Finland Guide
Helsinki and the south
The Åland Islands
The flat and thickly forested Åland Islands, all six-thousand-plus of them, lie scattered between Finland's southwest coast and Sweden. Politically Finnish but culturally Swedish, the islands cling to a unique form of independence, with their own parliament and flag (a red and yellow cross on a blue background). The currency is the euro but the language is Swedish – which explains why the main and only sizeable town is more commonly known by its Swedish name of MARIEHAMN than by the Finnish Maarianhamina – and as Swedish is mercifully closer to English, a visit here can make a welcome break from the perpetual battle with the Finnish language. Although Mariehamn – known locally as the "town of a thousand linden trees" after the elegant specimens that line virtually every street – is a peacefully uneventful seaside resort and a pleasant place to rest up for a couple of days, the real appeal here is sea, sun and beckoning terrain in unlimited quantities. There are plenty of secluded spots perfect for nude bathing, and you can hire a boat and sail out to your very own island.
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