I love the idea of spending some time relaxing in the Aland islands - but after a few days of looking online, I can’t seem to find anything that suits the bill. Some places that sound nice have really critical reviews . . . I don’t know, does anyone have a recommendation for a place they have stayed and loved ?
Thanks !
In short: What are you looking for? Åland is a lovely place but if you are looking for hotel standard there is very little available outside Mariehamn. But maybe Käringsund can be a good option?
I just want something clean and comfy, doesn’t have to be fancy. I would need to be able to get there on a bus (or bus-and-ferry combo) from Mariehamn. I am looking for something countryside with good walks around and where I can also relax.
I guess I am looking for both rural and accessible, which is probably what is creating difficulties.
In that case, Käringsund Resort and Conference might not be a bad idea, https://www.karingsund.ax or Pensionat Havsbandet, https://www.havsbandet.ax . Both on Eckerö, a rural part of Åland where there are plenty of opportunities for relaxing and good walks. Havsbandet is a bit more accessible than Käringsund resort. The latter is a 20-30 min walk or so from the closest public transportation. Apart from that, they are both easy to reach, although going via Mariehamn is a bit of a detour.
And pretty much all Åland outside Mariehamn is countryside. Also, I don't know how well you know Åland but refering to the islands as Finland or the inhabitants as Finnish is a faux pas. And don't attempt to speak Finnish!
Thanks Badger, I will check those out.
Yes, I know the islands are culturally Swedish, no worries !!! I even thought about posting this in the Sweden forum, but figured then someone would reproach me for asking about Finnish territory in the wrong place !!! (And no worries about my trying to speak Finnish in any event — even my rustic Hungarian wouldn’t embolden me to try such a thing 😜)
If I go, I was planning on going via Stockholm but will check out the ferries to Eckero too if I am going to end up near there anyway.
I am sure at least part of the issue is that I am looking at lodging so late that better value-for-money places are already booked. I am happy to have a couple more places to check out thanks to you! And may have to put this in my pocket for a later trip, planned more in advance next time.
Thank you so much !
They are part of Finland, so you posted in the correct forum. But they speak Swedish and see themself as "Ålanders" (not sure if that is the correct word) and not Finns.
The ferries to Eckerö are a good option, and if going there Eckerölinjen is the option. My suggestion would be to fly to Stockholm, bus or train to Uppsala, Eckerölinjen's transfer bus to Grisslehamn and then the ferry over to Åland. And if you want to visit Mariehamn, it is an easy bus ride there.
I'm not sure if you are late or not, it's hard to tell what is normal in these days. When are you planning to travel?
