The largest of the islands of the archipelago is the island of Åland with an area of ​​685 km². The highest point of the archipelago is Orrdalsklint hill with a height of 129 m.

The main population of the Åland Islands are Finnish Swedes. The archipelago has a demilitarized status, which means that military installations and other objects have been liquidated on its territory and the maintenance of armed forces, the construction of fortifications, the performance of maneuvers, etc. are prohibited. There are no military units, naval or air bases of the armed forces. The islands have the status of neutral territory and cannot be involved in the theater of operations in the event of armed conflicts. Unlike all other Finnish citizens, residents of the Åland Islands are not conscripted for military service. It is also prohibited to store and carry any firearms other than hunting ones (with the exception of the police).
The islands ended up in Finland because of Russia: Aland occupies a strategic position in the Baltic, from the time of Peter I they were the target of the Russian-Swedish wars, and in 1809, together with Finland, they passed to Russia under Alexander I.

State symbols

Flag- similar to the Swedish one, that is, it is a rectangular blue panel with a yellow Scandinavian cross. However, the yellow cross on the Åland flag is wider and has a red Scandinavian cross inserted into it. Approved April 7, 1954

Coat of arms– is an image of a golden deer on a blue field. On top of the shield is crowned with a pearl crown decorated with precious stones. This feature makes the coat of arms of the Åland Islands similar to the coats of arms of some regions of Finland and the official coat of arms of Sweden, which owned the islands until the beginning of the 19th century.

State structure

Form of government is an autonomous province within Finland.
Capital– Mariehamn.
The largest city– Mariehamn, the only city.
Head of the province- governor.
Head of the government- Prime Minister.
Territory- 1,552.57 km².
Population– 30,361 people. About a third of the population lives in the capital.
Currency– euro. Åland's own coins of the first half of the 1990s - dalers; they were legal tender in the Åland Islands and are accepted for exchange by banks.
Official language– Swedish.
Religion- mostly Lutherans.
Climate– moderate, cool. At the same time, Åland is one of the sunniest regions among the Nordic countries.
Administrative division– 16 communes.
Economy– fishing, dairy farming, tourism (sea resorts).

Nature

FloraÅland is represented mainly by pine and broad-leaved (mainly ash) forests, shrubs, and meadows. Stones, greenery and a lot of water around - this is a typical Åland landscape.

There are several reserves on the islands.
Rough rocks of unusually bizarre shapes, bays and bays with clear azure water smoothly flow into dense cloaks of coniferous and deciduous forests. The Åland Islands are beautiful wilderness with minimal traces of civilization. They have always been famous for their unique nature.

Fauna: Animals that are not afraid of people live here: unafraid hares, roe deer and moose. Predatory animals include the common fox, pine marten and others. Fishing is a popular activity on the Åland Islands. Salmon, sea taimen, pike and salmon live in local waters.

Sights of the Åland Islands

Kastelholm

Medieval castle in the municipality of Sund on the Åland archipelago. The exact date of foundation is unknown.
This is the only medieval castle in Åland, first mentioned in chronicles in 1388 as “Castelholm House”. In its modern form, it is a complex architectural complex that was built and expanded from the end of the 14th to the mid-17th centuries.
The castle flourished in the 15th-16th centuries. In the second half of the 16th century. The castle belonged to the Stenbock family, which was in opposition to the Swedish king Eric XIV. In 1599, during the internecine war for the Swedish throne, the castle was severely destroyed by the troops of King Charles IX.
In the XVII-XVIII centuries. was used as a prison. In the 20th century The castle was restored and opened to the public.

19th century fortress Founded in 1832 by the Russian Empire on the island of Åland. Destroyed in 1854 by the Anglo-French fleet during the Crimean War.
The Bomarsund fortress was supposed to be grandiose, but the technology turned out to be outdated. It was based on the principle of deep defense - several layers of ditches and earthen ramparts. Of the twelve round towers, only three were built on Bomarsund. But the fortress was quickly taken and destroyed by the British and French in 1854. Russia did not lose Aland, but the skeletons were demilitarized, and the fortress was never restored (only dismantled for building materials). Today, a highway passes through the ruins.

History of the fortress

After the end of the war of 1808-1809 and the conclusion of the Friedrichsham Peace Treaty, Finland and the Åland Islands, which previously belonged to the Kingdom of Sweden, became part of the Russian Empire. The islands became the westernmost outpost of the empire; a garrison was placed on their territory and a decision was made to build a military fort.
During 1809, all the main preparatory measures for the construction of the fort were completed: the forest at the site of the fort was cut down, and a new military hospital was built on the island of Prästö.
But due to the Patriotic War of 1812 and the death of the Russian commander Barclay de Tolly, who was responsible for the construction of Bomarsund, work on the construction of the fort had to be stopped.
In 1820, while visiting the islands, Nikolai Pavlovich, the Grand Duke and Inspector of Fortresses, decided to resume construction and ordered new plans for the fortification of Bomarsund.
Work on the islands began in 1830 with the construction of wooden barracks and other buildings for the military contingent and prisoners sent to the island to build the fort.
In 1853, the Crimean War began, England and France took the side of the Ottoman Empire. The Baltic Sea was blocked and Bomarsund was isolated. The battle took place in August 1854, after four days of battle the fortress was taken. Later, the fortress was completely destroyed, as the British wanted to prevent Russian military activities on the islands.
In 1856, the Treaty of Paris gave the Åland Islands the status of a demilitarized zone, which remains to this day.
The fortress was never restored, although the muzzles of formidable cannons still look into the sea from the dilapidated walls.

Ekerö

An island in the Baltic Sea, located in the far west of the Åland Islands.
From 1809 to 1917 Eckerø was part of the Russian Empire and has a rich history, as evidenced by Russian inscriptions on the Post and Customs Office building in Sturbby. Located in the center of the Swedish Empire, Ekerö, during military campaigns, became the westernmost coast of the Russian Empire. The municipality of Ekerö also includes the uninhabited island of Merket, divided equally between Sweden and Finland. The only land border on the Åland Islands with Sweden runs along it.

Prison Vita Bjorn

Prison near Kastelholm Castle in Sund. Built in 1784 and in use until 1975, one half of the house was used as an apartment for the jailer and his family, while the other was divided into cells.

In the early 1980s, the building was restored; in 1985, a prison museum was opened here, where an exhibition was organized on the development of the penitentiary (penal) system from the end of the 18th century. to 1950

City of Mariehamn

The houses in the city are predominantly wooden.
The main attraction of Marianahamin is the Church of St. George, donated to the city by shipowner August Troberg.

The Consulate of the Russian Federation on the Åland Islands can also please Russian tourists.

History of the Åland Islands

The Åland Islands were inhabited by people around the 4th millennium BC. e. (based on ceramic items found by archaeologists).
For several centuries the islands became the scene of hostilities between the states of the Baltic region: in 1714-1721. Åland was almost completely destroyed by the troops of Peter the Great, and the population of the archipelago migrated to neighboring Sweden, which until the beginning of the 19th century. exercised authority over the archipelago.

In 1809, according to the Treaty of Friedrichsham, the archipelago became part of the Russian Empire as part of the Grand Duchy of Finland. The functions of the governor of Åland were abolished.
In 1832, the Russian military fortress Bomarsund was built on the islands. During the Crimean War, the fortress was captured by British and French troops, and from 1856 the islands became a demilitarized zone.
In March 1917, after the fall of the monarchy in Russia, the population of the Åland Islands made attempts to reunite with Sweden, but on December 6, 1917, Finland declared its independence from Russia, and therefore the Åland Islands were denied the right of self-determination.
On January 4, 1918, Sweden and Russia recognized the independence of Finland, and the islands of the archipelago were included in its composition, which caused a wave of protest both among the population of the Åland Islands themselves and the mainland of Sweden.
In June 1919, a referendum was held on the status of the islands - 95.48% of Ålanders who voted expressed a desire for the archipelago to become part of Sweden. In May 1920, the Finnish Parliament granted autonomy rights to the islands, but the law was not accepted by the population of Åland, which led to the so-called Åland crisis.
With the mediation of Great Britain, the Åland Convention was signed on June 24, 1921, according to which it was decided to leave the archipelago under the control of Finland, but with the provision of broad autonomy status.
On October 20, 1921, 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. The mentioned convention was not signed by representatives of Russia, as it was considered contrary to the interests of the Russian state.
Before World War II, Finland erected fortifications on the islands (in violation of the convention). A few years later, Finland, which participated in the war on the side of Nazi Germany, signed a trilateral agreement following the truce with the USSR and Great Britain on restoring the status of the inadmissibility of military operations on the territory of the Åland Islands.
Since 1954, the Åland Islands have had their own flag, and on March 1, 1984, Åland began issuing its own postage stamps.

Known for its scenic beauty, Finland always attracts thousands of people, especially those who are in love with an 'island getaway'. Many may think that there are only two places to explore and its capital is the city of Helsinki. While this amazing country is never limited to the two most famous places. It goes beyond them and invites you to visit another miracle called Finland, the Aland Islands.

Location, population of Åland Islands, Finland

This wonderful site is located between the coasts of Sweden and Finland, so tourists always feel like they are in a harmonious combination of two of the most impressive cultures.

The Åland Islands (Finland) are not very populated today, but they still remain a natural bridge across the Baltic Sea, greatly facilitating the transport of goods and commerce. This is a unique place for meetings and celebrations, events and fishing, hunting and conferences. All these events can be easily organized there.

The Åland Islands (Finland) comprise more than 6,500 islands, 60 of which are inhabited. Each of them offers a huge number of attractions and leisure activities, which simply will not allow travelers to get bored here.

How to get to the Åland Islands in Finland

This is the primary issue that will confront those who are attracted to Finland and the Åland Islands. What is the most convenient way to get here? The easiest way is to arrive by ferry en route from Stockholm, Sweden to Helsinki; He's just making a stop in Mariehamn. During the season, ferries also depart between the islands; in winter, they operate on a schedule between the main settlements of the Åland Islands. By the way, the only city of the archipelago, Mariehamn, is located on one of the largest islands, called Åland.

Sights of the Åland Islands

Travelers should definitely come to the Åland Islands at least once in their lives; this fabulous area will not leave even seasoned tourists indifferent.

The largest sailing ship, the Pommern, is located in Mariehamn, and is a four-masted cargo ship, the only one of its kind remaining in the world.

Finland, the Åland Islands invite travelers to discover the maritime museum, located on the island of Åland of the same name, to get acquainted with the archaeological and cultural heritage of the archipelago.

Many medieval churches are located on several islands of the archipelago. You should definitely see them, because they are interesting because they embody the entire history of Finland.

Also for everyone there is a unique opportunity to admire the ancient fishing villages, national museums and parks.

Not only the history and cultural centers of the islands amaze people, but also the healthy lifestyle of the locals.

More Swedish than Finnish

Although it may seem strange to many people, Finland (Åland Islands) has its own special culture. As well as Swedish dialects, flag and postage stamps. Travelers are very surprised why there is more Swedish spoken here than Finnish.

Finland, Åland Islands: climate and popularity

The climate of these islands is quite mild. It's perfect for escaping the hot summer. Reviews from many visitors to the archipelago prove the amazingness, originality and unusualness of the islands. They cannot be confused with other similar places in the world.

The Åland Islands became more popular after a group of divers found a treasure here in the summer of 2010: 160 bottles of the best champagne on a two-hundred-year-old ship. Believe it or not, the champagne bottles turned out to be drinkable and sold for a huge price.

Where to stay for a holiday on the Åland Islands

You don't have to worry about where to stay when you arrive in the Åland Islands (Finland). Reviews from travelers indicate a wide choice of places for a comfortable stay. If you carefully study them in advance, you will definitely find the most suitable one.

Hospitable Finland and the Åland Islands await you. Photos of different housing options will, of course, differ. There are options from very simple cottages on the seashore to the most luxurious and expensive hotels. The peak season is in the month of July, so it is better to book a hotel or other accommodation option in advance so as not to worry about this issue, but to enjoy every moment of your visit.

Fishing on the Åland Islands in Finland

Do you want to visit the Åland Islands, Finland? Fishing here is unforgettable, but it’s not a hobby for everyone. And not at all because of the long journey or the high cost of such leisure. It’s just that this area has quite harsh nature, and even continental Finns call the locals a little peculiar. Only those who truly love sport fishing will appreciate the islands of the archipelago.

On the Åland Islands it is prohibited to fish using nets, and you cannot fish on a track yourself. It is better not to mention such barbaric methods as dynamite at all! Only sport fishing with spinning rods is allowed. By the way, with this method there is a high chance of getting a real trophy - a huge one or a salmon. Locals call the pike here the “Åland crocodile,” which refers not only to the size, but also to the nature of the fish in Åland.

Fishing restrictions

For those who want to go trolling, it is necessary to use the services of a local guide, since only residents of Åland can obtain the necessary license to carry out such fishing. There are also some restrictions.

For example, it is prohibited to fish from the shore during the nesting period of birds, so as not to destroy the nests and not disturb the chicks. This period begins in mid-April and ends in mid-June. In addition, during the pike season (June) and pike season (from May to June), fishing for these types of fish on the Åland Islands is prohibited.

There are a number of restrictions on the size of the fish: if you catch a smaller one, you will have to send it back to the sea. Thus, it is allowed to catch pike with a length of 55 cm, sea salmon - from 50 cm, and pike perch - from 37 cm.

On the Åland Islands there are restrictions not only on the size, but also on the total number of fish caught. By the way, these rules vary in each of the municipalities of Åland, so you should find out such information from the owner of the cottage or hotel.

Fishing in the Åland Islands with family

Of course, the unsurpassed nature attracts entire families, sometimes with small children, to go fishing. In the case of traveling with the latter, you need to choose your accommodation more carefully, and all because many cottages are located on sharp rocks, and there are cliffs in Åland. Naturally, there is a special and convenient descent to the shore, but for small children this can be problematic and even dangerous. Therefore, when booking a particular accommodation option, you must take this factor into account. Be sure to indicate the presence of children and their ages.

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 the part of the Baltic Sea between the Gulf of Bothnia and the Gulf 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", as land masses range from small rocks poking out of the water to large 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, "by using the Åland Islands as a 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 began in this country. 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 residents of the islands that it "guarantees the complete security of the islands and urgently requests 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 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 the postal, customs and monetary services, the courts, the criminal code, and many aspects of civil law relating to 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, the autonomous territories of the Faroe Islands (Denmark), Greenland (Denmark) and the 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). The coastline is in many ways reminiscent of the southern coast of 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 are 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 is 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 large wobblers and jigs.

sources

• Where to stay: Turku hotels are suitable for both those who come to get to know this important port city for Finland, and those who are going to make forays around the area. There is housing here for every budget. Although in neighboring Pori and Rauma there is also shelter for the traveler. If you want isolation and curiosity (holidays on islands in the northern seas - that sounds right!) - welcome to Åland Islands. Most of the hotels here are in Mariehamn, the capital of the archipelago. Naantli is worth a stop for those who are purposefully going to visit the Moomintrolls. There won’t be any problems with spending the night in Vaasa either; if you’ve made it this far, then stay here for a few days, the town is worth it.
• What to see: The main attraction of Naantli is the Moomin Valley theme park. Off-season we enjoy the spa. Vaasa bears the title of “the cultural heart of Ostrobothnia” - museums, exhibitions, music festivals, arts night and even its own city orchestra. Bonus: the Wassalandia amusement park and the Tropiclandia water park. Venerable Rauma attracts with its tranquility, antiquity and history of the sea. And, of course, wine festivals in the summer. Åland Islands - “The Pearl of Scandinavia”. This is a place for avid fishermen to go on vacation. During the break between bites, we explore the medieval castle of Kastelholm, Viking burial mounds and other antiquities. Well, Turku is a city for a complete vacation. There is nature, architecture, various festivals and museums, shopping, delicious food. One of the must-see places is Abo Castle.
• You may also be interested in

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 fans of outdoor activities, fishing and beautiful sunsets 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 Ålanders 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 because of the restrictions on baggage 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. You can view all the offers currently available, 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 large 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, you won’t be able 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 0

Kazan 0

Samara 1

Ekaterinburg 2

Novosibirsk 4

Vladivostok 7

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 vacation: Ålanders are not too spoiled by the abundance of tourists, so they do not have the habit of raising prices too much 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 main 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 bicycle 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, enjoy sea cruises and bike rides. 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? There is not much to do on bicycles or boats; there are almost no ski slopes or resorts here.

Conditional areas. Descriptions and features

Åland consists of 16 prefectures, 10 of which are located on the largest island of the 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 they contain the most “delicious” places of the archipelago. 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.

What are the prices for holidays?

Åland can hardly be classified as a budget tourist destination. 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 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.

A good idea is to 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.

There are few tourist streets 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 the historical sites of the 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 wealth 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:

The best beaches of the Åland 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 lot of museums of different profiles on the islands, but if we ignore 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. This is not so much a nature park as an 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 told 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 site is worth a visit for its 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 pastries. 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, of course, 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 the celebration of the local day of Ivan Kupala, or Juhannus, or, as the Swedes say, Midsommar. It falls on Friday from June 19 to 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

Ålanders are not particularly fond of the New Year, 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 is no point in waiting for entertainment in cities these days. 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 in the shopping area. 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 the already super-safe Finland, the archipelago is considered one of the most peaceful 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 & Inredning(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 center - Maxinge 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 extreme sport beloved by the locals - sea kayaking.

Åland has ideal conditions for rowing 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 for 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 paddling guides and group tours along the 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 the summer, you don’t have to worry too much about your equipment: it’s light here most of the day, and 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 rent 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 metered. 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 departures is completely reduced: in small settlements 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. Nobody 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.

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 and sea stories about the adventures of a sailing ship.

Ski holiday

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