Follow the signposted cycling routes, sometimes along cycling paths by the main roads, other times along winding village roads with little traffic. Where the road ends, you can continue your journey on a bicycle ferry or archipelago ferry.
Here are tips for two shorter cycling tours starting from Mariehamn. The first one goes southwards over bridges and causeways towards the nature trails of Nåtö and Järsö, and Stickstugan crafts café. The other one takes you along the main road no. 3 towards Lemland and to Lemböte Chapel dating back to the 1200s, and once located along an important medieval fairway.
For an overnight roundtrip you can bike from Mariehamn to Snäckö in Geta and take the bicycle ferry to Skarpnåtö in Hammarland the following day, and then cycle back to Mariehamn. The bicycle ferry runs daily from June 24th to August 25th with departures at 12.30 from Snäckö and 13.00 from Skarpnåtö. In July and August, additional departures at 16.00 from Snäckö and 17.00 from Skarpnåtö are available upon prior booking. If you prefer not to stay overnight, you can bike in the opposite direction, starting towards Hammarland.
Many stops along the way
Along the cycling route, you can stop at various places of interest, including Skarpnåtö Homestead Museum and Sålis Battery Hill in Hammarland, as well as St. Olav’s Church in Jomala, one of the oldest medieval stone churches in Finland. You’ll also pass several fine restaurants and cafes, such as Johannas Hembakta and Pub Stallhagen in Grelsby, Grannas Bistro next to the apple orchards in Tjudö, and Soltuna Restaurant & Café on Getabergen hill.
While waiting for the bicycle ferry, enjoy a snack or a meal at Lolo’s Seaside Café & Restaurant in Snäckö with outdoor seating on the seaside jetty. Or, spend the night in a glamping tent at Snäckö Canvas Hotel.
