Åland Islands Travel Information

The Åland Islands are an archipelago located in the Baltic Sea, between Sweden and Finland. The islands have a unique culture and history, with a mix of Swedish and Finnish influences. Here are the top 10 things to do in the Åland Islands:

1. Visit Mariehamn

Mariehamn is the capital city of the Åland Islands and is known for its charming wooden houses, maritime history, and cultural attractions.

2. Explore the Åland Maritime Museum

The Åland Maritime Museum is located in Mariehamn and offers a fascinating look at the islands' seafaring history.

3. Take a boat tour

The Åland Islands are best explored by boat, with many companies offering guided tours and sightseeing trips.

4. Visit Kastelholm Castle

Kastelholm Castle is a medieval castle located on the main island of Åland. It was built in the 14th century and is now a popular tourist attraction.

5. Walk or cycle the Archipelago Trail

The Archipelago Trail is a 250-kilometer route that takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery in the Åland Islands. It can be done on foot or by bicycle.

6. Visit Bomarsund Fortress

Bomarsund Fortress is a ruined fortress located on the main island of Åland. It was destroyed during the Crimean War and is now a popular tourist attraction.

7. Explore the Åland Islands Peace Park

The Åland Islands Peace Park is a unique initiative that aims to promote peace and cooperation. It includes several nature reserves and hiking trails.

8. Go island hopping

There are over 6,000 islands in the Åland archipelago, and many of them are accessible by boat. Island hopping is a popular activity, and each island has its own unique charm.

9. Visit the Jan Karlsgården Open-Air Museum

The Jan Karlsgården Open-Air Museum is a living museum that showcases traditional Ålandic life. It includes several historic buildings and exhibits.

10. Relax on the beaches

The Åland Islands have some of the most beautiful beaches in the Baltic Sea. Many of them are located on the smaller islands and offer a peaceful retreat away from the crowds.

The Åland Islands have a maritime climate, with mild temperatures and relatively high levels of precipitation throughout the year. Here are some details on the climate and the best time to visit:

Climate

• The summer months (June-August) have an average temperature of around 15-20°C (59-68°F), with occasional heatwaves that can push temperatures up to 25°C (77°F) or higher.
• The winter months (December-February) are cold and dark, with average temperatures ranging from -5 to 0°C (23-32°F).
• The spring and autumn months (March-May and September-November) are mild, with temperatures ranging from 5-15°C (41-59°F).

Best Time to Visit

• The best time to visit the Åland Islands is during the summer months (June-August), when the weather is warm and the days are long. This is the peak tourist season, and the islands can get quite crowded during this time.
• Spring and autumn can also be good times to visit, as the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller.
• Winter is not the best time to visit, as many attractions and activities are closed or limited due to the cold and dark weather. However, the islands can be beautiful in the snow and offer a unique winter experience for those willing to brave the cold.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Hotels

There are many hotels located throughout the Åland Islands, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxury hotels. Many hotels are located in the capital city of Mariehamn, but there are also hotels located in smaller towns and villages on the islands.

Bed and Breakfasts

Bed and breakfasts (B&Bs) are a popular option for visitors who want a more intimate and personal experience. Many B&Bs on the Åland Islands are located in traditional island homes, offering visitors a chance to experience local culture and hospitality.

Camping

Camping is a popular option for visitors who want to be close to nature and the outdoors. There are several campgrounds located throughout the islands, offering tent and RV camping options.

Vacation Rentals

Vacation rentals, such as cottages and apartments, are a popular option for visitors who want more space and privacy. Many vacation rentals on the Åland Islands are located in scenic and peaceful locations, offering visitors a chance to relax and unwind.

Hostels

Hostels are a budget-friendly option for visitors who are traveling on a tight budget. There are a few hostels located on the Åland Islands, offering dormitory-style accommodations and communal facilities.

Car

Renting a car is a popular way to get around the Åland Islands, as it offers visitors flexibility and the ability to explore the islands at their own pace. There are several car rental companies located on the islands, and rental prices are generally reasonable.

Bicycle

Bicycling is a popular way to explore the Åland Islands, as the islands are relatively small and flat, with many scenic bike paths and routes. Bicycles can be rented from several shops and vendors on the islands, and there are also many places to park and lock bicycles.

Bus

The local bus system on the Åland Islands is reliable and efficient, with several routes and schedules available throughout the islands. Bus tickets can be purchased on board, and there are also multi-day passes available for visitors who plan to use the bus frequently.

Ferry

Since the Åland Islands are located in the middle of the Baltic Sea, ferries are an important transportation option for getting to and from the islands. There are several ferry companies that operate routes between the Åland Islands and neighboring countries, including Sweden and Finland.

Taxi

Taxis are available on the Åland Islands, but they can be expensive compared to other transportation options. However, taxis can be a convenient option for visitors who want to get around quickly or who have limited mobility.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.