NEW! Icons of the Viking Age

Explore charming Mariehamn, a coastal town and port founded in 1861. Meet your guide and board your motor coach for a panoramic drive along Mariehamn’s streets. The first settlers in the town used their wealth to build grand houses; today, these residences have been converted into homes on a more modest scale. Marvel at the views over Åland’s archipelago from Badhusberget, a picturesque hillside more than 130 feet above sea level and home to the Mariehamn water tower. Drive along Järsö Road as your guide explains the island’s maritime history and how the town is known as the “port of the last windjammers.” Enjoy a photo stop to admire the medieval stone facade of St. Olaf’s Church in Jomala, then return to Mariehamn. You may choose to return to your ship, or take advantage of free entrance to the Åland Maritime Museum to explore its exhibits.

Discover the coastal town of Mariehamn during a walking tour. Meet your guide and set off on foot, passing the Åland Maritime Museum, home to the world’s largest fleet of wooden sailing ships, including the Pommern, which is anchored behind. Stroll through the English Park and admire the wooden houses that line the town’s streets. Browse the shop windows along the pedestrianized Torggatan and head to the Sittkoff Galleria, where you will find a collection of shops and boutiques. The center is one of the town’s most popular meeting spots and inspired by Mariehamn’s maritime heritage. Enjoy free time before heading along the western esplanade to the red-brick St. Göran’s Church, designed by architect Lars Sonck. After, you may return to your ship or stay to explore the Åland Maritime Museum and return at your leisure.

Learn about Åland’s history and savor a taste of island specialties. Embark on a panoramic drive by motor coach through Mariehamn, a charming coastal town founded in 1861. Pass through the picturesque countryside to Kastelholm Castle and hear about its restoration project, conducted by the castle’s prisoners. Proceed to the Jan Karlsgården Open Air Museum and see what typical farm life was like during the late 1800s, before heading to the nearby Åland Distillery, the island’s only producer of spirits. Upon arrival, enjoy a tasting of locally produced liquors—such as the distillery’s renowned apple brandy and local gins—accompanied by snacks, and free time to browse the on-site shop before returning to your awaiting ship.

Set out on a hike to explore Getabergen, amid north Åland’s barren, yet beautiful, coastal landscapes. Meet your guide at the pier and embark on a scenic drive by motor coach, passing through quaint villages and apple orchards. From the Getabergen Hills, you will begin your hike through nature. Led by your naturalist guide, follow the trail over red, granite rocks and pathways lined with vegetation. Heading down toward the ocean, you will view interesting cave-like rock formations which locals used to shelter during the Great Northern War. During your hike, your guide will regale you with stories of the alliance, led by Peter I of Russia, and how the balance of power shifted with the collapse of Sweden as a European great power. You will reach Djupviken Bay and admire the views before ending your hike with a warming beverage and a delicious pancake.

Enjoy the tranquil beauty of the Åland Islands from the water as you skim along its pristine surface by kayak. Embark on a short transfer by motor coach to the kayak base, where you will meet your guide and receive a safety briefing and paddling instructions. Don your required life jacket and climb on board your kayak. During your gentle adventure, glide across the ocean’s waters and admire the vistas from a different perspective as your guide points out several landmarks. With just you and the ocean, immerse yourself in nature as you enjoy the serene views surrounding you. Pause at a rocky islet and savor a warming beverage, then climb back into your kayak and paddle back to base. No previous sea kayaking experience is required. After your tour, you will return to your awaiting ship.

Pedal along Åland’s scenic coastline and take in the stunning views of the archipelago by bicycle. Meet your guide, don your helmet and after a short safety briefing, set off on two wheels. Your ride will take you through the city of Mariehamn to the surrounding countryside past green meadows and lovely seaside residences. You will ride over several bridges, offering stunning views of the surroundings, and cross over to the isle of Järsöarea, known for its picturesque, red-painted farmhouses. Here, you will pause to enjoy a delicious homemade pancake with strawberry jam. Back on your bicycle, follow your guide for the leisurely ride back to your awaiting ship.

Enjoy a culinary master class at the the Smakbyn restaurant, home to one of Scandinavia’s best-known chefs. Michael “Micke” Björklundis first graced the screens of TV cooking shows during the 1990s and became famous for his unique approach to Nordic food, inspired by his home on the Åland Islands. Arrive at the Smakbyn, where you will be warmly greeted by your host. After an introduction to your chef, you will don your apron and set to work on preparing a three-course meal. Using fresh, local ingredients, you will cook an appetizer, main course and dessert inspired by recipes from the region. You will then sit down to savor the rewards of your efforts and enjoy your delicious creation. Your appetite sated and recipes noted, you will return to your awaiting ship.

Explore Scandinavia’s historic connection to the sea on a traditional fishing expedition. Leave your ship and take a short walk to your awaiting private sport fishing boat. Here, you will be welcomed on board by your captain. After a short safety briefing, you will don your life jacket and receive instructions on your fishing equipment. Journey to the best local fishing spots with your experienced captain and guide, cast your line into the water and attempt to hook pike, perch and salmon in the fish-abundant waters of Åland’s stunning archipelago. Enjoy the unspoiled views of your surroundings and keep watch for local birdlife. If you are lucky, you may also catch a glimpse of an inquisitive seal. Any fish caught must be returned to the water, however you are welcome to take photographs of your prized catch.

Sail among the picturesque Åland islands, Finland’s stunning archipelago. Located between Sweden and Finland in the Baltic Sea, the Åland islands comprise more than 6,500 islands, with only around 60 of them inhabited. Beautiful in fair weather, the landscapes are equally majestic on rainy days. Meet your experienced skipper and board your sailing vessel—a beautiful, tall ship. Enjoy scenic cruising from the open deck and listen as your guide tells you about the history of Åland and its maritime heritage. Keep watch for birdlife, and if you are lucky, you may even spot a curious seal. Enjoy a light meal on board, with local ingredients, as you spend the day admiring panoramic views of the picturesque islands, or during adverse weather, head below deck to experience a captain’s life at sea. Afterward, return to shore and your awaiting ship.

Set sail to explore some of Åland’s delightful islets, nestled amid the waters between Sweden and Finland. Meet your experienced captain at the pier and set out on a short walk with him toward your island-hopping vessel. Climb on board, don your life jacket and, after a short safety briefing, you will begin your journey. You will drop anchor to visit Pilot Island, Lighthouse Island and Restaurant and War History Island, and even make a stop at your captain’s private island. The archipelago comprises of more than 6,500 islands, only around 60 of which are inhabited. During your island-hopping excursion, you will pause to taste a selection of local delicacies and try a glass of beer from the local brewery. Upon your return to the shore, you can take the shuttle bus and spend free time in charming Mariehamn to browse its city center, before returning to your awaiting ship.

Discover the history of the Åland Islands at the ruins of a 19th-century fortress and an open air museum. Set out on a scenic drive through the striking island landscape to the fortress of Bomarsund. While construction began in 1830, the citadel was never finished; it was destroyed during the Baltic Campaign of the Crimean War. Visit the ruins and the well-preserved observation tower before heading to the visitor’s center to learn about the fortress’s past and its one-time social, cultural and economic importance. Stop to savor a cup of coffee and a pastry, then continue to Jan Karlsgården, an open air museum that recreates a typical Åland farm from the 1850s. Learn about local traditions as you walk among the dwelling houses, outbuildings and farmhouses. Afterward, enjoy scenic views of nearby Kastelholm Castle, Åland’s only medieval fortification, en route back to your ship.