The Hidden Island Getaway in the World’s Happiest Country

You might not associate them with island nations, but Finland and Sweden together boast 400,000 islands. (That’s not a mistake.) While most are small and uninhabited, this total far exceeds that of any other country. For comparison, Greece has only 6,000. Among these is the picturesque group of the Åland Islands, a scenic Scandinavian retreat available year-round. Never heard of them? They are a sought-after destination for those in the know.

Where are the Åland Islands located?

The Åland Islands are situated in the Baltic Sea, where it becomes the Gulf of Bothnia, nestled between Finland and Sweden, just 25 miles east of Sweden and north of both capital cities. They provide a nature-filled alternative or extension for trips to Stockholm or Helsinki. Visiting here allows you to embrace the friluftsliv approach of Scandinavia. (This term is challenging to translate, but it embodies an appreciation for nature through active engagement in outdoor activities, regardless of the season.)

Who possesses the Åland Islands?

While referred to by its Swedish name, the Åland Islands are an autonomous archipelago that belongs to Finland. The pronunciation clue lies in its name: “Oh-lahnd.” (The Finnish name is Ahvenanmaa, but Finnish is one of Europe’s more unusual languages; Swedish is the official language here.) Of the over 6,000 Åland islands, roughly 1 percent are inhabited, with Fasta being the largest.

Around 11,000 residents, about one-third of the Åland population, reside in Mariehamn, the capital city located on Fasta Åland. This historic port city is known for shipbuilding, which you can explore at the Maritime Museum. (A fun fact for kids: it showcases an authentic 18th-century skull-and-crossbones pirate ship’s flag.) Lighthouse enthusiasts will enjoy a day trip to the remote Säskär lighthouse, established in 1868. Among the four lighthouses in the Ålands, Låkskär is the most accessible, situated 17 nautical miles south of Mariehamn. Built in 1920, it’s one of many islands reachable through Shipland, which operates boat tours from Mariehamn.

One reason Finland consistently earns the title of “world’s happiest country” is that Finns embrace outdoor activities, whether it’s kayaking during endless summer days or plunging from saunas into winter snow. (Finns, like their neighbors, are known for their love of coffee.)

Activities to Enjoy on the Åland Islands

Packed with active pursuits, these scenic islands feature flat terrains ideal for biking. Fasta, the largest island in the archipelago, boasts the most activities available. You can enjoy fishing, sailing, and hiking, and complement your adventures with a sauna visit in both summer and winter. Sandosund offers two floating saunas, allowing you to easily take a refreshing dip. It's located about an hour’s drive northeast of the capital city.

Alternatively, consider booking with Åland Tours, which provides small, guided excursions lasting from one to four hours to key attractions across the islands. Some tours are specifically suited for—or only offered in—summer, such as Kastelholm Castle, dating back to the 1380s and one of the few remaining medieval fortifications in Finland, and Kobba Klintar, a historic ship pilot's house turned museum, featuring a foghorn and stunning views.

During winter, try kick sledding, a fun blend of skateboarding and cross-country skiing. It’s an eco-friendly, low-skill way to explore the area. Åland Tours also organizes photography trips to capture the stunning northern lights.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite from all that fresh air, local producers and eateries showcase specialties made from the islands’ resources. Cooking with local ingredients has been a tradition here long before it became a trend. The sunny islands feature pear, apple, and other fruit trees that contribute to ciders and various fruit beverages. Check out Amalia’s Lemonade for a variety of flavors made with all-natural ingredients, like blackcurrant or raspberry lemonade. Another noteworthy producer is the apple orchard, Peders Aplagard, which includes a café and shop offering local honey and ciders. At Öfvergårds, you can sample an array of award-winning apple juices and enjoy an Apple SDinogoi or a picnic among the orchards.

The island's fruits shine at the Smakbyn distillery in Kastelholm, known for its pear and cherry liqueurs as well as apple wine. Smakbyn is also a premier dining destination, though it closes during the winter months. Additionally, it features its own bakery and a cooking school where chef Michael Bjorklund offers culinary classes.

Accommodation Options

Situated along the coast, HavsVidden Resort boasts a bathhouse that includes a pool, sauna, and wood-fired hot tub, along with spa treatments. It offers hotel rooms as well as unique cottages, referred to as “rock houses” due to their location.

Getting There

A flight from Stockholm takes approximately 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can drive and utilize car ferry services, with a direct ferry departing daily from Stockholm to Mariehamn. Ferries are also available from Finland and Estonia.