Åland, an autonomous and unilingually Swedish province of Finland, is an archipelago of 6,700 named islands scattered across the middle of the Baltic Sea, between the Finnish and Swedish mainlands. Its capital, Mariehamn, is easily reached from both Sweden and Finland by ferry or plane, and there is also a ferry connection to Estonia. Local travel on Åland is convenient due to the short distances between islands, making all the essentials easily accessible.

Thanks to its excellent centres for meetings and numerous outdoor activities, Åland is the perfect destination for conferences and group tours.

Maritime industry and tourism are central in Åland’s economy. In the summer, around 40 ferries depart from the area’s ports to Sweden and Finland’s mainland.

Aside from tourism, Åland’s major industries include shipping, trading, banking, farming and food services. Shipping has always been especially important for Åland and no other industry has exerted such a large influence on local life.

Mariehamn is Åland’s centre for industry and politics. During the summer months, it’s a lively tourist area with plenty of small-town charm.

Mariehamn is perfect for strolling. It’s small enough to save your feet from blisters, but there’s still plenty to do, see and buy. Founded by Russia’s Czar Alexander in 1861, its old quarters and many buildings have been largely preserved (although the centre of town has been modernized).

The Åland archipelago offers many opportunities for recreation. Besides its pristine nature, you’ll find beautiful red bedrock, worn smooth by inland ice, is a typical feature. Other examples of Åland’s distinctive traits include maypoles for midsummer festivities, colourful garlands and traditional windmills.