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Åland is an independent, Swedish speaking region in Finland, with its own flag. The
province consists of more than 6.500 islands and skerries. Typical for
Åland are the midsummer poles, the windmills, the beautifully polished red bedrocks and
the Åland delicacies; Åland pancake and black bread. The population of Åland is currently at an all-time high. According to a travel memoir
written by F.W. Radloff in the 18th century there were 11,000 people in the Islands at
this time, spread across 80 different islands. In 1905 the number had grown to 22,000
living on 150 islands. Over the centuries many islands have been linked to each other or
with the main island through bridges and embankments while others have been depopulated.
The current population of ca 26,923 live on only 65 islands. Over 40 per cent live in the
only town, Mariehamn. Åland in figures
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Total area 6,784 km², of which land 1,527 km² and main island
1,010 km² |
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Highest point above sea level 129 m |
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Average daily temperature: July +18.5
°C and
February + 0.5 °C |
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Population 26,923, of which in Mariehamn ca 11,000 |
The right of common If you want to be in the Åland nature you should remember that
the right of common is slightly more confined here than in other
Scandinavian countries.
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You are allowed to move around freely in nature, but avoid
private land, cottages, bridges and beaches. Do not leave
rubbish behind, take it to the nearest recycling station.
Remember to close gates behind you to avoid letting grazing
animals out. |
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You're welcome to pick berries and mushrooms for your own
consumption but avoid picking flowers or collecting plants.
Remember that flowers are prettiest in their natural setting.
In nature reserves, picking plants, collecting insects or
minerals and rocks is strictly forbidden. |
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Be careful not to disturb waterfowl during their breeding
season, 15 April-15 June. During this time it's forbidden to
go ashore on certain islets and to fish from shore. Any kind
of hunting requires special permits. |
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Interested in fishing? Please remember to purchase your
manadtory fishing license first. Licenses are sold at shops and by cottage owners. |
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Camping is allowed only by permission from the landowner.
In nature reserves it's forbidden. As an alternative, visit
the nearest camping ground. |
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Please note that in Mariehamn camping in mobile homes has
to take place on designated campgrounds and not in streets,
roads, parks or parking lots. Besides, it's in the campground
that it's easiest to enjoy camping life - they are all
supervised and provided with all kinds of facilities for the
family to enjoy. |
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You are only allowed to make a fire if you have the
landowner's permission and only when there's NO fire hazard
warning. In nature reserves,
fireplaces are only allowed in designated places. Please do
not build fires directly on the rocks, this causes cracks and
ugly burns that can never be removed. Please make sure that
all fires are properly extinguished when leaving a site. |
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Dogs must be supervised at all times and leashed while
spending time in a nature reserve |
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Anyone planning on diving must obtain permission from the
Åland provincial government, +358-18-25 000 |
Source: Åland Tourist Information website:
www.visitaland.com and
Åland in Brief brochure published by Åland Parliament and Åland Government |
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