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Once you’ve taken care of all the practicalities, it’s time to focus on activities and your social life. Sometimes it’s hard to know where to start but joining an association and being active and making contacts yourself will go a long way. This will help you integrate into society faster.
Åland offers the best of both worlds: peaceful island life and a wide variety of experiences. Whether you live in the lively small town of Mariehamn or in one of the quiet villages across the archipelago, you are never far from the sea, nature trails, rocky shores or small beaches.
Beyond the unique landscape, Åland has a vibrant cultural life with events, concerts, exhibitions, sports activities, and local festivals throughout the year. Museums, art galleries and community centers invite both locals and visitors to get involved and explore.
The food scene is also something to enjoy. Åland has a wide range of cafés, bakeries and restaurants – from cosy, locally run lunch spots to high-end dining experiences featuring local ingredients like fish, apples, and black bread. You'll also find specialty shops, boutiques, and open-air markets, offering everything from handmade crafts to organic produce and second-hand treasures.
As a new resident in Åland, you’ll find plenty to explore – from sailing trips and sea kayaking to cosy cafés, traditional markets, and guided walks through apple orchards and cultural heritage sites. Whether you’re settling in or just starting to get to know your surroundings, there’s always something new to discover.
Highlights and ideas for a day out:
Åland is a place where life moves at a relaxed pace – but with rich possibilities to be active, creative, and connected.
Åland has over 500 cultural and sports associations for those who want to be active or get in touch with other enthusiasts. There are also several companies that offer a variety of leisure and hobby activities in areas such as dance, horse riding and fitness.
Joining a sports club, exercise group or cultural association is a great way to stay active and meet new people. Åländers enjoy both indoor and outdoor activities, and you’ll likely find others who share your interests. Ask colleagues or classmates for tips!
Find out more about leisure opportunities at Åland Living.
Find more associations and organizations in Åland in the sector guide at Aland.com (in Swedish).
Cultural associations and enthusiasts in Åland (in Swedish).
Museums and attractions managed by the Government of Åland.
Member organizations of Ålands Idrott.
Many people find a sense of community by getting involved in volunteer organizations.
In Åland, these include:
The Red Cross Åland (Röda Korset på Åland) (in Swedish).
Voluntary Rescue Service (Frivilliga räddningstjänsten) (in Swedish).
Save the Children (Rädda Barnen Åland) (in Swedish).
Emmaus Åland.
Folkhälsan på Åland (in Swedish).
The Multicultural Association (Ålands mångkulturella förening) (on Facebook).
Åland Nature and Environment (Ålands Natur och Miljö).
In the Nordic countries, people have the right to move freely in forests and by water. However, you are not allowed to move around in privately owned fields, forests and beaches. The right to move freely is called the right of public access. The right of public access in Åland differs in some aspects from the right of public access in Sweden and the rest of Finland.
Note: In Mariehamn, pets must be kept on a leash in public areas, except in designated dog parks. Dogs are generally allowed in national parks and nature areas if leashed, but some trails may have restrictions – check before you visit.
A more detailed description of the right of public access at the Government of Åland.
Visit Åland provides information on the right of public access.
Åland enjoys freedom of religion. This means that everyone living in Åland has the right to choose their religion and practice it. It also means that you have the right to choose not to have any religion at all. No one can be forced to participate in religious practice against their will either.
Most people in Finland are Christian. The largest religious community is the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland. The Orthodox Church of Finland is the second largest religious community in Finland, but relatively small in Åland. Both have a special status, including the right to collect taxes. There are also other religious communities in Åland, for example a small but active Catholic parish.
National holidays are known as public holidays. This means that all government departments and many shops are closed or have shorter opening hours. Hospitals are always on call. Some of the public holidays are flag days, which means that the Åland flag is raised.
The flag flown at half-mast signifies mourning. Mourning flags are usually used to express private grief. The Ministry of the Interior may also recommend a public mourning flag for a person of national importance or in connection with a major tragedy.
The Åland flag is an important symbol of the autonomy. As the flag is a symbol of Åland, it is allowed to be flown every day from 8 am to 9 pm. Åland Flag Day is celebrated on the last Sunday in April.
All about the Åland flag.
Find out more about the Finnish flag and coat of arms.
Many national holidays are linked to Christianity. In addition to the official holidays, some days may be partial holidays.
Official holidays
If so, you can find more information here:
Aland.ax - the official website of Åland.
Regeringen.ax - Official website of the Government of Åland.
Visitaland.com - tourist information for visitors from Visit Åland.
Aland.com - telephone directory, business guide and tourist information.
Info Norden - the Nordic Council of Ministers’ information service for people working, moving, studying, travelling or starting their own business in the Nordic region.
Facts about Åland from Info Norden.
Visit Åland: Åland in brief.
Åland and the outside world.
ÅSUB answers common questions about Åland.
Facts about Åland from Varumärket Åland.
More tips for valuable leisure time.
