A scattering of some 6,700 islands and skerries between Sweden and Finland, Swedish-speaking and self-governing. Mariehamn, the small pine-shaded capital, anchors a seafaring heritage of tall ships and red wooden harbours. Beyond it, flat lanes, low bridges and frequent ferries link islets dotted with medieval churches, fishing villages and granite shores. The Baltic light, calm waters for kayaking and a slow-food culture of local cheese, bread and fish make it a tranquil…
Autonomous, demilitarised and Swedish-speaking within Finland, the Åland archipelago is unique in Europe — with its own flag, plates and stamps prized by collectors.
The Pommern, a four-masted barque moored in Mariehamn, is one of the world's last great merchant sailing ships preserved in original condition.
The archipelago is best explored by bike, ferry to ferry. An eSIM helps: ferry times from Helsinki, Turku or Stockholm, inter-island links and Baltic weather before kayaking.