Eckerö Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, food and drink scene, where to stay, and local culture and customs of Eckerö. Plan your trip with our comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Eckerö

Located in the Åland Islands of Finland, Eckerö is a small municipality that offers a perfect getaway for those looking for a peaceful, traditional Nordic experience. Surrounded by the beautiful Baltic Sea, Eckerö welcomes visitors with its charming coastal villages, lush forests, and stunning landscapes. In this travel guide, we will explore the best places to visit, food and drink scene, where to stay, and local culture and customs of Eckerö.

List of Places to Visit in Eckerö

Eckerö has plenty to offer for those looking for an immersive cultural and natural experience. Here is a list of places you shouldn’t miss during your trip:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Eckerö Post and Customs House Museum: This museum offers a glimpse into the region’s postal and customs history, with exhibits and artifacts from the 19th and 20th centuries.
  • Eckerö Church: This charming wooden church dates back to the 18th century and boasts unique architecture and intricate interior decorations.
  • Kökar Church: Located on a beautiful island in the archipelago, Kökar Church is a unique sightseeing destination with its white stone walls and red roof.
  • Jan Karlsgården Open-Air Museum: This museum showcases the traditional way of life in Åland through its preserved buildings and exhibitions, which includes a blacksmith shop, smoke sauna, and a farmyard.

Natural Attractions of Eckerö: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Eckerö Hallen: This modern sports center offers indoor and outdoor activities, including ice-skating rink, soccer field, and tennis courts.
  • Käringsund Beach: With its clean water, sandy beach, and rocky cliffs, Käringsund is a perfect spot for swimming and picnicking.
  • Dalsbruk Ironworks: This historic ironworks site has been transformed into a beautiful park and nature reserve, with walking trails, picnic areas, and bird watching towers.
  • Lemmströms Canal: Running through the island of Vårdö, this canal is a perfect place for a scenic boat ride or a calm walk along the banks.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Eckerö

Eckerö’s unspoiled natural landscapes are ideal for exploration on foot or by bicycle. Here are some of the best routes to take:

  • Tjusterby-leden Nature Trail: This 6-km trail runs through the beautiful forest landscape of Tjusterby, with its ancient trees and stunning valley views.
  • Bärö Island Hike: This 6-km trail starts from Käringsund and leads through the scenic coastal views of the archipelago.
  • Hammarland Hiking Trail: This trail is perfect for those looking for a more challenging hike, with its steep climbs and beautiful summit views.
  • Föglö Bike Route: This 30-km biking route leads through the picturesque villages and farms of Föglö island, with plenty of stopovers for picnics and photo-ops.

Best Things to Do in Eckerö: Activities and Tours

Eckerö offers visitors plenty of activities and tours to enjoy during their stay. Here are some of the best things to do:

  • Archipelago Boat Cruises: Take a boat cruise and explore the breathtaking beauty of the Åland archipelago, with its rocky islets, sandy beaches, and lush greenery.
  • Fishing Tours: Eckerö is a perfect place for fishing enthusiasts, with its rich marine life and beautiful coastal landscapes. Join a guided fishing tour and catch some pike, perch, or rainbow trout.
  • Mushroom and Berry Picking: During the fall, the forests of Eckerö are home to a variety of mushrooms and berries, which are edible and delicious. Join a guided picking tour and learn about the local flora and fauna.
  • Horseback Riding: Explore Eckerö’s natural landscapes on horseback, and see the island from a new perspective through a guided horseback riding tour.

Week-Long Itinerary for Eckerö

Here is our suggested itinerary for a week-long trip to Eckerö:

Day Activity
Day 1 Arrival in Eckerö: Explore Eckerö Church and Post and Customs House Museum
Day 2 Visit Kökar Island: Kökar Church, Kökar Lighthouse, and Monastery of St. Catherine
Day 3 Admire the Scenic Views: Visit Lemmströms Canal and Käringsund Beach
Day 4 Enjoy Outdoor Activities: Hike Tjusterby-leden Nature Trail and Hammarland Hiking Trail
Day 5 Take a Boat Tour: Explore the Åland archipelago and stop at Föglö island for a bike ride and picnic
Day 6 Sample Local Cuisine: Visit local restaurants and cafes and try traditional dishes like gravlax, smoked salmon, and Åland pancakes
Day 7 Departure from Eckerö: Buy souvenirs and local products at local markets and gift shops

Food and Drink Scene of Eckerö

Eckerö’s cuisine is a blend of traditional Nordic and Finnish flavors, with a focus on fresh local ingredients and seafood. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Gravlax: This dish is made of raw salmon cured in salt, sugar, and dill, and served with potatoes and mustard sauce.
  • Smoked Salmon: Eckerö’s smoked salmon is a local specialty, with its unique texture and flavor.
  • Åland Pancakes: These fluffy, thin pancakes are a traditional Finnish dessert, usually served with whipped cream and fruit jam.
  • Räksmörgås: This open-faced sandwich is served with shrimps, egg, lettuce, and mayonnaise, and is a popular snack among locals.

Local Beverages

  • Åland Beer: The Åland archipelago has its own brewery, Stallhagen Brewery, which produces a variety of beers with locally grown ingredients.
  • Åland Apple Juice: Eckerö’s apple orchards produce some of the best pure apple juice in Finland.
  • Åland Schnapps: This is a strong alcoholic beverage made of local berries, such as lingonberries, raspberries, and blueberries.

Where to Stay in Eckerö: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Eckerö offers a range of accommodation options, from luxurious hotels to budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses. Here are some of the best options:

  • Park Alandia Hotel: This cozy hotel is located in the heart of Eckerö village, and offers comfortable rooms and modern amenities.
  • Käringsund Resort & Conference: This resort offers a variety of accommodation options, including villas, cottages, and camping sites, and is located near Käringsund Beach.
  • Eckerö Camping: This budget-friendly camping site offers plenty of space for tents and caravans, as well as cabins and cottages for rent.
  • Guesthouse Enigheten: This charming guesthouse is located in a traditional Finnish house, and offers comfortable rooms and a cozy atmosphere.

What to Buy in Eckerö: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Eckerö offers plenty of souvenirs and local products to bring home, including:

  • Åland Cheese: Made with locally produced milk, Åland cheese is a delicious souvenir that you can bring home or eat on the spot.
  • Åland Bread: Eckerö’s bakeries produce fresh, delicious bread with local ingredients, such as rye and barley flour.
  • Handicrafts and Textiles: Eckerö’s local markets and boutique stores offer a variety of handicrafts, such as woven rugs and traditional Nordic-style clothing.

Local Culture and Customs of Eckerö

Eckerö has a rich Nordic culture and traditions, which are reflected in the customs and practices of its people. Here are some of the local customs to be aware of:

  • Respect for Nature: Eckerö’s people have a strong connection with nature, and are proud of their unspoiled landscapes and clean environment. Visitors are expected to respect the natural beauty of the island, and avoid littering or damaging the environment.
  • Sauna Culture: Sauna is an important part of Finnish culture, and Eckerö has plenty of saunas where locals and visitors can relax and unwind. Visitors are expected to follow sauna etiquette, which includes showering before entering the sauna and avoiding loud conversations.
  • Language: The official languages of Åland are Swedish and Finnish, and most locals speak both languages fluently. Visitors are encouraged to learn some basic phrases in Swedish or Finnish, as it shows respect and appreciation for the local culture.

Best Time to Visit Eckerö

The best time to visit Eckerö depends on your preferences and interests. Summer (June-August) is the peak tourist season, with mild temperatures, long daylight hours, and plenty of outdoor activities and events. Fall (September-October) is a good time to enjoy the autumn foliage, go mushroom and berry picking, and enjoy a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere. Winter (December-February) is the best time to experience the traditional Nordic winter activities, such as ice-skating, snowmobiling, and skiing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Eckerö

Here are some basic tips and guidelines to follow during your visit to Eckerö:

Do:

  • Respect the natural environment and follow the “everyman’s right” to access public lands and forests.
  • Try the local food and drink specialties, and support local businesses.
  • Learn about the local culture and customs, and show respect for the traditions and practices of the locals.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the natural environment.
  • Ignore the traditional sauna etiquette or disrespect the comfort and privacy of other sauna users.
  • Use offensive language or behavior towards locals or fellow travelers.

Safety and Health

Safety in Eckerö

Eckerö is generally a safe destination, with low crime rates and a friendly, welcoming community. However, visitors are advised to take basic safety precautions, such as locking their valuables, avoiding isolated areas at night, and taking care while driving on the roads.

Health in Eckerö

Eckerö has a high standard of healthcare, with modern medical facilities and well-trained physicians and staff. Visitors from European Union countries are entitled to free or low-cost emergency healthcare services, by presenting their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Visitors from other countries are advised to purchase travel insurance with medical coverage, which covers the cost of medical treatment, hospitalization, and emergency medical evacuation if needed.

Getting to Eckerö: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Eckerö

Åland Airport is located in Mariehamn, the capital of Åland, which is about 35 km from Eckerö. The airport offers daily flights from Helsinki and Turku, and seasonal flights from other Finnish and Swedish cities.

Bus Stations Near Eckerö

Eckerö Linjen operates frequent bus services between Eckerö and Mariehamn, as well as other towns and villages in Åland. Buses are reliable, comfortable, and offer affordable fares.

Other Options

Visitors can also travel to Eckerö by ferry, which departs from Grisslehamn in Sweden and arrives in Eckerö harbor. The ferry offers a scenic journey through the archipelago, and is ideal for those traveling with a car or a bike.

How to Get Around in Eckerö

Eckerö is a small island, and most of its attractions and places of interest can be easily explored on foot or by bicycle. Bicycles can be rented at the local bike shops or at some accommodation options. Taxis and buses are also available, and offer reliable and affordable transportation.

Where to Go Next from Eckerö: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Eckerö’s proximity to other Nordic destinations makes it a perfect starting point for further exploration. Here are some nearby destinations and excursions to consider:

  • Stockholm, Sweden: Take a ferry from Eckerö to Stockholm and explore the historic old town, beautiful parks and gardens, and vibrant cultural scene.
  • Turku, Finland: Turku is a picturesque city with a rich history, including a beautiful castle, museums, and galleries.
  • Helsinki, Finland: Finland’s capital is a bustling metropolis with a great mix of high-profile cultural events and urban attractions like the Helsinki Cathedral, Suomenlinna Fortress or a vast selection of museums & galleries.

Conclusion

Eckerö is a hidden gem of the Nordic region, with its charming coastal villages, lush forests, and stunning landscapes. Whether you are looking for a peaceful getaway, an immersive cultural experience, or an outdoor adventure, Eckerö has plenty to offer. With this comprehensive travel guide, you can plan your trip and explore all that Eckerö has to offer.

Eckerö Eckerö Eckerö Mail and Customs House. Eckerö Mail and Customs House. A boat crew of the yearly rowing and sailing competition honouring villagers with duty of mail transport over the sea, winter as well as summer. A boat crew of the yearly rowing and sailing competition honouring villagers with duty of mail transport over the sea, winter as well as summer.