Åland is not slow, it's just less stressful

Ten years later, Raine and his wife still live in Åland, now together with their three children in a house in the countryside.

– I felt at home right away. For me, the move felt easy and everyday life ran smoothly. It was actually harder for Annica to readjust to being back again. For me, it felt like an adventure, says Raine.

The language works itself out

The Swedish-speaking nature of Åland society is a common concern among Finnish speakers considering a move to Åland. For Raine, it has not been a problem – he is now fluent in Swedish.

– I usually say that I've learned Swedish three times – as a child in Sweden where I lived until I was 4, then at school in Turku, and now together with Annica.

When the couple met 17 years ago, they each spoke their own language with each other, Annica in Swedish and Raine in Finnish. Today, Raine uses Swedish daily, both privately and at work.

– My tip is not to overthink it. Just keep talking, even if it's not perfect. People will ask if they don't understand.

He emphasises that language has never been an obstacle for him in daily life, and advises that it is better to stick to Swedish and practise it rather than switching to English.

A new job

Annica had already found a new job before the move from Helsinki, while Raine chose to start looking once he was on the ground. For him, it went smoothly.

– I work in the construction and infrastructure sector and sent out a few applications. After that, two companies got in touch, and from those I chose Ålands Schakt, where I still work.

In his work, his Finnish occasionally comes in handy.

– It might be for orders or contacts, but otherwise I work in Swedish.

More time

Raine had visited Åland several times before the move, both as a young person on cycling and boating holidays and later together with Annica. So much of it already felt familiar.

– I already knew how things work here, so the move from Helsinki went smoothly.

The biggest difference is how much simpler everyday life has become.

– In Helsinki, I commuted about an hour every day. Now it takes 15 minutes to get to work, or 16 minutes if there happens to be a bit of a queue, says Raine.

The year after the family had their first child, they built a house in Lemland. Eventually, they also sold their apartment in Helsinki.

– That's when we knew we had found the right place. Here, the children have their nursery and school close by, and Annica's parents live nearby. It helps that we can support each other.

Grandad often picks them up with his tractor.

– That means we don't need to rush away from work during the day, but can finish up at our own pace.

Calm and lively

Raine has lived in cities and apartment blocks his whole life and never thought he would enjoy having a house, a plot of land, and a garden so much.

– It's the peace and quiet I appreciate the most. When the sun goes down, it really does get dark and silent. It's easier to breathe here.

At the same time, the family leads an active life with work and leisure activities. Sailing is a shared interest for Raine and Annica.

– Åland isn't slow, it's just less stressful.