Lemland: Archipelago, Maritime History and Nature

Lemland combines maritime history with protected landscapes and a range of opportunities for excursions. Its historic landmarks span a 12th-century seafarers’ chapel and a carved Madonna from the 1320s; outside, meadows, coastal scenery and seasonal boat traffic add to the experience. When looking for a holiday apartment, it helps to first decide which experiences should shape your stay: culture, nature or outdoor activities.

Maritime History and Religious Art

Lemböte Chapel is an old seafarers’ chapel dating from the 12th century and a worthwhile destination for an excursion. Lemland Church houses the Lemland Madonna, a sculpture carved from oak in the 1320s, depicting Mary with the infant Jesus on her lap. The church’s religious art also includes two 14th-century crucifixes and other late-medieval figures.

In the municipality, Skeppargården Pellas was built in 1884 by shipowner Erik Petter Eriksson. The four skerries that make up Rödhamn have sheltered seafarers from storms in the Åland Sea since the Middle Ages. Herröskatan Nature Reserve contains the ruins of fortifications from both world wars. Together, these places illustrate different aspects of history: religious art, the story of a shipowner, the skerries’ role as shelter from storms and military remains.

Meadows and Nature Reserves

Nåtö’s landscape is shaped by flower-rich meadows with wild orchids, old pastures, coastal meadows and lush hazel groves. The meadows are traditionally mown each year in July. Here, the landscape and its upkeep go hand in hand: visitors interested in open spaces, groves and how they are managed will find a distinctive nature experience on Nåtö.

In Nåtö Nature Reserve, stay on marked paths, keep dogs on a leash, and do not collect plants or other natural materials. Check the reserve’s current guidance before visiting.

Herröskatan Nature Reserve has walking trails, picnic areas with tables and benches, and a birdwatching tower. Together with the fortification ruins, these offer a different perspective on the reserve than the meadows of Nåtö: here, trails, places to rest and birdwatching sit alongside historic remains.

Hiking and Summer Boat Traffic

The Lemlandsleden can be hiked in several stages. This means you can plan to walk the trail in sections rather than viewing it as a single hike. It offers an option in its own right alongside trips to individual historic sites or nature reserves.

The Lemströms Canal is an excursion destination in summer, when boat traffic is busy. This offers a seasonal contrast to hiking the trail in stages: boat traffic shapes an outing along the canal, while the Lemlandsleden invites you to hike in several sections.

The time of year also brings different highlights: the meadows on Nåtö are traditionally mown each July, while the Lemströms Canal is an excursion destination in summer when boat traffic is busy. If you are looking for a holiday apartment, these highlights can help guide your choice: religious art and maritime history, nature reserves, or hikes in stages all offer different ideas for your vacation days.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Finström, Lumparland, Gottby, Hammarland, Eckerö, Geta, Markusböle, Ödkarby.

For the broader travel overview: Åland’s Countryside.