LangnasFinland · Ferry Destinations

All About Langnas

Langnas is a serene port town on the eastern coast of Lumparland, the smallest municipality of Åland, with 362 permanent residents. A part of the predominantly Swedish-speaking autonomous Finnish archipelago, Langnas is an easy-going holiday destination and a favorite cruise port. Due to the town’s proximity to the capital Mariehamn, it sees several tourists arrive during the summer months searching for quaint accommodations in picturesque locals. In Langnas, quietude is no longer a luxury, but an ever-present gift that everyone gets to relish year in and year out. Taking a ferry to Langnas is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare ferry companies and book ferry tickets.
 

Routes and Ferries to Langnas

A voyage snaking between thousands of islands that form the Åland archipelago is by far the best way to reach this relatively unexplored part of the world. Ferry tickets to Langnas are available from Turku in mainland Finland and Stockholm in Sweden. Having multiple Åland Islands connections available, Ferryscanner is the go-to website for all your ferry planning and ferry ticket needs. Tallink, and Viking Line have boats arriving daily from Turku with a travel time of just over four hours. The trip from Stockholm clocks in at six hours, with ticket prices starting at €90.

To arrive in Langnas by air, travelers must first fly into Mariehamn Airport from Turku, Stockholm, or Helsinki using either Finnair or Air Leap. From the airport, one can self-drive, take a bus, or a 30-minute taxi ride to Langnas.
 

Port of Langnas

An important, yet small port in the Baltic Sea, Langnas has been in use by ferries since the 1960s. Its popularity dwindled in the 1980s until a new terminal was built and operations restarted in 1999. Since then, it has become a stopover for several cruise ships and a substitute harbor for Mariehamn, approximately 30km from Langnas. Although only basic amenities are available here, several international tourists still prefer to arrive and depart from Langnas Port due to its duty-free status. As a result, ferry tickets to Langnas are also an opportunity to pick up great shopping bargains. With one dock responsible for accommodating close to 3000 vessels per year, the port is regularly updating its services. It is among the first to use a rope-free mooring system, making passenger transfers faster and safer. Bus service from the port connects it with Mariehamn, whereas taxis are ready outside the terminal at scheduled ferry arrival times.
 

Places To Visit Around Langnas

The best places to visit in Lumparland are usually a quick and smooth drive from Langnas. On the other hand, ferry tickets to Langnas and the boats leaving the port town daily make it easier to visit nearby islands for a day trip or the weekend.

Mariehamn

The capital of Åland is a mere 30-minutes from Långnäs, thus perfect for a day trip packed with adventure and sightseeing. Since there aren’t any restaurants in Lumparland, don’t leave Mariehamn without indulging in its culinary offerings. Kvarter5, Seagram, and Smakbyn are restaurants serving delicious local and Nordic cuisine. The rest of the day breezes by while visiting the Åland Maritime Museum, Bomarsund with its remains of a Russian fortress, and Kobba Klintar, popularly known as the ‘Ålander statue of liberty’.

Lumparn

From Langnas, it is possible to reconnoiter one of the most significant geological sites in the world. Lumparn is a 9km wide impact crater that forms a bay adjoining the western shores of Lumparland. Dating back millions of years, one can sometimes find fossils here. Several of the farmers with bordering properties are happy to let visitors look around. Do ask for permission before taking any fossils you might come across.

Degerby

If you want to experience a little more activity than in Langnas, take a weekend tour of Degerby in the Föglö Islands. A direct 30-minute ferry from Svinö sails to this charming village with wooden houses every day. One can also take a ferry from Langnas to Överö and then drive to Degerby. On reaching the town, spend time in a sauna, partake in the tradition of fika (coffee and cake with a friend), and drop by the Degerby Igor Museum to learn about the decade when the island was a Russian naval base.   

Kapellskär

A break that requires a bit of planning is to the town of Kapellskär, connected to Langnas via a three-hour ferry. The Swedish port doesn’t have many attractions but is a gateway to fjord cruises that leave the harbor. Ålanders also travel to Kapellskär in the winter months to access the ski slopes of the Uppland region.

Sågkvarnen i Lumparland

Family days at Sågkvarnen i Lumparland are about a bit of learning and a lot of fun. Sågkvarnen is a farm with a wind-generated sawmill, vintage tractors, and plenty of space to run around for the kids. Regular events take place here during summers and on holidays, including flea markets and the famous harvest party in September. Make sure to go on an empty stomach because the fresh vegetables, homemade bread, ice-cream, and barbeque sausages on sale are always delectable to taste.   
 

Things To Do Around Langnas

Thrill and excitement take a backseat in Langnas, shadowed by the unassuming charm of nothingness. Limited attractions in the region lead to more quality time with loved ones and a chance to be in tune with Lumparland’s natural surroundings.

Lumparland Church

A five-minute drive from Langnas Port brings you to Lumparland Church in the town of Klemetsby. A beautiful white building with a dark roof and yellow windows, the church sits on a gentle hill. Its significance lies in that Lumperland Church is the oldest wooden building of its kind in Åland. There have been mentions of a chapel in this location dating back to 1544. The church’s interior has pictures of the apostles, a votive ship, and an altarpiece said to represent the Last Supper.

Boat Trips

The closest proper beach to Langnas is in Mariehamn. Although only half-hour away, you can jump into the refreshing waters of the Baltic without having to go that far. The coastline around Langnas is brimming with cute coves and glorious nooks one can comfortably reach with a kayak or a boat. So, gather your friends, pack a picnic basket, and sail off for a happy day exploring secluded spots for sunbathing and swimming.

Nybonds i Krogstad

Open only during the summer months, Nybonds is an 18th-century farmhouse that sheds a spotlight on how life was in Lumparland half a century ago. The back-to-basics environment is a welcome change, made all the more pleasant by delicious homemade food served at the on-site café. Nybonds has several monthly events, such as flea markets, and it is worth planning a visit during one of them.

Hiking and Camping

Not just Langnas, but the entire Åland is an outstanding hiking and camping destination. Several walking trails start from Langnas and pass-through various villages and towns of Lumparland. Seasoned campers returning to the area typically bring along their own tents and gear. However, a few camping sites and water facing villas in Lumparland provide the same experience with a little more comfort.

Midsummer’s Eve Celebrations

To be in Langnas during Midsummer’s festivities is a special occasion. The most important holiday on the calendar is celebrated with much enthusiasm and vigor throughout the country. On Midsummer’s Eve, children and adults dress up in traditional clothes, come together for a feast, and decorate a maypole using flowers and leaves. Signifying nature and fertility, maypoles are typically 10 or 20 meters tall. Locals often dance around the maypole as part of this colorful, not-to-be-missed folkloric party.
 

Transportation Around Langnas

For an archipelago, many first-time visitors find the ease of transportation within Åland quite surprising. Ferry tickets to Langnas don’t only include international vessels but a vast network of ‘archipelago ferries’. Best of all, these boats between the various towns of Åland are free for passengers. However, one has to pay if sailing with a vehicle or a bicycle. Bus service in Langnas is limited but a cheaper option to travel around Lumparland. The maximum rate for any bus ride is €4.50. Taxis are a much-preferred alternative and readily available across the region. One reason to base yourself around Langnas is to enjoy its scenic beauty, best appreciated when walking through the countryside. Better yet, rent a bike and quickly start discovering some of the natural wonders nearby.