Sottunga is a tiny island in the middle of Åland's archipelago with a population of about 100. The island has been inhabited for at least 1000 years and the population were at its largest in the 1920's with about 400 inhabitants. When the sailing route between Finland and Sweden passed through the archipelago many sailors and travelers would stay the night in Sottunga. Like other natives the people of Sottunga had to arrange their travels in boats of their own until the 20th century when regular passenger traffic was introduced. Today the archipelago ferries call at Sottunga daily on their trips through the Southern archhipelago.
Sottunga is one of the most peaceful places you can find, and therefore a natural stop for our easy bike tour The Pilgrim's Path. The island is easy to explore in its entirety from the saddle.
The Sottunga marina and the restaurant Salteriet is located by the ferry harbour and is a very popular stop for yachts, which often pass here on their way to or from neighbouring Föglö. Salteriet is famous in all of Åland for their schnitzels.
Down by the harbour you will also find a free to play disc golf course.
Ferries to Sottunga depart from Långnäs in mainland Åland, Överö in Föglö, and from Kökar. The ferry line is called "Södra Linjen" (The Southern Line) and departures for vehicles have to be booked with Ålandstrafiken.
Sottungas small, red-painted church is dedicated to saint Mary Magdalene, just like its sister church in Föglö. The church is made from wood and was constructed in 1728 after the previous 16th century church burnt down. It is located just a short walk from the harbour. Like in other Ålandic churches, a wooden ship model hangs from the ceiling.
In the middle of the island, the Sottunga village sits. Here you'll find a grocery store, the school, the Midsummer pole, and the Sottunga local heritage museum, open during summer with exhibitions and events.
Down by the harbour you'll find newly renovated Strandhugget, where they offer accommodation in rooms and cabins, including bed linen and breakfast. They also have a sauna with a nice view of the sea, as well as SUP boards for rent for those who want to go explore around the nearby islands.
Sottunga has three hiking trails. The first is 2,5 km long, beginning and ending by the ferry pier. This trail has signs informing about the history of Sottunga. The second trail is 3 km long and begins by the school. This trail has signs informing about life in Sottunga past and present. The third trail takes you 1500 m through nature.
On this island lies what remains of an abandoned mining project in the 19th century. The project is said to have been somewhat of a failure due to the drinking interests of the miners. Only reachable by sea.