Aland Islands, Sweden

The Åland Islands form a unique and autonomous Swedish province of Finland situated half way between Finland and Sweden. The archipelago is made up of 300 islands, of which eighty are inhabited. The capital is Mariehamn's on the island Fasta Aland (Main Island).

Mariehamn is a vibrant summer town with two large marinas and many hotels and restaurants, most within walking distance. It is also excellent for cycling and golfing. In the winter you can take part in an ice fishing competition.

Things to See & Do

* Mariehamn
* Kastelholm castle
* Aland Maritime Museum
* Jan Karlsgarden Open Air Museum
* The fortress of Bomarsund

General information

Cruise Season - March - Nov
Currency - Swedish krona (SEK)
Language - Swedish
Land Area - 1512 km²
Population - 27,210 approx
Electricity - 2 round pins European style
Time - GMT plus one hour
International Country Telephone Code - + 46

Port Location - The main ports are Mariehamn (south), Berghamn (west) and Långnäs on the eastern shore of the Main Island.

Transport Links - There are plenty of ferry connections between Åland and mainland Sweden and Finland. Ferries plying between Helsinki and Stockholm all stop off at Mariehamn or the nearby (30km east, approximately) jetty of Långnäs, making this the easiest and cheapest way to get.

The Mariehamn airport is the only airport on the islands. There are daily flights from Helsinki and Turku and international flights to/from Stockholm. The flight from Helsinki is less than an hour and the flight from Turku and Stockholm is only half an hour. Mariehamn airport is situated less than 3km north of Mariehamn.