This is a province of Finland where the only official language is Swedish! It has a high degree of independence, its own flag, radio station and stamps.

It lies between Sweden and Finland and consists of a large archipelago in the Baltic Sea. It must surely be a quintessential Soft Travel type of destination. We stayed for almost a week in a chalet at the capital, Mariehamn, when the adjacent woods were covered in spring flowers, the cowslip being the national flower of Åland [Swedish name.]

Urban transport in Mariehamn is limited but it's free, as are the inter-island ferries for pedestrians and for motorists who intend to spend a minimum time on islands other than the main island. There are five bus routes from Mariehamn to different parts of the main island or those conected by bridges.

I think the lack of contours would eventually disenchant me but it's splendid for a week or probably a fortnight.

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This message has been edited. Last edited by: Colleen,