Car rental Åland Islands

The Åland Islands consist of around 6,700 named islands, with 60 being inhabited. They're located midway between Sweden and Finland and are part of Finland, but they maintain political autonomy and the official language is Swedish. The population is around 29,000 with the capital city being Mariehamn.

Driving in Åland

The experience of driving on the Åland Islands is a little different from driving in mainland UK. We've listed some important points to note for beginners as well as seasoned car hire users.

Car Hire Tips

• Most of the cars are manual. Make sure you specify if you need an automatic one.
• Drive on the right-hand side and overtake from the left.
• Seatbelts are compulsory for driver and passengers.
• You must use dipped headlights at all times.
• Speed limit is generally 50km/h in urban areas, and 80 or 100km/h outside.

Routes To Explore

To truly appreciate the beauty of the Åland Islands, you need to drive around and see it for yourself. Here are some must-visit spots.

• Lighthouse island Märket: This unique island is a split territory between Finland and Sweden. A definite must-see!
• Getabergen Nature Reserve: Offers great hiking trails. With its well-preserved forest, it is certainly one of the best places for a day trip.
• Kastelholm Castle: Located by the lake, it gives incredibly picturesque views. This medieval castle has a museum too.
• Mariehamn: A youthful vibrant city with a marina, museums, parks and shopping facilities.

Special Events

The best time to visit the Åland Islands depends on what you want to do. But no matter when you come, there's always something going on!

• Summer is the most popular and offers alfresco dining, boating, fishing and beach life.
• Ruissalo's flower festival celebrates the fauna and flora.
• In autumn, the highlight is the annual harvest festival with food, craft and culture.
• Winter sees beautiful snowy landscapes, ice-fishing and skiing. If you're lucky you might spot northern lights.

Currency Facts

The local currency is Euro. However, card payments are widely accepted across Åland Islands, much like in mainland UK. It's wise to always have some cash for small purchases.

So, are you ready to experience the magical charm of the Åland Islands? Remember, the freedom of a rental car is all you need to unlock this hidden gem of the Baltic Sea!