Cycling the Åland Islands

This is where your trip begins. From Stadsgården or Värtahamnen ferry terminal, you'll board with your bike, heading for Åland.

This is where the large Baltic ferries depart for Mariehamn. Bicycles are loaded on the car deck, and the crossing through the Stockholm archipelago is an experience in itself. Book your bike and cabin in good time.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

This small island capital welcomes you with wide lime-tree avenues, wooden villas and a harbour atmosphere. Ideal for arriving and settling in: short distances, cafés, and everything reachable on foot or by bike. Today, just explore the centre at a relaxed pace.

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A centrally located, bike-friendly hotel in Mariehamn with secure bike storage. From here you can reach the harbour, cafés and the Sjökvarteret on foot.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

This maritime crafts quarter on Östra Hamnen is a lively shipyard where wooden boats are still built and restored. You can visit workshops, a small museum, a café and a sauna by the water. A calm, atmospheric spot right by the sea.

This steel four-masted barque from 1903 is moored in the western harbour and is one of the best-preserved large sailing ships of its kind in the world. The exhibition tells of the harsh life on board during the grain route to Australia. Right next door is the Sjöfartsmuseum, dedicated to Åland's maritime history.

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The small island of Lilla Holmen on the eastern edge of town has a sandy beach, bathing jetties and a park with peacocks. A perfect spot for your first swim in the Baltic and a break in the shade.

This small rocky island just off the entrance to Mariehamn was once a pilot station. Today it draws visitors with its striking pilot's house, smooth wave-worn rocks and a small café. You get there by excursion boat from Mariehamn — a very atmospheric stop in the archipelago.

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The small main village of Finström municipality lies centrally in Åland's interior and makes a good stop with shops and a café. From here it's just a short stretch to Kastelholm.

Quiet guesthouse in rural Saltvik, surrounded by fields and forest, with space for your bikes. A good base for Kastelholm and Bomarsund the next day.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

This medieval castle from the 14th century was once the administrative seat of the Swedish crown in Åland. You can wander through halls, towers and courtyards and learn plenty about its turbulent history. Right next door is the Jan Karlsgården Open-Air Museum with old farmsteads.

A lovingly preserved old farmstead with historic buildings, a herb garden and a maypole. Admission is free, and the walk around makes a lovely addition to the castle visit next door.

The ruins of this 19th-century Russian fortress lie picturesquely by the water and were destroyed during the Crimean War in 1854. You can roam freely across the extensive grounds, explore the massive remaining walls, and visit the new visitor centre. A peaceful spot with wide views across the sound.

Family-run campsite with simple cabins right by the water at Bomarsund. A bathing spot, canoe hire and closeness to the fortress make it a relaxed base camp. Bikes can be stored safely by the cabins.

From Långnäs, the southern-line archipelago ferries depart through the archipelago. For cyclists, these connections are often free or very cheap, and an experience in their own right. Check timetables in advance, as sailings in summer are limited.

Lying far out in the archipelago sea, this island is one of the most atmospheric places in Åland: bare rocks, wide views and a real sense of remoteness. St Anne's medieval Franciscan church at Hamnö is a must-see. Cycling on Kökar is calm, with very little traffic.

On the small island of Hamnö stand a medieval stone church and the foundation walls of a 15th-century Franciscan monastery. The place breathes history and sits beautifully by the open sea.

Popular hotel with restaurant right by Karlby's guest harbour, known for fresh fish. Bike-friendly, with water views and a good base for exploring Kökar.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

A peaceful bathing and nature spot on Kökar with smooth rocks and clear water. Ideal for a long, relaxed morning by the sea, far from any bustle.

Karlby's small guest harbour is the lively heart of Kökar, with boats, nets and sea views. A good place to soak up the fishing-village atmosphere and eat fresh fish.

Sottunga is one of the smallest municipalities in Finland, a tiny island idyll with a handful of farms, an old wooden church and plenty of peace. A stop during the ferry journey is well worth it for a short cycling loop around the island and a swim.

Sottunga's small wooden church from the 18th century is one of the oldest of its kind in Åland. It stands quietly amid greenery, matching the island's tranquil character.

The green island of Lumparland, with its old wooden St Andreas church, is the gateway back to Åland's mainland. From here you'll cycle on along quiet routes further west.

Friendly, quiet guesthouse in Mariehamn with secure bike storage. A good base for the final day's exploring towards Eckerö the following day.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

This monumental post and customs house from 1828 was designed by architect Carl Ludvig Engel and was once the transfer point on the postal route between Stockholm and St Petersburg. The imposing building looks almost too grand for such a small place, and today houses exhibitions and a café.

This idyllic fishing village, with its red boathouses lining the water, is one of the most photogenic spots in Åland. You can stroll along the harbour, go for a swim, and enjoy fresh fish in summer. A peaceful finish at the westernmost tip of the islands.

The ferry departs for Stockholm from the western harbour. Before you set off, there's time for one last coffee by the harbour and a look at the Pommern.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Back in Stockholm, your cycling trip through the Åland archipelago comes to an end. From the ferry terminal, you'll roll gently into the city centre.

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