Åland Islands

A couple of weeks ago we visited these interesting islands. It is actually an archipelago that consists of over 6,500 skerries and islands situated at the entrance to the Gulf of Bothnia. It is an autonomous, demilitarized, monolingually Swedish-speaking region and historical province of Finland. It has had relevant strategic value and nowadays, people in Åland live somehow independently but still sorrounded by two countries (Sweden and Finland) with which they share languages and traditions. I know from the Spanish model, that speaking a different language makes a big difference, and most Åland inhabitants do not consider themselves Finns at all. They still share traditions and also the food...but I would say that people from those islands remind me much more of Swedish than of Finns. The landscapes in these islands are incredibly beautiful and the only pity is that there was very few people, empty streets...I would have expected lively streets in a place that is considered a turist destination for Finns and Swedish. However, it was very nice to travel through the islands and enjoy good weather. By the way! We were witnesses of the mid-summer celebrations. They lift big poles decorated with flowers and sing some kind of childish songs. Recommendable if you like countryside, sea life and rest in a quiet and cozy place.

The video summarises the exciting experiences you can live on board the Viking Line ferry going from Turku to Mariehamn (Capital city of Åland). Yes, that couple was drunk (and probaly mentally retarded) but those who dance, let's say, seriously, are even more pathetic.