Åland Map

Page Navigation: Map of Åland | Detailed Map | About Åland | Geography of Åland | Brief History

Description: This map shows islands, capital city, cities, towns, and municipalities on Åland Islands.

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Description: This map shows islands, main roads, secondary roads, trails, waterways, cities, towns, villages, lakes, peaks, parks, and Municipality boundaries on Åland.

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Åland is an autonomous and demilitarized archipelago located between Sweden and Finland in the Baltic Sea. Comprising over 6,700 islands, of which about 60 are inhabited, Åland has a total land area of approximately 1,580 square kilometers (610 sq mi). Despite being under Finnish sovereignty, the islands enjoy substantial autonomy and have their own parliament (Lagting), government, flag, and official language (Swedish).

Åland's unique political status was established by the League of Nations in 1921, following a dispute between Sweden and Finland. The decision granted Finland sovereignty over the islands but guaranteed their Swedish character and autonomy. The archipelago's demilitarized status, meaning no military presence or fortifications are permitted, was also established at this time. This special arrangement has remained intact for over a century and is recognized under international law.

The population of Åland is approximately 30,600, with about 11,800 residing in the capital city of Mariehamn. Founded in 1861, Mariehamn serves as the commercial and administrative center of the islands. The economy of Åland relies primarily on shipping, tourism, and service industries. The archipelago has its own shipping industry with several ferry companies connecting Finland, Sweden, and Estonia. Tax-free sales on these ferries have historically been an important economic factor.

Agriculture and fishing have traditionally been important in Åland, though their economic significance has diminished over time. Apple cultivation is particularly notable, with Åland producing high-quality apples that are exported to mainland Finland and beyond. The islands also have a tradition of dairy farming and cheese production.

Tourism is a vital industry for Åland, attracting visitors interested in maritime history, outdoor activities, and the archipelago's natural beauty. Key attractions include Kastelholm Castle, a medieval fortress dating back to the 14th century, and the Maritime Museum in Mariehamn, which houses the four-masted barque Pommern, one of the last remaining windjammers in the world. The Åland Maritime Quarter showcases traditional shipbuilding techniques and maritime crafts.

Åland has its own postal authority and issues its own stamps, which are collectors' items worldwide. The islands also have their own top-level internet domain (.ax) and vehicle registration plates.

The archipelago's natural environment is characterized by rocky islands, coniferous forests, and shallow bays. The Baltic Sea surrounding Åland is brackish, with lower salinity than oceanic waters. This creates a unique ecosystem with both freshwater and saltwater species. The islands are home to several nature reserves, including the Björkör Nature Reserve, which protects important bird nesting areas and marine habitats.

The Facts:

Flag of Åland:
Capital:	Mariehamn
Area:	610 sq mi (1,580 sq km)
Population:	~ 30,654 (December 31, 2024)[1]
Official language:	Swedish
How many islands does Åland have?	6,757 islands[1]
Currency:	Euro (€) (EUR)
Driving side:	Right
Calling code:	+358 18
Internet TLD:	.ax
Time zone:	UTC+02:00 (EET) Summer (DST) UTC+03:00 (EEST)
Gross domestic product (PPP) (2007 estimate):	$1.563 billion (Total) $55,829 (Per capita)
Gross domestic product (nominal) (2020 estimate):	€1.1 billion (Total) €36,200 (Per capita)
Official government website:	www.aland.ax
Official tourism website:	visitaland.com

Google Map of Åland

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Main sights in Åland

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Municipalities of Åland

List of Municipalities of Åland

Municipality	Population (March 31, 2025)	Area (sq mi)	Area (sq km)
Mariehamn	11,861	4.6 sq mi	11.81 sq km
Jomala	5,780	55.1 sq mi	142.73 sq km
Finström	2,646	47.7 sq mi	123.43 sq km
Lemland	2,133	43.7 sq mi	113.21 sq km
Saltvik	1,770	58.8 sq mi	152.25 sq km
Hammarland	1,631	53.5 sq mi	138.55 sq km
Sund	1,008	41.8 sq mi	108.21 sq km
Eckerö	958	41.6 sq mi	107.72 sq km
Föglö	503	52.0 sq mi	134.77 sq km
Brändö	427	41.8 sq mi	108.18 sq km
Geta	523	32.6 sq mi	84.55 sq km
Vårdö	468	39.3 sq mi	101.75 sq km
Lumparland	367	14.0 sq mi	36.35 sq km
Kumlinge	272	38.2 sq mi	99.06 sq km
Kökar	224	24.5 sq mi	63.58 sq km
Sottunga	106	10.8 sq mi	28.03 sq km

Geography of Åland Islands

The Åland Islands constitute an autonomous, demilitarized, and Swedish-speaking region of Finland located in the Baltic Sea. This archipelago comprises approximately 6,700 islands and skerries, though only about 60 islands maintain permanent habitation. The total land area encompasses 1,580 square kilometers, with the main island, Fasta Åland, representing 70% of this territory.

Geologically, the islands form part of the Baltic Shield, consisting primarily of red granite bedrock. The landscape exhibits characteristics of post-glacial rebound, with the land rising at a rate of 4-5 millimeters annually. This ongoing geological process continually reshapes the coastlines and creates new islets. The highest elevation reaches only 129 meters above sea level at Orrdalsklint, giving the archipelago a predominantly low-lying topography.

The maritime climate significantly influences the Åland Islands. The Baltic Sea moderates temperature extremes, creating milder winters and cooler summers compared to mainland Finland. Average winter temperatures hover around -2°C, while summer temperatures typically reach 17°C. Annual precipitation averages 550-650 millimeters, distributed relatively evenly throughout the year. The islands experience approximately 1,900 hours of sunshine annually, exceeding most of mainland Finland. The surrounding sea freezes partially during winter months, sometimes enabling ice roads between certain islands.

Vegetation on the islands includes mixed coniferous and deciduous forests covering about 60% of the land area. Pine and spruce dominate the coniferous species, while birch represents the most common deciduous tree. The archipelago supports diverse coastal ecosystems, including rocky shores, sandy beaches, and shallow bays. Agricultural land occupies roughly 9% of the territory, primarily on Fasta Åland, where farmers cultivate cereal crops and maintain livestock operations.

The strategic location of the Åland Islands at the entrance to the Gulf of Bothnia has historically influenced regional maritime trade and politics. Today, this geographic position continues to shape the islands' economy through shipping, tourism, and fishing industries.

The 50 largest Åland islands by area

The 50 largest Åland islands by area

Rank	Island Name	Area (km²)	Area (mi²)	Population
1	Fasta Åland	685	264.5	~28,000
2	Eckerö	117	45.2	~940
3	Kumlinge	26	10.0	~320
4	Kökar	25	9.7	~230
5	Föglö	19.7	7.6	~500
6	Vårdö	18.7	7.2	~440
7	Brändö	17.5	6.8	~480
8	Sottunga	28	10.8	~90
9	Geta	23.6	9.1	~500
10	Sund	21.3	8.2	~1,100
11	Lemland	21	8.1	~2,100
12	Jomala	14.1	5.4	~5,000
13	Saltvik	12.3	4.7	~1,800
14	Hammarland	11.8	4.6	~1,600
15	Simskäla	8.9	3.4	~30
16	Marskär	8.5	3.3	Few
17	Enklinge	8.4	3.2	~60
18	Lappo	8.3	3.2	~30
19	Björkö	7.9	3.1	~20
20	Seglinge	7.6	2.9	~25
21	Husö	7.5	2.9	Few
22	Jurmo	7.0	2.7	~20
23	Asterholma	6.7	2.6	Few
24	Karlby	6.6	2.5	~20
25	Åva	6.5	2.5	~15
26	Lemland (Styrsö)	6.4	2.5	Few
27	Lillandet	6.2	2.4	0
28	Torsholma	6.2	2.4	~15
29	Hellsö	6.1	2.4	~15
30	Baggholma	6.0	2.3	0
31	Kumlinge (Snäckö)	5.7	2.2	~10
32	Vårdö (Hällö)	5.6	2.2	0
33	Kumlinge (Fäliskär)	5.4	2.1	0
34	Källskär	5.3	2.0	0
35	Brändö (Södra Bärö)	5.1	2.0	0
36	Sandö	5.0	1.9	0
37	Rödlöga	4.9	1.9	0
38	Bärö	4.8	1.9	Few
39	Aspskär	4.7	1.8	0
40	Stora Hästö	4.6	1.8	0
41	Örlandet	4.6	1.8	0
42	Finnö	4.5	1.7	0
43	Sandskär	4.4	1.7	0
44	Jussarö	4.2	1.6	0
45	Stora Svartö	4.2	1.6	0
46	Rödhamn	4.1	1.6	0
47	Björkö (Föglö)	4.1	1.6	0
48	Stora Bärö	4.0	1.5	0
49	Ytterholmen	4.0	1.5	0
50	Hästö	4.0	1.5	0

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Lakes of Åland

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Brief History of Åland

Archaeological findings confirm human settlement on the Åland Islands dating back to 5000 BCE, with early inhabitants subsisting primarily through hunting, fishing, and limited agriculture.

The Medieval period brought Åland firmly under Swedish control. Swedish monarchs established administrative structures on the islands by the 13th century, integrating Åland into the expanding Swedish kingdom. Christianity spread throughout the archipelago during this time, with several stone churches from this era still standing today. Åland functioned as an important strategic location for Sweden's Baltic territorial aspirations.

The geopolitical situation changed dramatically in 1809 when Sweden ceded Finland, including Åland, to Russia as part of the Treaty of Fredrikshamn. Russian authorities recognized the islands' strategic value and began constructing the massive Bomarsund fortress. However, during the Crimean War, Anglo-French forces destroyed this fortification in 1854.

The Russian Revolution and Finnish independence in 1917 created uncertainty about Åland's status. Most Ålanders sought reunification with Sweden, but Finland refused to relinquish the territory. The League of Nations resolved this dispute in 1921, awarding Finland sovereignty while granting Åland extensive autonomy and demilitarization. This "Åland Solution" established guarantees for preserving Swedish language and culture on the islands.

Today, Åland maintains its unique autonomous position with its own parliament (Lagting), government, flag, and special status within the European Union. The archipelago continues to function as a Swedish-speaking region of Finland with distinct cultural traditions and political institutions, representing one of the world's most successful autonomy arrangements.

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References

1. ^ Facts about Åland. Statistics and Research Åland (ÅSUB)

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