Would you like to stay in a fisherman's hut, in a lavish tent under the stars, or in a 500-year-old mansion? The Åland islands offer unique places to stay for both adventurers and solitude seekers. Here are some of our favourite picks to make the most out of your holiday in Åland.
Havsvidden Resort, located in the northern part of the Åland Islands, is scattered on the red granite cliffs with a panoramic view over the Bothnian Sea. The resort offers standard rooms and stunning cliff houses adorned with terraces, all designed in a Nordic minimalist style. Unwind in the jacuzzi or take a refreshing dip in the sea after exploring the archipelago by kayak or on a mountain bike.
Kvarnbo Guest House B&B is a 500-year-old mansion that has served as a bank, a post office, a market-garden, and a beekeeping centre. Today, it operates as a charming bed and breakfast nestled in a peaceful rural setting. At Kvarnbo, you can relax in a homely attic room or in a lovely countryside suite both inspired by the 19th-century style. If you are passionate about wine, you should know that the place is co-run by Ella Grüssner Cromwell-Morganand, a sommelier from a popular Finnish TV show.
Björnhofvda Gård, the elegant English-style bed and breakfast in the charming countryside is run by the local couple, the Lindmarks. The interior of this lodge is inspired by the couple’s worldly adventures: Traditional English teacups are lined up on the kitchen shelves whereas the salon is decorated with stylish wooden Asian décor. You can curl up in the reading corner or hop on a bike to explore the beautiful archipelago. In the evening, guests can indulge in the sauna experience with an authentic sauna whisk. The B&B is renowned for its delicious French and Italian cuisine, as well as its flavourful cocktails.
Just a ten-minute boat ride from Mariehamn, the wooden fishermen’s huts at Klobben are located in the beautiful Åland archipelago. The modest huts perched on the red granite cliffs are inspired by the old-time fisherman camps that offered shelter during storms. You can simply enjoy the solitude of the archipelago or, for example, go on a fishing trip. The restaurant offers meals prepared with locally sourced ingredients from the archipelago.
This 20th-century beach house, Carlsro Badhotell, is a former shipowner’s home that has been transformed into a high-class hotel. Take a 30-minute boat ride from mainland Åland to reach the hotel. The restaurant offers tasty Danish “smørrebrød” topped with local ingredients, and the rooms upstairs serve as cosy hotel rooms.
Glamping is a concept that combines camping in nature with comfort and all amenities easily at hand, sprinkled with a touch of luxury. Rundhusbyn Glamping, located in the northern Åland Islands, offers well-equipped huts in the middle of nature. The huts are perfect for romantic getaways and family trips alike. Relax in the sauna, prepare food on an open fire, and gaze over the soothing sea.
Pensionat Stalldalen, a former hospital in functionalist 1930s style has been transformed into a lovely guest house. The cubic building faces a green front-yard that stretches out towards picturesque bay Säckviken. Stalldalen and the surrounding countryside serve as an excellent place to recharge. Popular Åland attractions such as Kastelholm Castle and the fortress of Bomarsund only a half to one-hour bike ride away.
Are you interested in delving deeper into the places to stay in Åland? For tips on accommodation and much more about these lovely islands, visit visitaland.com.