In Lemland, different traces lead to maritime history, medieval art and landscapes with their own visitor rules. Hiking can also be planned in different ways: the Lemlandsleden can be hiked in several stages, while other destinations are notable for their summer character. This lets you tailor your trip to the themes that interest you most.
Maritime History and Historic Sites
The four skerries belonging to Rödhamn have sheltered seafarers from storms on the Åland Sea since the Middle Ages. Skeppargården Pellas offers another insight into maritime history: shipowner Erik Petter Eriksson built it in 1884. Lemböte Chapel is also part of this historical theme. It is an old seafarers’ chapel dating from the 12th century and a rewarding excursion destination.
The Lemland Madonna is a sculpture carved from oak in the 1320s. It depicts Mary with the infant Jesus on her lap. Lemland Church also contains two 14th-century crucifixes, as well as other late medieval figures. These dates place the works in different historical contexts: the Madonna dates from the 1320s, while the crucifixes are from the 14th century. Together with the other figures, they illustrate different aspects of medieval church art in Lemland.
Nåtö and Herröskatan: Nature and Visitor Rules
Nåtö’s landscape includes flower-rich meadows with wild orchids, older pastures, coastal meadows and lush hazel groves. The meadows are mown traditionally every year in July. This recurring timing gives the landscape a specific seasonal point of reference. In the Nåtö Nature Reserve, stay on the marked trails and keep dogs on a leash. Plants and other natural materials listed in the nature reserve rules must not be collected. Check the reserve’s current guidance before your visit.
The Herröskatan Nature Reserve contains the ruins of fortifications from both world wars. There are also walking trails, picnic areas with tables and benches, and a birdwatching tower. The ruins offer a glimpse into military history, while the trails and picnic areas provide a different focus for spending time outdoors. When planning your visit, you can choose among these different options depending on whether you are most interested in history, a walk or a break at a picnic area.
Hiking and Seasonal Excursions
The Lemlandsleden can be hiked in several stages. One section between Söderby and Lumparsund passes over the 77-metre-high Bistorpberget. From there, you can look out over the Lumparn sea inlet; the area also has large expanses of rock left behind by the inland ice. This section of the trail combines views over the Lumparn sea inlet with the large expanses of rock left behind by the inland ice.
Lemströms Canal is an excursion destination in summer, when boat traffic is busy. For seasonal planning, there are two distinct points of reference: the meadows on Nåtö are traditionally mown every year in July, while busy boat traffic shapes the canal’s appeal as an excursion destination in summer. When deciding when to travel, you can take these seasonal aspects into account alongside the multi-stage hiking opportunities and historic sights.
Discover more destinations: Gottby, Geta, Finström, Ödkarby, Eckerö, Lumparland, Hammarland, Markusböle.
Return to the main travel overview: Åland’s Countryside.
