Operation Outdoor: Åland’s New Focus on Adventure Tourism

Åland is stepping up as a top destination for outdoor enthusiasts with a new initiative called Operation Outdoor. The project highlights three fast-growing adventure sports on the islands: bouldering, disc golf, and kayaking. To make it easier for both visitors and locals to explore these activities, Åland is launching three dedicated websites – one for each sport – aimed at showcasing routes, rentals, events, and service providers in one accessible hub.

But what sets Åland apart from other major Baltic Sea islands like Gotland and Öland?

While Gotland and Öland offer popular summer beach destinations, Åland brings something truly unique: a sprawling archipelago made up of more than 6,700 islands. This natural layout creates ideal conditions for sea kayaking, island-hopping, and exploring secluded coves that are unreachable by car or foot. The stillness of the sea, combined with abundant birdlife and red granite cliffs, makes paddling in Åland an experience unlike anywhere else in Northern Europe.

Åland also stands out in its location. Situated in the heart of the Baltic, the islands lie perfectly between Sweden, Finland, and Estonia, making them a natural meeting point for Nordic travelers. With direct flights from Stockholm Arlanda taking only 30 minutes, it’s surprisingly easy to swap city stress for a day of adventure on the water or in the forest.

Whether you're scaling a granite boulder in Getabergen, sinking a long putt on a forest disc golf course, or gliding through the archipelago in a kayak, Åland is ready to welcome the next generation of outdoor explorers.

Stay tuned as Operation Outdoor takes shape – and discover your own wild corner of the Baltic.