In Eckerö, the attractions range from rocks dating back to different geological eras to a historic post and customs house. The Geostigen “Genom eld och is”, the Eckerö Post- & tullhus, Degersand beach and Eckerö Golf each offer something different. This lets you choose between geology, history, swimming and golf for your trip.
Geology and coast
The 350-metre-long Geostigen “Genom eld och is” begins just outside the Ålands Jakt- och Fiskemuseum. It passes boathouses on the way to the sea cliffs and features rocks from different geological eras. The trail conveys Åland’s geological history over a period of two billion years. The 350 metres describe the length of the trail, while two billion years is the timeframe of this history: a short walk and a deep glimpse into the history of the Earth sit side by side here. If you are interested in geology, this is a clear highlight among Eckerö’s nature and cultural experiences.
At Degersand beach, a stretch of shoreline slopes gently down to the Åland Sea and invites adults and children to swim. This offers a different focus from the Geostigen: there, rocks and geological eras take centre stage; here, it is the gently sloping coast and swimming. Together, these two themes give you a clear point of reference when considering whether natural history or time by the water better suits your travel interests.
Postal history and golf
The Eckerö Post- & tullhus served for more than a hundred years as a Russian border station facing Sweden. It is an important part of Åland’s cultural heritage and closely connected to the old postal road, Postvägen. Its border function and postal route offer two historical perspectives on the same building: its role as a border station and its connection to the old postal service. This historical highlight stands in clear contrast to the geological themes by the sea.
Eckerö Golf offers four different tee options. These include options that make the game accessible to beginners, young people and players with shorter hitting distances. For golf enthusiasts, it is not just the course itself that matters, but also the choice of different tees. Along with the Geostigen, the post and customs house, and Degersand, golf reveals another distinct side of what Eckerö has to offer.
More to explore in rural Åland
Rural Åland is the broader regional setting; the following examples belong to this destination and are not attractions in Eckerö. At the Bomarsund Visitor Centre, the area’s history is presented through sound and images. Kastelholm Castle was built as a defensive fortress in the late 14th century; Jan Karlsgården is an open-air museum in the Kastelholm area. Jomala Church is also among the oldest stone churches in Finland.
In Geta, an observation tower stands on Getabergen, offering far-reaching views in clear weather. Prästö is home to cemeteries belonging to Greek Orthodox, Muslim, Lutheran, Catholic and Jewish communities. They are connected with the period when the Bomarsund fortress was built. The Prästö hiking trail passes a Russian telegraph station and the Doniken accommodation; both are among the few surviving Russian buildings in Åland.
Small producers and local tastings are also among the things to explore in rural Åland. There are several authentic small producers in the area. Visitors can stroll among sprawling apple orchards to buy the famous apple juice, or visit a caramel workshop and sample handmade sweets. Offerings and opening arrangements may vary among individual producers, so check availability if you plan to visit.
Discover more destinations: Finström, Geta, Hammarland, Saltvik, Jomala, Lemland, Lumparland
Back to the main travel overview: Rural Åland.
