Best attractions and places to see around Vårdö, located in the Åland archipelago, offer a blend of cultural heritage and natural features. The municipality is characterized by its archipelago landscape, featuring numerous small islands, beaches, and forests. Vårdö provides opportunities for exploring historical sites and enjoying outdoor activities. It is an area known for its maritime traditions and cultural landmarks.
Last updated: October 9, 2026
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Remarkably beautiful open-air museum with free admission. Next to each house, there is brief information about the construction period, origin, and use, also in English.
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If you plan to visit many museums in Finland, then think about buying the Museum Card. It costs about 86 EUR, and gives you access to over 360 Museums in Finland, of which 8 are located in Aland. More details regarding the Museumcard, Museums in Finland and Museum Events here. museokortti.fi Finnish Museums also offer certain days during the month or year where not entry must be paid. Check the website and plan your trip well.
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Our camping ground is situated among the fortress ruins of Bomarsund. In 1854, the allied French and British armies attacked the Russian troops that had built an enormous fortress here. Now you are welcome to our camping ground establishment at the islands of peace. You can easily access us by car, bus, bicycle or boat. The ride from Mariehamn is about half an hour. The sea is right here and our guest harbour in Notviken has 30 boat places. CAMPING AND CABINS A pretty big, quiet, rather cheap but somewhot worne down camping ground. The camping grounds are laid out across 5 hectares, which makes it suitable also for large groups. A beach sauna and a barbecue place are available. In the area 3 cottages (30 m2) for 4-6 persons are available. These are equipped with shower and a kitchen. You may also choose to stay in one of the overnight cabins. RESTAURANT AND CAFÉ close by Café Furulundsgården is our fully licensed Restaurant. Newly built but in an old fashion and with a large outdoor seat place. When you enjoy a cup of coffee in the café, please try the speciality; Åland pancake. ACTIVITIES Swim and relax at the beach, just 10 meters away. Play minigolf or stroll around the ruins. Bikes and boats can be rented. The hiking paths are 5 km’s and 1 km’s. https://www.alandsresor.fi/en/puttes-camping Contact information +358 18 44 040 puttes.camping@aland.net Bryggvägen 2, Bomarsund - 22530 - Sund
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Snackö is the southern ferry port and access to Kumlinge. From the southern port of Kumlingen (Snäckö) take the ferry m/s Ejdern 1-2 times a day to the port of Långnäs in the municipality of Lumparland. The trip takes 1 hour and 45 minutes. There is a fee. Mariehamn is then about 30 minutes by car from Långnäs. You can also take the bus. Note: Some ferry connections only run between Snäckö-Överö (Föglö), from where you have to drive 17 km to the port of Degerby and from there take the ferry m/s Skarven to the main island of Åland. The ferry to Seglinge also leaves from here, duration 7 minutes. It runs as needed, there are certain breaks in the timetable. Tip: Worthwhile excursion destinations in Kumlinge are the Kumlinge church with medieval wall paintings, the local pharmacy and the Hermas farm in Enklinge. If you are looking for an exciting archipelago adventure, you should rent a tour boat with a guide. Otherwise, you can enjoy the view from the old Bärö maritime surveillance station, take the cable ferry to Seglinge or continue your archipelago trip from Snäckö towards the south. https://saaristolautat.fi/
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Sights in Kumlinge: CHURCH A visit to Kumlinge is a must, and a visit to the church is a must. In the armory there are brochures telling about the history of the church and the beautiful wall paintings. Even the young people who work in the church in the summer can tell you about this most important attraction in Kumlinge. The church is located about a kilometer from the center of Kumlingen and is open from June 17th to August 3rd, 2024, Mon-Sat from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. On Midsummer Eve, the church is open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and closed on Midsummer Day. CULTURAL CENTER The Kumlingen Village Committee started a major project in 2012: The goal is to convert the former state school into a meeting place for villagers, visitors and culture. The Kumlingen Cultural Center is located in the middle of the village. There are various exhibitions to see in the summer. Music evenings and market sales are also organized in the area, local announcements report on the events of the summer of 2024. For more information, please contact Airi Pettersson, tel. 045 734 254 17 Pharmacy, Kumlinge The pharmacy near the village of Kumlingen has retained its old style and atmosphere. It is the only pharmacy in the Åland archipelago. You should definitely buy a plaster, because as soon as you enter this old building you feel the rustle of the wings of history! The pharmacy is open on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (in July the lunch break is from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.). kumlingeapotek MEMORIAL STONE The stone stands on the rock next to the pharmacy and commemorates the Battle of Kumlinge in May 1808, when a hundred brave Kumlinge people defeated a Russian battalion in the fields below the rock. The information board at the foot of the rock provides more information about these important moments in Kumling's history. Mine stones AIRBORNE BEACON The Kumlingen Airbeacon was built in 1937, when regular mail traffic by aircraft required beacons to indicate direction. The function of the airbeacon was thus the same as that of the sea beacons: to indicate direction. The island's airbeacon stands on a rock about a kilometre east of the centre of Kumlingen.
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Kumlinge ferry terminal (north): Kumlinge-Marienham - From the northern port of Kumlingen take the ferry m/s Alfågeln (Northern Line) to Hummelvik port in Vårdö municipality, the journey takes 1 hour and 20 minutes. The journey from Hummelvik to Mariehamn takes about another 45 minutes. There is a castle (Töftö) on the way. There is a bus between Hummelvik and Mariehamn. Depending on the day of the week and the time of year, there are about 6 ferry connections daily from Kumlinge towards Mariehamn. Kumlinge-Turku - From the northern port of Kumlingen take the ferry m/s Alfågeln or m/s Ejdern to Torsholma port in Brändö municipality. The journey takes 1 hour and 5 minutes. Drive 22 km through Brändö. From Åva port, take the ferry m/s Åda to Vuosnainen port (Kustavi), the journey takes 40 minutes. From the centre of Kustavi, Vartsala Castle (note: regular service), the journey takes about 10 minutes. After that, the journey to Turku is 70 km. There is a bus between Kustavi and Turku. Depending on the day of the week and the time of year, there are about three ferry connections from Kumlinge to Turku every day. Notes and tips - Bicycles do not need to be booked. It is best to book a vehicle's ferry slot in advance, as the ferries are often quite full, especially in summer. There is a fee for the vehicle's ferry slot, while passenger transport is free. A ferry slot can be booked at the Ålandstrafiken office, tel. 018-25 600 or www.alandstrafiken.ax
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Jan Karlsgården Open Air Museum shows visitors what life on a farm in Åland might have been like in the late 18th century – how people lived and worked there. Various activities are also organized here throughout the year. The museum was founded in the 1930s and took its name from Jan Karls' farm in Finström, from which the main building was also moved. All of Jan Karlsgården's buildings were brought here from different parts of the Åland Islands. Jan Karlsgården offers the visitor a comprehensive overview of the life and building traditions that once existed here. Various types of activity days are organized during the summer, and since the 1940s a traditional Midsummer pole has been set up at Jan Karlsgården on Midsummer Eve. Lillajulmarknaden, the largest Christmas market in Åland, is held at Jan Karlsgården on the first weekend in December. OPENING HOURS May–September daily 10am–5pm, admission free Phone number +358 457 3500 556 http://www.kastelholm.ax https://www.alandsresor.fi/sv/jan-karlsgardens-friluftsmuseum
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Cute open air museum with old buildings from all over the archipelago
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Vårdö offers a rich history. You can visit the 15th-century Vårdö Church, which is typically open during summer. The St. Matthias Chapel (Vårdö), located on the old post road, also has a history dating back to the Middle Ages. For a glimpse into local education, the Åland School Museum showcases inventory from across Åland in a renovated 1888 building. You can also explore Anni Blomqvist's House by appointment, the Vårdö Maritime Museum, and the historical homesteads of Erkas and Seffers.
Absolutely. The Orrdalsklint Summit and Observation Tower offers panoramic views of the archipelago from the highest point in Åland. Sandsund is also known for its magical sunsets, providing a beautiful spot for nature lovers and photographers.
Vårdö is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts. You can rent kayaks and join guided tours from Sandösund Camping, or enjoy fishing experiences offered by Stormskär's Guesthouse and Lökskär. The region is also ideal for cycling, featuring the longest bridge in Åland. For more specific routes, consider exploring the Cycling around Vårdö guide.
Yes, families can enjoy several spots. Puttes Camping Ground offers swimming, minigolf, and a beach. The Åland School Museum provides an interesting educational experience, and the St. Matthias Chapel (Vårdö) is also considered family-friendly.
Vårdö is a great destination for bike trips, featuring the longest bridge in Åland between Töftö and Vargata. You can find various routes, including those that pass by historical sites like the Bomarsund Fortress Ruins or lead to the St. Matthias Chapel (Vårdö). For detailed routes, check out the Cycling around Vårdö or Road Cycling Routes around Vårdö guides.
Vårdö serves as a gateway to the archipelago through its ferry terminals. The Överö Ferry Terminal is a key facility for regional ferry connections on the Southern Line, connecting to various islands. Similarly, the Snäckö Ferry Terminal provides access to Kumlinge and other islands.
Yes, Vårdö is famously connected to novelist Anni Blomqvist, known for her books about Maja on Stormskär. You can visit her former home by appointment, and even take excursions to Stormskär island, which was made famous by her novels and often includes a walk and local refreshments.
Many of Vårdö's cultural attractions, such as the Vårdö Church and the Åland School Museum, are typically open during the summer months. This season also offers ideal weather for outdoor activities like kayaking, cycling, and exploring the archipelago's natural beauty.
Puttes Camping Ground offers camping spots, cabins, and a restaurant (Café Furulundsgården) serving local specialties like Åland pancake. While specific cafes and pubs are not detailed for every attraction, the camping ground provides a convenient option with amenities.
For those interested in running, Vårdö offers several options. You can find trails like the 'Small Harbor loop from Finby' or the 'Djävulsberget – Prästö badstrand loop from Finby'. More details on these and other routes can be found in the Running Trails around Vårdö guide.
Visitors appreciate Vårdö for its blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty. The panoramic views from the Orrdalsklint Summit and Observation Tower are highly praised. The serene archipelago landscape, with its shimmering beaches, rugged cliffs, and tranquil forests, provides a healing retreat, making it a popular destination for those seeking an authentic island experience.


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