Best things to do in Aland Island

Aland Maritime Museum reveals the stories of merchant voyages and artifacts from distant lands, and exhibits one of the world's only four-masted sailing ships still in its original condition. The exhibits include objects like a stolen 18th-century pirate flag and pots that the crew drank their tea from. Read logbooks and archives to find out about adventures at sea, pirate attacks, and talk of mythical creatures. You'll be able to browse through personal letters and diaries of successful brokers and weary sailors. The site features numerous family-friendly interactive stations, including a mast that kids can climb and a karaoke zone. Call in advance, as some sections of the museum require reservations. Note that you can use your ticket to visit the ship, or to return to the museum for a second visit.

Kastelholm Castle (Swedish: Kastelholms slott) is a Swedish-built medieval castle located off Road 2 in Sund, Åland, Finland, approximately 25 kilometres (16 mi) northeast of Mariehamn, overlooking a fjord to the south of the village of Kastelholm. Along with Hämeenlinna, Olavinlinna in Savonlinna, Raseborg, and Turku, Kastelholm is one of only five surviving Finnish medieval fortresses that are also considered to be architecturally substantial. Built in the 14th century, and held in fief during the Middle Ages by various nobles, feudal chiefs, and kings, it had significant period in the 15th and 16th centuries.

Built in the 14th century, originally on a small island surrounded by moats filled with water and planted with several rows of poles, the castle has been of strategic importance in consolidating Swedish authority over the Baltic over the last several centuries; with several Swedish monarchs parading through the history. It was first damaged in the 1599 civil war when it came under the control of King Charles IX and was rebuilt by 1631. The castle was gutted and ruined in 1745. In the 1930s, it was partially used as a granary. However, since then it has been refurbished and is now an important part of the tourist circuit in Åland.

As part of Aland Maritime Museum, Museumship Pommern presents artifacts aboard a four-masted sailing ship anchored in the harbor. Rumored to be the world's only remaining four-masted ship in its original condition, the so-called lucky vessel survived both world wars intact and lost only four crew members in its entire history. Today this ship (built in 1903) is considered the symbol of the town. Board the 95 m (312 ft) long vessel to see the complex masts and tour its interior spaces, from hold to charthouse. Examine the exotic collection of artifacts collected during its voyages. Piranhas and shark jaws adorn the shelves, and one display presents a rare pirate flag. Note that your ticket is valid for either an additional visit to this attraction or a visit to the maritime museum.

Eckerö post- och tullhus (Eckerö Mail & Custom's House) was built in 1828 and drawn by the architects Carl Ludvig Engel and Carlo Bassi. The building is fashioned in the neoclassical empire style. Nowadays it functions as a culture center.

http://www.kultur.ax/gaestbostaeder (Artist in residence. Information in swedish and english)