Swimming rocks or a sandy beach?
Ask anyone who lives on Åland for the best place to swim and you will rarely get a straight answer. The coastline is mostly smooth, sun-warmed granite sloping gently into the sea, and most locals have a favourite rock they are reluctant to share. There are also sandy beaches and shallow bays that work well for families, so it helps to decide what kind of swim you are after before you set off.
Rocks are best if you want quiet, a view and deeper water close to the shore. Sandy beaches and shallow bays suit small children better, because the water is shallower and warms up faster. Municipal beaches often have a jetty, changing cabins and sometimes a toilet, while the rocks out in nature have no facilities at all.
Beaches for families with children
In Mariehamn, Lilla Holmen is the obvious choice for families: a child-friendly sandy beach, a climbing boat and animals such as peacocks and rabbits mean children rarely want to leave. It is close to the centre and easy to reach on foot or by bike. If the weather turns, the Mariebad swimming centre makes a good indoor alternative the same day.
Outside town, most municipalities have at least one public bathing place, often with a sandy bottom and a jetty. Ask at your accommodation or at the tourist information office in Mariehamn which beaches are the shallowest this season. Keep in mind:
- Shallow bays warm up first – early in the summer they can be several degrees warmer than open water.
- Sandy beaches are the most popular on warm July weekends, so arrive early for a spot near the water.
- Water shoes are worth packing for children, as stones and shells turn up even on sandy bottoms.
How to find your own swimming rock
The easiest way to find a quiet rock is to cycle the coastal roads and look out for narrow paths leading down to the water. Our cycling routes from Mariehamn pass several good spots along the way. It gets quieter still in the archipelago municipalities, reached by the public ferries, where you can often have a whole rock to yourself even in July.
Respect people's privacy: a rock right below a house or summer cottage is not a public bathing spot. The right of public access lets you move freely in nature, but it does not cover gardens or private jetties. Take all your rubbish home with you.
Water temperature and season
The swimming season is at its best from late June to mid-August. The Baltic is cooler than many visitors expect, and the temperature can change quickly when the wind shifts and colder water is pushed towards the shore. After a day of fresh onshore wind, the water can be several degrees colder than the day before.
During warm spells in July and August, blue-green algae can bloom in parts of the Baltic. Do not swim where the water looks murky or greenish or has green streaks on the surface, and do not let children or dogs drink it.
Staying safe on the rocks
- Rocks can be slippery near the waterline, especially where algae grow.
- Check the depth before you jump – submerged stones are hard to see.
- Avoid swimming alone far out in the archipelago, where help can take time to arrive.
- Bring water, sun cream and something warm for after your swim. Our packing list for a day outdoors covers the essentials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are there sandy beaches on Åland?A: Yes. The coast is mostly rock, but there are sandy beaches and shallow bays around the islands. In Mariehamn, Lilla Holmen has a child-friendly sandy beach close to the centre.
Q: Can I swim anywhere?A: In nature you can generally swim from rocks and shores that are not next to someone's house or garden. Respect private jetties and plots and leave the place as you found it.