About Aland

Aland is an autonomous region of Finland in the Baltic Sea between Sweden and Finland. The archipelago forms the smallest region of Finland and constitutes around half a percent of its land area and population. Aland consists of 6 municipalities and is made up of about 6700 named islands and around 20,000 islands and islets. The capital and main city is Mariehamn which is located on the main island. Mariehamn, Langnas and Eckero are where the majority of the ferries dock. Although Finland is member of the European Union, the Aland Islands are exempt from EU tax regulations so many ferries travelling in the Baltic Sea are able to sell duty free goods, providing they stop off at Aland along the way. This has resulted in some of the most luxurious ferries being used to travel via the islands as well as producing a thriving day cruise market. The income generated from tax free shopping is so high that ticket prices on some routes would increase by up to 1000% without the stopover in Aland.

About Gotland

Gotland is Sweden’s largest island, found in the middle of the Baltic Sea, between Latvia and the mainland’s east coast. The island has much to flaunt: over a hundred middle-ages churches, photogenic towns and villages, top-of-the-range restaurants and the nation’s sunniest climate beating down on sandy beaches. The largest and most visited settlement, Visby is one of Europe’s medieval maestros. Buildings steeped in history, fascinating ruins, idyllic cobbled streets and fairy-tale-style cottages have launched this small port town onto the UNESCO World Heritage list. And quite rightly, too. Given the ease of ferry travel from the mainland and the huge range of attractions on offer, it’s easy to see why Gotland is consistently ranked as one of Sweden’s most popular tourist destinations. You can reach Gotland from either Nynashamn or Oskarshamn, with regular crossings every day to the port of Visby.