Our Favourite Places in Åland

There is an incredible amount to see and experience in Åland. Here we have collected some of our favourite places outside Sottunga. These are places we enjoy ourselves and are happy to recommend to our guests at Strandhugget.

1. Önningeby Art Museum

Önningeby Art Museum is a place that surprises you both with its location and its content. The museum tells the story of the artists' colony that was active in Önningeby from the late 19th century until the beginning of the First World War.

The surroundings of the museum have remained almost untouched, and here you can really get a sense of the landscape and environment in which the artists once lived and worked.

Önningeby is located along the road between Mariehamn and Långnäs, making it an easy stop on the way to Sottunga.

2. Sjökvarteret, Mariehamn

Sjökvarteret, located east of Mariehamn, is one of the city's most interesting areas. An active traditional wooden boat workshop still operates here, and local craftspeople have workshops and shops in the area.

In the marina, you can admire beautifully restored traditional wooden boats. The area also has restaurants and a museum dedicated to boat engines.

Sjökvarteret is a place where Åland's maritime traditions still feel very much alive.

3. Lemland Canal

Lemland Canal is located along the road between Mariehamn and Långnäs and is a lovely place to stop for a short break.

Our tip is simple: buy an ice cream from the kiosk, sit down on a park bench and enjoy the surroundings. At the same time, you can watch the boats passing through the canal.

A small stop – but definitely worth making.

4. Åland Maritime Museum

The Åland Maritime Museum offers a comprehensive insight into the history of commercial shipping in Åland. The museum is located west of Mariehamn and tells the story of the development of maritime trade over several centuries.

Particular attention is given to the era of sailing ships, which played an important role in Åland's maritime history.

The museum ticket also includes a visit aboard the Pommern. It is a place that is impressive every time – even if you have visited before.

5. Lilla Holmen Beach

Lilla Holmen is located close to the centre of Mariehamn, on the eastern harbour side. The beach is situated on a small island and is particularly popular with families with children.

In addition to swimming, you can see birds, rabbits and other animals on the island. Lilla Holmen is therefore a lovely place to combine a swim with a small outing.

6. Åland's Medieval Churches

Åland has several beautiful medieval stone churches. Each one is different and well worth a visit.

If you have the time, we recommend stopping at some of the churches while travelling around Åland. They offer a wonderful opportunity to experience the history of the archipelago in a different way.

7. And much more

These are just some of our personal favourites. Åland has many other interesting places to discover.

For example, Kastelholm Castle, the Bomarsund Fortress ruins and Jan Karlsgården are all well worth visiting.

And there is much, much more that is not included on this list. Perhaps that is one of the best things about Åland – even if you visit many times, there is always something new to discover.