What is the biggest island in Finland?
Finland’s largest island is the main island of Åland, also known as Fasta Åland. Åland is an autonomous and demilitarized province located in the middle of the Baltic Sea, between Finland and Sweden. The main island of Åland has an area of approximately 685 square kilometers, which makes it the largest island in Finland.
The special status of Åland
Åland enjoys a special status in the Finnish administration. It is an autonomous region with its own legislative power and administration. Åland’s self-government is based on the 1920 Åland Agreement, which guarantees extensive self-government for the region. Åland has its own parliament, the Åland Provincial Parliament, and it is responsible for many things, such as education, healthcare and transport.
Nature and tourism
The main island of Åland and the surrounding smaller islands offer wonderful nature experiences. The archipelago landscape is unique, and the area has plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, such as cycling, hiking and boating. Åland is also a popular tourist destination with many historical attractions such as Kastelholma Castle and Bomarsund Fortress.
Transport connections
The main island of Åland has good transport connections from both Finland and Sweden. The island is easily accessible by ship, and the port of Mariehamn is an important traffic hub. In addition, Åland has its own airport, which offers connections to, for example, Helsinki and Stockholm.
The culture of Åland
The culture of Åland is a mixture of Finnish and Swedish traditions. The official language of the region is Swedish, and most of the inhabitants speak it as their mother tongue. Åland has a rich cultural life, which includes theater, music and art exhibitions.
