"Åland" Finland Travelogue by Znaky

(for more pics go to bottom of page..)

Ship Ahoy!

The island paradise can be reached from all the points on the map and has always had active contact with people and places across the seven seas. You are approaching an archipelago that has seen and survived storms, piracy and armadas. You will meet people who for generations has depended on their own capabilities to survive. You are on your way to a friendly, self-governing island paradise now known as the islands of peace. Dock, throw anchor and come ashore on an exciting journey of discovery through the history to the present day. Enjoy the company of others or be on your own. Be like an islander - be yourself.

Åland then - and now
When the seal hunters and fishermen came here 6000 years ago, there were only a few islands. Today there are 6500 islands and the people of Åland maintain their livelihood through shipping, tourism, small industries, farming and fishing. Åland is an autonomous demilitarized zone represented both in the Finnish parliament and The Nordic Council. In 1954, Åland raised its own blue, yellow and red crossed flag for the first time and since 1984 has issued its own postage stamps. Swedish is the official language, but as a tourist you will find that locals will do their best to serve you in a language you can understand.

An explosion of events during the summer 2000
The year 2000 will be a year full of events on Åland. The greatest of which will be The Cutty Sark Tall Ships' Race. Around nearly 100 proud sailing vessels will grace Mariehamn from 21 - 24 July. Celebrations in true seafaring style begin on July 14. Daily performances in the market square with the carnival Grand finale featuring a magnificent firework display.

ATP Senoir Tour
The great masters will meet again this year in Mariehamn, Björn Borg, Henri Leconte, Yannick Noah and others look forward to meeting the defending champion John McEnroe in the Åland Classics tennis tournament, part of the ATP Senior Tour of Champions.

RocKoff 2000
The popular event amongst young people features top artists and will be held in Mariehamn from 14 - 24 July. The market square will be enlarged to accommodate between 4000 - 5000 visitors.

A view of events being held in Mariehamn during the summer 2000
6 - 9 July, Alandia Jazz Festival
13 - 16 July, Åland Classics tournament of the ATP Senior Tour
14 - 24 July, RocKoff Festival
20 - 23 July, SeaDays
21 - 24 July, Cutty Sark Tall Ships' Race

FACTS
Constitution:
Republic, autonomous part of Finland.

Nature and climate:
A main island, Åland, and 6 500 smaller islands and rocky islets, dividing the Sea of Bothnia from the Baltic Sea. The maritime environment and a favourable climate has given Åland a variety of species both in flora and fauna.
.
People:
A mix of Finns and Swedes. All speak Swedish.
Economy Shipping is of vital importance for Åland, that owns one fourth of Finlands total commercial tonnage. Fishing and manufacturing of fish is another important industry. Agriculture, though, is the base industry. Åland is known for their special
plantations of cucumbers. Sugar beets, onions and other eatable roots are also grown.

History:
Rich finds from 500 -1000AD show that Åland was early inhabited. Here are over 11 000 finds showing that Åland at the end of the Viking era probably was the most densely populated area of Scandinavia. Christened in the early 10th
century. Åland belonged, like the rest of Finland, to Sweden from 1154 to 1809, when it was ceded to Russia in the peace-treaty of Hamina. Ålands capital and only town, Mariehamn, was founded during the Russian era and named after the empress Maria Alexandrovna. A conflict about the sovereignty over Åland aroused between Sweden and Finland when Finland in 1918 declared independence. The population of Åland declared in several referendums that they wanted Swedish sovereignty. Finally the conflict was solved by the League of Nations thus that Åland would belong to Finland, with extensive domestic independence and a neutrality guaranteed by the League of Nations and several great powers. This treaty was signed and approved in 1921. After a referendum in November 1994 Åland joined the EU and was granted taxfree sales on the ferries to both Sweden and Finland.

Åland's Status
Åland is an autonomous, demilitarized zone which is part of Finland. The official language is Swedish. Åland comprises more than 6,500 islands and skerries. The number of inhabitants is 25,392. Mariehamn is the only town.

Time
Åland is on Eastern European Time (GMT +2). When it's 12.00 in Sweden, it's 1.00 on Åland. Summer time according to EU regulations.

Currency
The official currency is the Finnish mark (FIM), however many businesses accept Swedish crowns (SEK).

Banks
Open weekdays 9.30 am - 4.15 pm. Cash dispensers: withdrawals with Finnish banking cards only. VISA cars may be used at Merita Bank, Leonia and Andelsbankens cash dispensers.

Postage
Åland postage stamps must be used on all outgoing mail.

Post Office
Open weekdays 9 am - 5 pm. The Mariehamn post office is also open Sat. 11 am - 2 pm.

Pharmacies
Centralapoteket, Phone +358 18 19714, 19655, Open all days a week.
Provinsialapoteket, Phone +358 18 16511, Open all days a week.

Traffic
The speed limit throughout Åland is 70 km/h, unless otherwise posted. For information on public transportation and ferries within the archipelago contact Ålandstrafiken, Strandgatan 25, Phone: +358 18 25155.

Coast Guard
Those entering Åland by boat from international waters must report their entry to the coast guard. More information available from Ålands Tourist Information (see above..)

Toursit Information:
Ålands Turistinformation: Storagatan 8, Mariehamn, Phone: +358 18 *24000, Open daily June - August 10 am - 6 pm, September - May Mon - Fri 9 am - 4 pm, Sat 10 am - 4 pm.

Important Telephone Numbers
General emergency 112
On-duty doctor 10023
On-duty dentist 14600
On-duty veterinarian 14900
Police 10022
Poisoning 5355
Åland's Sea Rescue 19475

COMMUNICATIONS
Viking Line
www.vikingline.se/fi +358 18 26011, Sthlm/Kapellskär/Hki/Turku - Mhamn

Silja Line
www.silja.com +358 18 16711, Sthlm/Hki/Turku - Mhamn

Birka Cruises
www.kryssa.nu +358 18 27027, Sthlm - Mhamn

Eckerö Linjen
www.eckerolinjen.fi +358 18 28300, Grisslehamn - Eckerö

Travel agency- Ålandsresor
www.alandsresor.fi +358 18 28040

FinnAir
www.finnair.fi +358 18 634500, Hki - Mhamn

Conferances
www.turist-konferens.aland.fi +358 18 15555

Ålands turistinformation (Tourist Information) +358 18 24000 E-mail: info@turist.aland.fi URL www.info.aland.fi

One of the world nicest archipelagos. believe me!!

My mum's house where I grew up.

My youngest brother's rabbits..