Welcome to Åland Islands

Haven’t heard of the Åland Islands? Don’t worry – neither have many Scandinavians and it’s just a short hop from this region of northern Europe. Boasting 6,500 skerries, or rocky islets, the Åland archipelago has a secluded beach for everyone – and with that midnight sun in the summertime, you’ll have hours to enjoy your secret spot.

The lively capital of Mariehamn offers a lovely ambience, full of bustling restaurants and art galleries. Venture out into the countryside for the Åland Harvest Festival, picking fresh apples and vegetables alongside the islanders. Meet the archipelago’s many artists in their studios along the Art Circuit. Hike along the St. Olav Waterway, the first pilgrim’s route through the islands. Ice skate for long distances on frozen bays and ski on well-groomed Nordic trails.

Fully immerse in the Christmas traditions, starting with the famous Lillajul Christmas market and continuing all month with concerts, buffets and festivities. As the islanders say, Åland is “not where the road ends, but where the world begins.”

Unique Facts

• The Åland Islands are Finnish owned and Swedish speaking, but have their own parliament. The islands’ relationship with the EU allow for duty-free shopping and gambling.
• There are 6,700 islands in Åland, yet only 60 are inhabited. The islands are more than four million years old and the region has been inhabited since 5000 BC.
• Most houses are red, actually “Falu Red.” The paint was created from copper found in a Swedish mine in Dalarna. The minerals found in the red soil help prevent wood rot, so the Swedes decided to make it into paint and use it throughout the region.
• Approximately 23 percent of electricity on the Åland Islands is from wind power.
• Midsummer is a big deal. If you are traveling to the Åland Islands in late June, you’ll see maypoles just about everywhere. Visit the Jan Karlsgården open air museum in Kastelholm to see more examples and an exhibit that shows what a typical island farm looked like at the end of the 19^th

Language

The Åland Islands’ official language is Swedish.

When To Go

The best time to go to the Åland Islands is from July through September, when the temperatures are pleasant and the rainfall is limited.

Airports

Mariehamm International Airport

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid at time of entry for duration of stay.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

None

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccines for most travelers when visiting Denmark: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Rabies.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: types C and F. Standard voltage: 230V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

Official local currency: Euro

Getting Around

Bridges and car ferries funnel travelers to and from the central islands and larger car ferries take you to the outer reaches. If an island is inhabited, you can rely on ferry service and a well-maintained network of paths, particularly good for cycling.

Public transportation includes buses, ferries and taxi connections. Bicycle ferry service is available and together with the cycling paths creates a connected network of paths. Car rental is available.

Driver’s License

Valid driver’s license from country of origin required.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Embassy Helsinki
Itäinen Puistotie 14B
00140 Helsinki
Finland
Telephone: +(358) 9-616-250
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(358) 9-616-250 and select 0
Fax: +(358) 9-174-681
HelsinkiACS@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

Visit Åland
Storagatan 8
AX-22100 Mariehamn,
Åland, Finland
Tel: +358 18 24000
info@visitaland.com

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

General Emergency: 112
Police: 018-527-100
Ambulance: 018-538-500

Safety and Security

Åland has a low crime rate. Use typical travel precautions.