Known for its scenic beauty, Finland always attracts thousands of people, especially those who are in love with "island holidays". Many people might think that there are only two places to get to know Finland: Lapland and its capital, the city of Helsinki. While this amazing country is never limited to the two most famous places. She goes beyond them and invites you to visit another miracle, called so: Finland, the Åland Islands.
Location, population of Åland Islands, Finland
This wonderful stretch is located between the coasts of Sweden and Finland, so tourists always feel like they are in a harmonious combination of two of the most impressive cultures.
The Åland Islands (Finland) are not very populated today, but they are still a natural bridge across the B altic Sea, which greatly facilitates the transport of goods and commerce. This is a unique place formeetings and celebrations, events and fishing, hunting and conferences. All these activities can be easily arranged there.
Aland Islands (Finland) combine more than 6500 islands, 60 of which are inhabited. Each of them offers a huge number of attractions and leisure activities, which simply will not let travelers get bored here.
How to get to the Åland Islands in Finland
This is the first question that will face those attracted by Finland, the Åland Islands. What is the most convenient way to get here? The easiest way is to arrive by ferry on the way from Swedish Stockholm to Helsinki; in Mariehamn he just makes a stop. Ferries also depart between the islands during the season; in winter, they run on schedule between the main settlements of the Åland Islands. By the way, the only city of the archipelago, Mariehamn, is located on one of the largest islands, called Aland.
Sights of the Åland Islands
Travelers must visit the Åland Islands (Finland) at least once in their lives. The sights of this fabulous area will not leave indifferent even experienced tourists.
The largest sailing ship, the Pommern, is in Mariehamn, and it is a four-masted cargo ship, the only one of its kind left in the world.
Finland, Aland Islands offer travelers to discover the maritime museum,located on the island of Aland of the same name, to get acquainted with the archaeological and cultural heritage of the archipelago.
Many medieval churches are located on several islands of the archipelago. You should definitely see them, because they are interesting because they embody the whole history of Finland.
Also, for everyone there is a unique opportunity to admire the old fishing villages, national museums and parks.
Not only the history and cultural centers of the islands amaze people, but also the he althy lifestyle of the locals.
More Swedish than Finnish
Although it may seem strange to many people, but Finland (Aland Islands) has its own special culture. As well as Swedish dialects, the flag and postage stamps. Travelers wonder why there is more Swedish than Finnish here.
Finland, Aland Islands: climate and popularity
The climate of these islands is quite mild. It's perfect for escaping the hot summer. The reviews of many visitors to the archipelago prove the amazingness, originality and unusualness of the islands. They cannot be confused with other similar places in the world.
The Åland Islands became more popular after a group of divers found a treasure here in the summer of 2010: 160 bottles of the finest champagne on a 200-year-old ship. Believe it or not, the champagne bottles proved to be drinkable and sold for a hefty price.
Where to stay for a holiday in the Åland Islands
Not worth itworry about where to stay when you arrive in the Åland Islands (Finland). Traveler reviews speak of a large selection of places for a comfortable settlement. If you carefully study them in advance, you will definitely find the most suitable one.
Hospitable Finland, Aland Islands are waiting for you. Photos of different housing options will, of course, differ. There are options from very simple cottages on the beach to the most luxurious and expensive hotels. The peak of the season falls on the month of July, so it is better to book a hotel or other accommodation option in advance so as not to worry about this issue, but to enjoy every moment of your visit.
Fishing in the Åland Islands in Finland
Want to visit Åland, Finland? Fishing here is unforgettable, but this hobby is not for everyone. And not at all because of the long road or the high cost of such leisure. It’s just that this area has rather harsh nature, and even continental Finns call local residents a little peculiar. Only those who truly love sport fishing will appreciate the islands of the archipelago.
On the Åland Islands it is forbidden to fish with nets, you can not produce and fish on the track yourself. It is better not to mention such barbaric methods as dynamite at all! Only sports fishing on spinning is allowed. By the way, with this method, there are great chances to get a real trophy - a huge sea pike or salmon. The locals call the pike here the "Aland crocodile", which refers not only to size, butand the nature of the fish in Aland.
Fishing restrictions
For those who want to go fishing with the track (trolling), it is necessary to use the services of a local guide, as only residents of Aland can obtain the necessary license for such fishing. There are also some restrictions.
For example, it is forbidden to fish from the shore during the nesting period of birds, so as not to destroy the nests and disturb the chicks. This period starts in mid-April and ends in mid-June. In addition, during the spawning of pike perch (in June) and pike (from May to June), catching these types of fish on the Aland Islands is prohibited.
There are a number of restrictions on the size of fish: in case of a catch, a smaller one will have to be sent back to the sea. So, it is allowed to catch pike with a length of 55 cm, sea salmon - from 50 cm, and pike perch - from 37 cm.
On the Åland Islands, there are restrictions not only on the size, but also on the total number of fish caught. By the way, these rules differ in each of the municipalities of Åland, so this information should be obtained from the owner of the cottage or hotel.
Fishing in the Åland Islands with the family
Of course, unsurpassed nature attracts whole families to go fishing, sometimes with small children. In the case of traveling with the latter, you need to carefully select your accommodation, and all because many cottages are located on sharp rocks, and there are cliffs in Aland. Naturally, a special and convenient descent is equipped to the shore, but for small children this can be problematic, and evendangerous. Therefore, when booking a certain accommodation option, this factor must be taken into account. Be sure to indicate the presence of children and their age.
Restaurants and cuisine of the Åland Islands
Reviews from experienced travelers speak of amazing local cuisine in the Åland Islands. So when you get home, one of the first things you decide to tell your friends about is the culinary experience.
The islands are full of fabulous restaurants with Swedish and Finnish cuisine, as well as international cuisine. Although it is quite difficult to imagine a person who would prefer anything else when there are delicious and mouth-watering Scandinavian dishes.
Good parting words
Here you need to enjoy every moment, because it is unlikely that in the busy atmosphere of a crowded city there is such fresh air and breathtaking scenery. An extreme hike through forests and meadows, biking along winding paths, surfing on the waves, a children's kayak or diving to well-preserved after the wreck of ships - this is what you need, isn't it?
And a little secret especially for you: in the middle of summer the sun rises here at 3:30 am and does not leave the island until 10 pm. Catch this fabulous moment, catch your sun, catch your "white nights" in the Åland Islands!
