Enchanted by the Grove: Ramsholmen’s Spring Magic in Åland

Ramsholmen’s grove is a scene straight out of a fairytale, especially at that magical moment when spring turns into summer. The easy trail at the tip of this enchanting peninsula invites you into a storybook world—one that anyone visiting Åland can step into. Don’t forget to pack a plant guide along with your picnic!

Address: 188–324 Hammarlandsvägen, Jomala

I had heard that the grove goes through waves of colour as spring progresses—blue for the liverworts, white for the wood anemones, and yellow for the cowslips. With fingers crossed, I hoped to catch the final white wave, the blooming season of wild garlic. Just to be sure, I searched for images of the plant online so I could recognize it if I saw one. But then something unexpected happened…

Well, what happened was that the whole grove exploded with wild garlic—thousands of them! I couldn’t help but giggle, skip around, and become utterly enchanted by the beauty surrounding me. The walk turned into an unexpectedly long adventure, because in that carpeted world of wild garlic and shaded hazel, time simply ceased to exist. It disappeared. I discovered an embarrassing number of flowers I couldn’t name, so from now on I’ll definitely bring a plant guide with me. Thankfully, the nature trail signs helped me identify some species, and I learned quite a bit about the grove and its flora. Next time, I’m planning to come earlier in spring—perhaps in April—to see suomukka (toothwort, Lathraea squamaria). It’s a flower with no green parts at all—no stem or leaves—just a cone- or cluster-like blossom. And it has such a fun name!

Speaking of wild garlic: the very name of the peninsula is believed to come from this plant. In Swedish, wild garlic is called ramslök, so Ramsholmen (“holm” meaning a small island or peninsula in Swedish) is a fitting name for this spot where the rare plant is known to grow. Wild garlic is a protected species, and the entire area of Ramsholmen is a protected nature reserve—so please be careful not to damage any vegetation during your visit.

There is something so special about Ramsholmen that it doesn’t quite feel like home. My feeling there was one of awe, reverence, and unfamiliarity. It felt as though I were visiting a palace belonging to another culture. At the tip of the peninsula, right by the sea, there’s a peaceful spot perfect for a picnic—a moment to step briefly back into the “real world” after wandering the grove beneath hazels and among spring flowers.

In addition to the magical world created by hazel trees, Ramsholmen’s fairytale forest atmosphere is heightened by its noble, old broadleaved trees. The ashes and oaks are thick, gnarled, massive, and deeply venerable—like the elders of their lineage. These trees have witnessed at least two, possibly three or even four generations of human life and change on this little headland. Today, they stand like statues, inspiring awe in every passerby.

Other beautiful groves worth visiting: Ramsholmen in Raseborg, Vaisakko in Salo, and Paratiisilehto in Harjavalta

Written by: Karoliina Kaski
Photos by: Antti Huttunen

What to bring:

• A plant guide (digital or printed) or a friend who knows local plants
• Snacks for your picnic

Read next

This cottage in Åland is a dream come true for the reclusive soul!

Discover this historical treasure of Åland – Kastelholm Castle

24 hours in Kökar, Åland

Finland has 27 official national landscapes—here they are!

Related Content

Spring’s Here: Wild Herb Season Kicks Off

Finnish Wild Herbs

The paradise of Ramsholmen

Article by Johanna Suomela For years, at the time when the wood anemones are in perfect bloom, I have travelled to my cottage passing the Town of Ekenäs and the grove paradise of Ramsholmen. I have always dreamed of stopping by the grove to marvel the breath-taking beauty it offers in the spring. I am […]

Ekkudden’s Enchanting Nature Trail, Porvoo

On Ekkudden’s nature trail you will encounter enchanting oak trees, linden tree landscapes, whispering spruce trees and a bird’s eye view of rustling reedbeds. The trail starts approximately 3 kilometres south of Porvoo’s town centre and is about one and half kilometres long. Although this distance sounds short, allow plenty of time for a trip […]

The Beautiful Medieval Chapel Ruins of Lemböte in Åland

About a 20-minute drive from Mariehamn lies the charming ruins of Lemböte Chapel, beautifully situated by the sea in a peaceful forest setting. The medieval chapel has been stylishly restored, and even today summer services and other events are still held there. Visitors can explore the site independently, and although the chapel itself is usually […]

8 Ways to Spend Time in the Finnish Nature in Spring

In Finland, we have easily accessible local nature all around us. This local nature offers us peace, beauty, and vitality. A nature spot doesn’t need to be vast to make us happy – even a small area is enough. Finland is sparsely populated, and there is plenty of space for everyone, as long as we […]