Trip to Ålands Skärsgård -diary



2.7. Onsdag


We left from Palikkala around noon and took a ferry from Kustavi to Brändö, which is the first stop on the northern ferry line from the mainland. We stayed in Brändö for one night. It ended up to be very lovely and got a fine impression of Åland right-away. Red roads, people speaking swedish, warm sunny weather.
We camped to Stugby -camping, and thought of hiring bikes already here, but all the bikes were broken! And they didin't promise them to be fixed by tomorrow... So, we drove around this island by car a bit and made a descision that it is stupid to stay here for longer time than just a day when we don't have bikes. The island is not that big..! Anyway, enjoyed a couple of Stallhagens, and relaxed at the beach in the evening.


3.7. Thursdag


We woke up after a good night sleep at 9.30 and headed to the northern part of Brändö: Jurmo. Jurmos is 5 minutes ferry ride away from Brändö and it is possible to see Highland Cattle there. And we did, many many. Cute animals they are! Jurmo is very easy going and symphatic island, very pretty in deed. We liked Jurmo a lot. Weather was still great and we took a next ferry from Brändö to Vårdö (in main island of the Åland).


4.7. Fredag


Morning was very warm here in Sundström camping in Vårdö and we decided to hire bikes for a day. The plan was to cycle to Kastelholm castle and back. It was really easy-going 45 km total and stopped by where ever we felt like it: Checking out for some cows, picking up forest strawberries (there are plenty of them in Åland!), Bommarsund ruins, (almost) swimming, but anyway sunbathing... What a great day! Only that Virve burned her back... Hint 1: If you plan going to Åland, bikes are not only necessary, but a MUST! Hint 2: If you see a shop while biking, use that shop! They aren't everywhere.
After the trip we both felt the fact we didn't cycle so much recently; ass on fire! And felt something happening in legs as well! Healthy feelings.


5.7. Lördag


Geta. Don't miss it! Wonderful hiking path at the northest and highest point of Åland. Those caves of Geta are really something to wonder about. And the rock formations! All these created by the ice age. Very interesting place. The hiking path is some 5 km that feels at least like double that, since it is a lot of walking up and down. Well, first down to the sea and then back up to the highest point.
From Geta, we drove to Mariehamn and Gröna Uddens camping. There is not much to tell about Mariehamn really, as small town it is. Walked around there a bit and were waiting for sun to rise so that we could go back to the nature.
Well, one thing: Here I swam finally! In the sea. Though Virve thinks I didn't really swim, only some 10 meters, but hell, I call it swimming! Don't you!? She just says it because she didn't swim!


6.7. Söndag


We took a ferry from Långnäs to Kumlinge island. Kumlinge showed us why we now prefer the small islands instead of the main island of Åland. Very friendly folks, almost no tourists at all, and the best accommodations even for our tent camping.
We found a lovely place where we RELAXED , really did! Advertisement: check out this eko-place Hasslebo Gästhem.
And they heated up a sauna for (was it?) 4 euros. And the hostess said funnily 'sorry, but we don't have electric sauna, only wood',,, ;) They also had donkeys! Funny thing also that one of them, called Gunnar, escaped from its fence once we had fixed our tent, and was eating grass next to it. Friendly donkey. And they had one funny black-and white cat, that looked like Adolf. Or Chaplin. It was black-and white, white head with black 'mustache' just like those 2 famous characters.


7.7. Mondag


We took a ferry back to Kustavi and went to visit our friend Kirsi at Rauma.

As a conclusion, we really recommed every one to do a holiday trip to the archipelago of Åland. And next time we will go there, we take only bikes. Why? FREE TRAVELING BY FERRIES ALL THE WAY FROM FINLAND TO SWEDEN IF YOU WISH! AND YOU CAN USE ALL THE FERRIES AROUND ÅLAND FREE OF CHARGE! And the distances are so short there that it is only common sense to use just bikes.

We are very happy about our succesful trip!