Ferry to Åland: From Finland and Sweden
The main way to reach Åland is by ferry from Stockholm or Helsinki. Here is what to know before you book your crossing.
Åland in a nutshell
Good to knowStatus
Self-governing since 1922
Åland belongs to Finland but has its own parliament (the Lagting) and decides almost everything locally.
Language
Swedish-speaking
Swedish is the only official language — though English usually works just fine too.
Peace
Demilitarized since 1856
No weapons, no military. Åland is one of the world's oldest demilitarized and neutral territories.
Symbols
Its own flag & plates
Åland has its own flag, its own stamps, and car plates marked AX instead of FIN.
Size
~6,700 islands, ~30,000 people
Only around 60 islands are inhabited — and nearly half the population lives in Mariehamn.
Money
Euros, cards everywhere
Same currency as Finland. You can get by with almost no cash, even at small kiosks.
Time
Finnish time, not Swedish
Despite being close to Sweden, Åland runs on Finnish time — one hour ahead of Swedish time.
Tap water
Totally drinkable
You can drink straight from the tap anywhere on the island.
Latest from the islands
Stay & Practical Info
Events & Experiences
Christmas in Åland: Markets and Traditions
Discover Christmas in Åland — Swedish-speaking island traditions, seasonal markets, glögg, and festive atmosphere in the archipelago.
History & Culture
Kumlinge Church: Medieval Art in the Archipelago
Kumlinge church is among Åland's most striking medieval churches, drawing visitors across the archipelago to see its age-old interior and stonework.
Stay & Practical Info
Accessible Travel in Åland
Åland's flat terrain, calm archipelago waters, and compact capital make it a surprisingly manageable destination for travellers with disabilities.
Stay & Practical Info
Car Rental in Åland: Drive the Archipelago
Renting a car in Åland gives you the freedom to explore the archipelago at your own pace, from Mariehamn to the outer island ferries.
Events & Experiences
Skördefesten 2026 on Åland
Skördefesten is Åland's annual harvest festival, celebrating local food, drink and island producers. Check the official programme for 2026 dates and events.
Stay & Practical Info
Duty-Free Shopping on the Åland Ferries
The Åland ferries are famous for duty-free shopping. Here is what to expect when sailing through the archipelago on a Baltic Sea crossing.
Nature & Activities
E-Biking in Åland: Explore the Archipelago
Flat roads, ferry-linked islands and open skies make Åland a natural fit for e-biking. Here is what to know before you go.
Stay & Practical Info
Cost of Visiting Åland: What to Expect for Your Budget
Wondering about the cost of visiting Åland? This guide covers what to expect for accommodation, food, activities and getting around the archipelago.
Events & Experiences
Sjödagarna 2026: Åland's Maritime Festival
Sjödagarna is Åland's beloved sea festival celebrating the archipelago's maritime soul. Here's what visitors can expect in 2026.
Nature & Activities
Åland's Red Granite Cliffs: Geology, Scenery and Where to Explore
Discover Åland's red granite cliffs — ancient bedrock shaped by ice and sea. A guide to the geology and best spots to explore in the archipelago.
Stay & Practical Info
Långnäs Ferry Harbor and Lumparland: What to Know Before You Arrive
Långnäs ferry harbor in Lumparland is one of Åland's main arrival points. Here's what visitors need to know about this quiet corner of the archipelago.
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Practical info
Before you goFerries
Archipelago ferry routes
Timetables for the public ferry routes between the islands.
WeatherWeather forecast
Official day-by-day forecast for Åland.
EventsWhat's on
Current events calendar from Visit Åland.
FishingFishing permits & rules
Buy a fishing permit online and check the rules.
Public transportBuses & journey planner
Plan your trip by bus and ferry – timetables and stops.
Ferries to and from Åland
Spring wakes up the archipelago
Spring wakes up the archipelago
As the ice clears, the first hiking trails reopen and birdlife around the old fortress ruins is at its best.
Some trails and ferry routes may still run on winter schedules into late spring — check current timetables before heading out.
Summer — the archipelago at its best
This is peak season for island-hopping on the public ferry routes, cycling between the bridges, and finding your own swimming rock.
Ferry routes and popular spots can be fully booked in July — book ahead if you're planning to stay overnight.
Autumn — quieter and golden
The forests fill with mushrooms and berries, and the hiking trails are far quieter than in summer.
Some summer restaurants and rental businesses have shorter hours or close for the season — check ahead.
Winter — ice, darkness and the fireplace
When the sea freezes, a different archipelago opens up for skating. Shorter days are well suited to sauna and quiet winter walks.
Ice on open water can be unreliable — never go out on the ice without checking current local conditions.
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