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Together with her husband Mats and their two children, Noora Löfström now lives year-round in Eckerö. After moving from Helsinki, she has found peace, community, and a daily life that works – with the sea outside her door and a stimulating job as CEO of Visit Åland.
Since her husband Mats Löfström is from Eckerö, Noora had spent a lot of time in Åland even before the move. The plan was to build a holiday home – but the pandemic changed everything.
– I thought Åland would become a place to be when I retired. But when the pandemic came, our planned holiday home became a permanent residence instead – and I started working remotely for my job in Helsinki. When we then had our first child, it felt natural to stay.
The family's two children were born at Åland Central Hospital in Mariehamn, something Noora describes as a very positive experience.– It was safe, calm and personal. I got my own room, could stay as long as I wanted, and the midwives really had time for me. I wish all babies such a great start in life!
When the second child was born, it happened quickly – so quickly that Mats didn't make it home in time, but Noora still felt secure.– I recognised one of the midwives from before, and everything went really well.
She particularly recommends the Folkhälsan mother groups to newcomers.– I didn't join from the start, but it was easy to join later on. Several of the people I met there are close friends today. We now call ourselves "mum group 2.0" since most of us have had our second child. Apart from enjoying each other's company, the children have each other for companionship.
After parental leave, Noora worked on the Åland 100 centenary at the Prime Minister's Office – mainly remotely from Eckerö. She then continued with Åland affairs at the Ministry of Justice before taking the step into her current role as CEO of the tourism organisation Visit Åland.
– It's actually my first job in Åland, even though I've been working from here for several years.
The family still keeps their apartment in Helsinki, where Mats often works during the weeks as Åland's representative in parliament.
– It's nice to be able to switch between the two. In Helsinki we get the buzz of a big city and can get everywhere without a car, but then it's always just as nice to come home to Åland.
She finds travelling to and from Åland works well.– It sometimes requires a bit of planning, but it works out. Sometimes you take the night ferry, sometimes the flight via Stockholm, if you don't have the flexibility of an open schedule. And Stockholm is really close, especially if you live in Eckerö.
Noora describes Eckerö as a municipality where the "hello index" is high – everyone greets each other and those who want to get involved have plenty of opportunities. Here and around Åland there is something for everyone. Sports, culture, courses, associations – and loads of activities for families with children.
– You just have to find and keep track of the Facebook groups and the municipality's information leaflets. I was particularly good at making the most of things during parental leave. We went to everything! There are mother groups, activities and a very active community life.
Noora appreciates that the children get to grow up in a safe environment with small groups and lovely nursery yards. The day care centre is also located close to the care home for the elderly, which creates natural encounters between the generations with everything from Lucia processions to Christmas celebrations.
– Here, everyday life is simple. You know all the children, chat with other parents in the nursery yard and automatically build a network.
At the same time, some planning is required – for example when you live in the countryside and the nearest shop is far away.– But there are fewer distractions, and more time for what really matters.
Moving to Åland is easier than many people think, says Noora. There is still a persistent myth that you have to have been born here to be able to buy a house.
– That's not true at all. Everyone who wants to live here is welcome – even if you don't speak Swedish to begin with. There are good language courses here and many newcomers in similar situations.
She also highlights how strong the entrepreneurial spirit is in Åland and how tourism acts as a showcase for attracting new residents.
– Many people come here for a summer, and are still here to this day!
Are you thinking about moving to Åland and wondering how the housing market works? You're not alone! Here we clarify the different types of housing available – from share apartments to properties and rental housing.
The basic rule is that you can purchase your own home in all areas designated for permanent residence when you move to Åland.
A share apartment in Åland and Finland cannot be compared to a Swedish share apartment; it more closely resembles a Swedish cooperative apartment (bostadsrätt).
In Åland, a share apartment is an apartment that you purchase and own, often in a housing share company (BAB). You then own a certain number of shares in the company, which gives you the right to own and make decisions about your apartment in the building. This can be an apartment building, townhouse, or in some cases a semi-detached house. The share apartment is your property and you choose whether to live in it yourself or rent it out to a tenant of your choosing. Unlike a Swedish cooperative apartment, there is no association that needs to approve you as a buyer, or your tenant if you purchase as an investment.
Purchasing a share apartment does not require a land acquisition permit. There is also no requirement for you to register your residence in Åland.
Each month you pay a charge (monthly fee) that covers the company's shared operating costs and any loans.
Housing right (bostadsrätt) is a form of housing in Åland that represents a middle ground between rental housing and owner-occupied housing, combining the best of both worlds. The model is based on a combination of a one-time deposit and a monthly charge, and this form of housing is open to everyone without special membership requirements. As a housing right holder, you pay a basic share that usually corresponds to 15% of the property's original construction cost, while the remaining portion is financed through loans taken out by the housing rights association. The monthly usage charge is calculated according to the cost-price principle, meaning the fee is set based on the association's actual expenses.
The association is open to everyone and no special requirements are set for membership. The goal is to offer secure and quality housing at a reasonable cost.
Read more at Ålands Bostadsrättsförening
The term property primarily refers to villas, small houses, and residential buildings with associated land. A property can also be a plot of land without a dwelling. Newcomers without right of domicile can purchase a property as long as it:
However, you need to apply for a land acquisition permit from the Government of Åland, which in turn obtains approval from the municipality.
Contact the respective municipality for information about planned residential areas and plots.
If you cannot find the right property to buy, you can always start by renting an apartment. When renting an apartment, there are no requirements for either right of domicile or a land acquisition permit.
Visit Fastigheter.ax for properties for sale in Åland.
Do you want to live in Åland and work remotely? Read more here!
You can study Swedish for immigrants through Medis.
Welcome guide – everything you need to know before moving to Åland.
Information for those looking for a new job.
Find your new home – tips and advice for those looking for housing in Åland.
If you have more questions about life in Åland, you are welcome to contact us! We provide personal guidance, help you with your moving plans, and are happy to give tips about jobs, housing, schools, and leisure activities.
Fill in the form – then we'll contact you!
Det finns många anledningar att välja Åland. Ibland är det jobbet, andra gånger familjen, kärleken eller möjligheten till en enklare vardag. Läs mer om hur livet på Åland kan se ut i våra intervjuer med nya ålänningar.
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