16 Best Sights in Southwestern Coast and the Ålands, Finland

Completed in 1480, this church was a place of worship for both monks and nuns and operated under the aegis of the Catholic Church until it was dissolved by the Reformation in the 16th century. Buildings fell into disrepair, then were restored 1963–65 and again in 2011–12. The church is all that remains of the convent. It’s now the wonderful main venue for concerts during the Naantali Music Festival in June.

The Pommern is one of the last existing grain ships in the world and the only four-masted steel barque remaining anywhere. Once owned by the sailing fleet of the Mariehamn shipping magnate Gustaf Erikson, the ship carried wheat between Australia and England from 1923 to 1939. The ship has reopened after extensive restoration work at a new, more accessible dock just below the Åland Maritime Museum, where you'll find a fascinating collection of seafaring items and a great children's section. The Pommern includes interactive aspects that describe the hardships of life on board the ship as well as an audio tale for children by Karin Erlandsson called Ruby's Voyage.

Some of Finland's most famous paintings, including works by Akseli Gallen-Kallela, as well as a broad selection of turn-of-the-20th-century Finnish art and contemporary works, are housed in this imposing granite building. Situated on a hill above the city, the building was completed in 1904 and in itself is worth the visit. Call ahead for information on guided tours.

Where the Aura flows into the sea stands Turku Castle, one of the city's (and the country's) most important historical monuments. The oldest part of the fortress was built at the end of the 13th century; the newer part dates from the 16th century. The castle was damaged by bombing in 1941, and its restoration was completed in 1961. The vaulted chambers give you a sense of the domestic lives of the Swedish royals. Linger for a while in the decent gift shop and pleasant café on the castle grounds.

This museum of history and contemporary art in Turku displays a unique combination of the two elements. Begun as a straightforward extension of the Villa von Rettig collection, the museum's concept changed when workers discovered archaeological remains, which were excavated and incorporated into the museum. Modern art in the old villa, part of the Matti Koivuranta Foundation Collection, includes works by Auguste Herbin (1882–1960) and Max Ernst (1891–1976), as well as works by Picasso, Warhol, and Hockney, although not all works are always on display. The preserved excavations, revealing the sunken former street level of the city, in the Aboa Vetus section date to as early as the 13th century.

About 8 km (5 miles) from the village of Kastelholm in Sund are the scattered ruins of a huge naval fortress, which was built by the Russians in the early 19th century. It was only half-finished when it was destroyed by Anglo-French forces during the Crimean War. The fortress is open for touring at all times and has explanatory signs. An informative visitor center presents the history of Bomarsund and the circumstances in which it was attacked. Cross the short bridge over the channel to visit the secluded cemeteries of the fortress's diverse former occupants.   

Eckerö is a small coastal community some 40 km (24 miles) northwest of Mariehamn and the site of one of its most interesting and unusual attractions: the Post and Customs House. The grand building, designed by Carl Ludvig Engel, who also planned Helsinki's Senate Square, was constructed in 1828 and houses an artists' residence, with exhibition space, a gift and book shop, and café. The building was a hub on a postal route that took mail by small boats and overland from Stockholm, crossing Åland to Turku and onward to the Russian capital at the time, St. Petersburg. A similar system persisted until 1910, when Åland was still part of the Russian Empire. The route extends for 65 km (39 miles) through the islands and is marked with information signs at places of interest. 

Åland is known for its many beautiful stone churches adorned with votive ships. One of the best examples is at Hammarland, a village about 30 km (18 miles) northwest of Mariehamn, with 12th-century origins.

At this popular museum near the castle at Kastelholm, the buildings and outhouses from the 18th century show what farming life was like on the island 200 years ago. A traditional maypole, which is a typical feature of the Åland landscape, is erected here on Midsummer Eve. The buildings are open only in the summer months, but the museum hosts a small Christmas market during Advent season.

Kastelholm is a wonderfully preserved medieval castle, with 14th-century origins, built by the Swedes to strengthen their presence on Åland. The nearby 18th-century Vita Björn prison is also worth a visit, and there is a treasure hunt and period costumes for the children, making this a great family destination. By turns, the castle has been a seat of Swedish royal bailiffs and a hunting lodge as well as the victim of damaging fires and sieges. Visits out of season can be made by arrangement.

The Moominworld theme park brings to life all the famous characters of the beloved children's stories written by Finnish author Tove Jansson. The stories emphasize family, respect for the environment, and new adventures. Obviously, it’s a very popular family destination—though somewhat overpriced as such—but it’s a draw for tourists of all ages. Sadly, it’s open only in summer.

The "mother church" of the Finnish Lutheran faith and Finland's national shrine, this medieval cathedral was first consecrated in 1300 (before the Reformation) and its 101-meter-tall stone tower is one of the city's main landmarks in its most historic quarter next to a broad cobbled square and close to the river. It contains a small museum of historic items as well as the tomb of Bishop Hemming, one of the cathedral's first benefactors.