Recommendations for island hopping across the Aland Islands to get to mainland Finland

[Mrs Acer]

Hi,
I've been looking at the islands of the Aland Archipelago and can't decide which ones we should visit. We love quiet and walking, so any of them will actually tick this box. I'm really looking for recommendations for the route to take to get over to mainland Finland. I can see there are direct routes from Langnas to Turku etc but I'm more interested in taking advantage of some island hopping with the ultimate destination being Finland mainland. I would also prefer shorter ferry journeys. I have so far established a route from Langnas to Kokar to Galtby. Also a route from Vardo to Kumlinge, Ava, to Vuosnainen. Has anyone taken these and do you have any tips? Or is there something else? We are likely to be here at the beginning of September.
Thank you

 

[bvddobb]

There used to be an Aland ferry ticket type, that gave you month access to all the inter-island ferries on the Alands. Ideal for island hopping!

 

[Mrs Acer]

Thank you very much!!! That was very helpful. I’ve just had a quick look and I can see there is a 9 consecutive day pass for an Åland Tourispass. I’ll look at the detail.
Which was your favourite island? Or islands? And why?

 

[bvddobb]

Which was your favourite island? Or islands? And why?

The Ålands are still on our bucket list...

 

[jarkko120]

There is loads to explore! There are two main island hopping directions you can take - have a look here: https://www.rengastie.fi/saariston-ympari-reitti/. Both are nice, but if I had to recommend, I'd take the southern option to Kökar and then Kroppoo. On Kökar, I really recommend their museum (Kokar Hembygdsmuseum) which shows what life was like in the olden days there. If you are ready to leave the van behind for a day or two and take the ferry from Korppoo south, Aspö, Jurmo (the one in Pargas, not Åland) and Utö are truly worth a visit. Aspö's village is a favorite amongst Finnish guests. Their local smoked fish is famous and the town is picturesque. Jurmo is an island formed by the ice-age, a really unique piece of our planet's history. Utö being the southernmost inhabited island is worth a half-day trip (or stay there overnight before heading back). On the main Åland island, a honorary mention to Bomarsund fortress, which has British history. I hope that gives some ideas!

 

[Kingfisher]

I hope that gives some ideas!

This is all great info, thank you for your post! I must add these islands to my bucket list as well ;-) Your recommendations are certainly inspiring.

Do you know if the archipelago gets overcrowded in summer? Would it require a lot of planning ahead in order to get space on ferries and campsites?

 

[jarkko120]

This is all great info, thank you for your post! I must add these islands to my bucket list as well ;-) Your recommendations are certainly inspiring.

Do you know if the archipelago gets overcrowded in summer? Would it require a lot of planning ahead in order to get space on ferries and campsites?

July and first week of August are busy, after that things quiet down quickly. In September you'll only see locals. Having said that, many services close at the end of August (expect ferries that run at least until the sea freezes over in the winter - I actually skated from mainland to Mariehamn this winter!), so it might be a good idea to check if campsites are open if you plan to go in Sept.

 

[Kingfisher]

Thanks! I'll aim for second half of August then. Skating to the islands sounds like quite the adventure though!

 

[BayCatOne]

Even though this thread is a bit old now - I'm born and raised on that island so if you're going reach out and I can hopefully pitch in. On the mainland you should most definitely visit the one and only city of Mariehamn and do a day trip or overnighter to Föglö is worth your while. Getabergen, Sund with Kastelholmsslott and visiting the old fortress of Bomarsund and all its towers is also a must. They "recently" opened a big visitor center in Bomarsund which is interactive, and there are lovely beaches close by that you can go for a swim. On the Vårdö side, where the ferry toward the archipelago leaves from, there are several good spots for swimming, tree top adventure etc.

The cheapest and fastest way of getting across from Sweden is from Grisslehamn. There used to be a ferry from Kapellskär but that one is unfortunately not available anymore, and that was the best one too...

You can pretty much drive all the way through the archipelago over to Turku, and island jump with ferries. There used to be the possibility to just drive down to the harbor and stand in line, but that's not an option anymore. However there are combination tickets that will save you money, and pre-booking during the summer is a must. Both to get to Åland but also in the archipelago.

Is it crowded during the summer, yes and no. Biking is very popular so you'll have that to contend with if you're planning to stay on a campsite, but in general throughout the island(s) there are people, but not that crazy compared to Venice or similar places.

 

[Kingfisher]

Thanks, great info! It will be for another year, but it does sound like a place I must visit at least once.

 

[Mrs Acer]

Even though this thread is a bit old now - I'm born and raised on that island so if you're going reach out and I can hopefully pitch in. On the mainland you should most definitely visit the one and only city of Mariehamn and do a day trip or overnighter to Föglö is worth your while. Getabergen, Sund with Kastelholmsslott and visiting the old fortress of Bomarsund and all its towers is also a must. They "recently" opened a big visitor center in Bomarsund which is interactive, and there are lovely beaches close by that you can go for a swim. On the Vårdö side, where the ferry toward the archipelago leaves from, there are several good spots for swimming, tree top adventure etc.

The cheapest and fastest way of getting across from Sweden is from Grisslehamn. There used to be a ferry from Kapellskär but that one is unfortunately not available anymore, and that was the best one too...

You can pretty much drive all the way through the archipelago over to Turku, and island jump with ferries. There used to be the possibility to just drive down to the harbor and stand in line, but that's not an option anymore. However there are combination tickets that will save you money, and pre-booking during the summer is a must. Both to get to Åland but also in the archipelago.

Is it crowded during the summer, yes and no. Biking is very popular so you'll have that to contend with if you're planning to stay on a campsite, but in general throughout the island(s) there are people, but not that crazy compared to Venice or similar places.

This is great. Thank you! I was the original poster on this but my research paused as we also had a trip to Slovenia. I’ve only just seen all these useful posts. Now we are back I will need to get back into it as we have a 6 week trip to plan starting mid August. I am absolutely certain I will have some questions for you!!

 

[BayCatOne]

Just ask

That’s nice too! we toured around in Slovenia a couple of years ago with busses and trains and really enjoyed the place. Didn’t have time to see the white dragons though…

 

[acer]

Just ask

That’s nice too! we toured around in Slovenia a couple of years ago with busses and trains and really enjoyed the place. Didn’t have time to see the white dragons though…

If that’s all that you missed, I wouldn’t lose too much sleep if I were you. I watched them for a couple of minutes, but they weren’t the most dynamic creatures I’ve ever seen.
Also, they’re a protected species, so you can’t even find out what they taste like

 

[Mrs Acer]

Even though this thread is a bit old now - I'm born and raised on that island so if you're going reach out and I can hopefully pitch in. On the mainland you should most definitely visit the one and only city of Mariehamn and do a day trip or overnighter to Föglö is worth your while. Getabergen, Sund with Kastelholmsslott and visiting the old fortress of Bomarsund and all its towers is also a must. They "recently" opened a big visitor center in Bomarsund which is interactive, and there are lovely beaches close by that you can go for a swim. On the Vårdö side, where the ferry toward the archipelago leaves from, there are several good spots for swimming, tree top adventure etc.

The cheapest and fastest way of getting across from Sweden is from Grisslehamn. There used to be a ferry from Kapellskär but that one is unfortunately not available anymore, and that was the best one too...

You can pretty much drive all the way through the archipelago over to Turku, and island jump with ferries. There used to be the possibility to just drive down to the harbor and stand in line, but that's not an option anymore. However there are combination tickets that will save you money, and pre-booking during the summer is a must. Both to get to Åland but also in the archipelago.

Is it crowded during the summer, yes and no. Biking is very popular so you'll have that to contend with if you're planning to stay on a campsite, but in general throughout the island(s) there are people, but not that crazy compared to Venice or similar places.

Hi,
I've only just worked out a rough itinerary and had a chance to look closer at the islands and the ferry bookings required. We expect to arrive on the islands around the 28th August! Thank you for the heads up about Kapellskar as that was my original plan. Your Aland recommendations have been added to my itinerary. Thank you!
I can see that I can buy a tourist pass for 60E to cover unlimited ferries as across the archipelago for 9 days. But it looks like you still have to book your time slot, which is a shame. My current itinery is allowing me 5 days on the islands. My question is whether I take the northern red route or the southern green route? I have heard that Kumlinge in the northern route is nice and quiet but also that the island of Kokar is lovely. We like quiet and walking and I'm not keen on long ferry journeys. Which route would you recommend? Also how does Foglo compare with these?

Thank you in advance for any advice you can give me

 

[BayCatOne]

Hi!
Well it depends, you have 5 days in total, so if you want to maximize the sight seeing then I'd say the northern route (red) as you get the chance to go to Bomarsund, see Vårdö and then just continue down to the ferry from there. The island is not big so driving is not an issue, like an hour at tops to get from x to y in general if it's a "long drive". Everything above 30 minutes on the island is considered a long drive, haha. So if you want to go the southern route that still wouldn't be an issue.

I'd take Kökar over Kumlinge any day of the week (Brändö is a great stop), Föglö is a good compromise if you don't want to go with a lot of ferries. Again if you're continuing over to Finland after the five days, then the northern route makes even more sense as you can go all the way over to Turku from there as previously mentioned, get to see a bit of the Finnish countryside and even have a stop at the Moominworld .

But you don't really need to go out in the archipelago if you've got limited time, to really see Åland. The ferries eats up quite a bit, it's two travel days to go there and back again on either route, as you get the days cut in half and additional planning. Then I'd say go for Föglö if you want a change of scenery.

I hope this helps!

 

[Mrs Acer]

Thank you for taking the time to reply to me. It is very much appreciated!

I think that as we are aiming for mainland Finland, we will take the northern route. Also the ferry hops will be shorter (I'm not good with the bobbing!). We will be here at the beginning of September and I keep reading that there will be fewer ferries and so fewer slots for vehicles. Is Lappo and Enklinge worth a stopover or would you advise to just miss these out? Would we get a similar experience if we just moved on ie ferrying straight to Kumlinge for half a day and night and then ferry on to Torsholma to spend a day and evening driving up through Brando before crossing from Ava to Vuosnainen?

 

[BayCatOne]

Well, it won’t be crowded I tell you that! Lappo has about 35 people living there, Enklinge is x2, but for Kumlinge is like 300. I think you also might have to see if the ferries go every day to/from the former two, I’m not too sure about that.

Asked my dad, quote: Lappo, well if you have a boat the harbour is nice. Enklinge you have ”Hermans” a bunch of historical buildings. Kumlinge (silence) nah.

Haha! But I guess it’s up to you if you wanna go off grid and just relax.

But the Torsholma and Brändö is worth a day or two for sure. Rent kayaks if the weather permits.

 

[Mrs Acer]

Perfect! Thank your dad for me . We'll keep it simple then. We'll spend most of our time on the mainland (Eckero, Degersand beach, Geta, Mariehamn, Jarso, Lemland, Hoga C observation tower, Sund castle, Bomarsund, Vardo). Then, ferry to Torsholma and take in Brando before leaving from Ava. If we had more time we would have taken in Foglo but, I agree, the ferry journeys will eat into the time we have. After all, we want to relax and enjoy your beautiful islands!

Thank you!

 

[BayCatOne]

Enjoy your stay and don’t forgot eat Ålandspannkaka!

 

[Mrs Acer]

Absolutely! Can't wait to start our trip now. Thank you for all your help

 

[Mrs Acer]

Even though this thread is a bit old now - I'm born and raised on that island so if you're going reach out and I can hopefully pitch in. On the mainland you should most definitely visit the one and only city of Mariehamn and do a day trip or overnighter to Föglö is worth your while. Getabergen, Sund with Kastelholmsslott and visiting the old fortress of Bomarsund and all its towers is also a must. They "recently" opened a big visitor center in Bomarsund which is interactive, and there are lovely beaches close by that you can go for a swim. On the Vårdö side, where the ferry toward the archipelago leaves from, there are several good spots for swimming, tree top adventure etc.

The cheapest and fastest way of getting across from Sweden is from Grisslehamn. There used to be a ferry from Kapellskär but that one is unfortunately not available anymore, and that was the best one too...

You can pretty much drive all the way through the archipelago over to Turku, and island jump with ferries. There used to be the possibility to just drive down to the harbor and stand in line, but that's not an option anymore. However there are combination tickets that will save you money, and pre-booking during the summer is a must. Both to get to Åland but also in the archipelago.

Is it crowded during the summer, yes and no. Biking is very popular so you'll have that to contend with if you're planning to stay on a campsite, but in general throughout the island(s) there are people, but not that crazy compared to Venice or similar places.

Hi,
Hope you don't mind this last minute question! What category do you select for your campervan when booking the Grisslehamn to Eckero ferry? I was going to choose 'car' but now I'm not sure! The website looks very strict about measurements. The height and length isn't a problem. But it adds 'width' as a category. Do they mean just the body or with the wing mirrors in or out? hmmm
Thank you!!

 

[BayCatOne]

Hi,
Hope you don't mind this last minute question! What category do you select for your campervan when booking the Grisslehamn to Eckero ferry? I was going to choose 'car' but now I'm not sure! The website looks very strict about measurements. The height and length isn't a problem. But it adds 'width' as a category. Do they mean just the body or with the wing mirrors in or out? hmmm
Thank you!!

I always go with car, never anything else.

 

[Mrs Acer]

Perfect! Thank you

 

[Mrs Acer]

I always go with car, never anything else.

Actually .......... do you mean you always click 'car' on the online booking or do you mean you only take a car and not your van on the ferry?

 

[BayCatOne]

Actually .......... do you mean you always click 'car' on the online booking or do you mean you only take a car and not your van on the ferry?

Haha, sorry - I pick 'car = bil' on the online booking. The van comes with, the only vehicle I own