Åland: swap the sun lounger for a start line

There are many ways to spend a holiday. Some people dream of a sun lounger, a book and long days without plans. Others want their holiday to include movement, new places, fresh air, sea views and maybe even a start line to look forward to.

For those who want more than just lying on the beach, Åland is a perfect summer destination.

Here you'll find an archipelago made for active days: winding country roads, open sea views, cliffs, swimming spots and a holiday feeling that starts already on the ferry. And the best part? Åland is close to Sweden, but still feels like a real break from everyday life.

With an active holiday in Åland, you can combine movement and recovery. Start the day with a run by the water or cycle to a beautiful swimming spot. Have lunch in the sun and discover small roads, harbours and nature trails. End the day with an evening swim after a delicious dinner at one of Åland's many guest harbours, where food is served right by the quayside.

In Åland, there is room for both energy and calm. Perfect for anyone who wants to run, cycle, swim and paddle — but also enjoy summer to the fullest.

For many active travellers, a holiday becomes even more fun when there is a goal behind the trip. A race gives you something to look forward to, train for and gather around. It makes the holiday more memorable and gives the trip a natural highlight.

In Åland, you can choose the type of challenge and race that suits you.

Do you want to run a race and experience the island on foot? Then Semesterloppet is a great choice — a fun challenge for the whole family or a group of friends.

You can also try triathlon and combine swimming, cycling and running in Åland with a start place in Käringsunds Triathlon in August.

If you would rather discover Åland from the saddle, there is also Käringsundsloppet — a 170 km road cycling challenge for both experienced cyclists and beginners.

If you feel like taking an autumn trip to Åland, you can sign up for Åland Marathon or the half marathon, which takes place in October — perfect if you want something extra to look forward to when summer is over.

Whichever race you choose, you get more than just the competition itself. You get the journey there, the build-up, the feeling at the start, the finish line and everything that happens afterwards.

See all races in Åland and sign up now

One of the biggest advantages of Åland is how easy it is to get here. Ferries from Stockholm to Mariehamn depart several times a day. You step onboard in the middle of the city and a few hours later you are in the middle of the archipelago. The fastest crossing over the Åland Sea takes only two hours with Eckerö Linjen and goes from Grisslehamn to Eckerö.

This convenience makes Åland perfect for an active weekend. For those who want to stay longer, there is also plenty of room to turn the race weekend into a full holiday week. Combine the race with swimming, bike rides, restaurant visits, excursions and calm days by the sea.

There is nothing wrong with lying on the beach. But if you want your summer to include a little more energy, a little more experience and something to look forward to, Åland is an obvious choice.

Here you can run, cycle, swim, race, bathe, enjoy good food and experience the archipelago: an active holiday close to Sweden. Choose your race in Åland and make summer into something more than just days off.