Pure nature awaits you in the Swedish-speaking autonomous archipelago far to the west of Finland. Sounds, bays and sandy beaches, bare granite cliffs and dense forests, vast farmland and storm-ruffled coastlines, a diverse flora and fauna and the omnipresent water characterise the landscape. The Åland archipelago with over 6,700 islands and skerries, which lies between Sweden and mainland Finland, is a paradise for hiking, cycling, canoeing or bird-watching and therefore a perfect destination for nature and outdoor enthusiasts. Especially as the islands have the most hours of sunshine of all Finland.

The journey alone is worth the trip. Whether you take the ferry directly to the only town in Ålands Mariehamn or go island hopping, the views of the archipelago from the boat are unique. The archipelago, consisting of 6700 named and a total of 20'000 islets and skerries, is still a small insider tip for all those who love Scandinavia and the Baltic Sea. Due to its past and foreign influences, Åland is extremely rich in contrast and culture. In the 13th century Åland belonged to the Swedish crown. In 1809 the Russians occupied the archipelago and it was only after the Russian Revolution that the League of Nations awarded the island paradise to Finland. Åland is guaranteed autonomy, the preservation of its own culture and customs and the Swedish language. There are rumours among the mainland Finns that they do as they please on their islands anyway. That may be true - and adds to the charm of the area.

Today, the Åland Islands are synonymous with relaxing moments in a beautiful archipelago and are the ideal destination for a summer holiday. Families, outdoor and nature lovers and Finland lovers in general will all find something for themselves here. Åland offers a wide range of activities and is ideal for anglers, but also for canoeing enthusiasts. A particularly popular way of exploring the islands is by bicycle, but also hiking, day trips and one-week round trips are also popular. A very special highlight, which I can recommend to you, is island hopping. Whether by bike, another vehicle or on foot, island hopping is something you can plan on your own. The ferries of Ålandstrafiken connect the mainland with the archipelago and the region around Turku. This way you can reach the heart of the Åland Islands with the town of Mariehamn on a northern or southern line. A good two hours' ferry ride away, to the southeast lies the mystical Kökar, which I would particularly like to recommend. Because of its austere natural beauty, the island consists of typically barren landscapes of the outer archipelago. Between 1400 and 1600 hundreds of boat crews lived here, catching Baltic herring and cod. Today Kökar is the second smallest municipality in Åland with 280 inhabitants. The church, which stands in a fantastic location above the reddish granite cliffs of the west coast, tells of the rich past and holds more believers than there are people living on the island. The church with its high shingle roof was built with the help of a collection from all over Sweden in 1785 after Russian soldiers had burned down the old wooden church. The building is surrounded by an atmospheric cemetery with old iron crosses and has a freestanding bell tower, which used to serve as a beacon. Not far from the church you should visit the remains of the former cellar of a Franciscan monastery, whose monks lived here until the Reformation.

Karlby, the only town on Kökar, has a marina worth seeing; a popular meeting place for touring sailors from Sweden and Finland.  Thanks to its restaurant, lounge and hotel, there is always something going on here in summer - in contrast to the largely lonely rest of this beautiful spot. At Café Skärgårdsbröd next to Hotel Brudhall, try the sweet åland brown bread, which tastes best when combined with salty butter and smoked salmon. A special excursion destination, which can be reached from Kökar in just over an hour, is the mystical baron island of Källskär. Baron Göran Åkerhielm fell in love with this island in 1958, bought Källskär on it and created a little wonderland together with the Finnish architect Reima Pietilä. In the following years, the baron invited various artists, including Moomintroll draughtswoman Tove Jansson, to spend a summer here and be inspired by nature.

On the way to Mariehamn you pass Sottunga - with just 100 inhabitants it is considered the smallest municipality in Åland. The neighbouring island of Föglö is also ideal for a day trip or as a stopover in the archipelago, and the idyllic village of Degerby with its colourful wooden cottages is also very attractive. If you choose the northern route, you will not miss Brändö, a true paradise for anglers. The road itself is a must - the path winds its way picturesquely over bridges and islets, past farmsteads and lonely beaches. This route is, by the way, identical to the historic postal route, which was established during the Swedish rule.

A stop in the "capital" is also part of the so-called obligatory programme of a visit to Åland. With a population of over 11,500, Mariehamn is a well-organised small town with nice little shops. In the maritime district at the Eastern Harbour, which with its boat workshops and craftsmen is one of the most beautiful photo motifs in the capital, boats are still being built in the old tradition. Everyone who is looking for a souvenir to take home should take a look at the great souvenir shop full of handicraft products in the harbour area. Those who have a little more time should not miss a visit to the Maritime Museum, where the museum ship Pomerania is also moored - a four-masted sailing ship launched in Glasgow in 1903 and is still the only four-masted ship in the world to have been preserved in its original state. The interactive tour of the museum is an entertaining way to learn about the importance of shipping to the Åland Islands. Further afield in the main town, there are many interesting buildings such as the medieval castle of Kastelholm and the open-air museum with historic island buildings, the former Russian fortress of Bomarsund and the Stallhagen brewery.

For those who like it very exclusive and have always dreamed of their own island: This is possible on the islands of Silverskär, Klobben and Sviskär, whereby for the first two, the money must be very easy to spend or an event with friends is imminent. Sviskär, on the other hand, has a simple wooden cabin, four bunk beds, a sauna and lots of nature all around, offering everything you need to completely switch off from everyday life.