Skördefesten – The Harvest Festival is the highlight of autumn on Åland and the beating heart and engine of Åland’s food culture. During three wonderful days in September, you can enjoy the Åland countryside and the peak of the harvest season, learn about rural life, shop directly from producers, and eat amazing food based on local and seasonal ingredients. It is no coincidence that the symbol of Skördefesten is the apple – almost 70% of the domestic apples are grown on Åland!
The Harvest Festival is held annually on the second-to-last weekend of September. It is a unique collaboration between local producers, organizations, artisans, and vendors. There is something here for everyone—young and old alike. Straw jumping, meet the animals, ride on a tractor trailer, crafts and local products.
10 good reasons to visit the Harvest Festival on Åland:
1. Local produce has fully ripened when harvested, and therefore has a fuller flavor and is healthier.
2. Buy food to take home with you and support the countryside and the farming community
3. Reduce your footprint on the environment
4. Meet people – both old and new friends
5. Enjoy the season and eat local and fresh food
6. Discover the Åland islands
7. Try new dishes
8. The Harvest Festival preserves and highlights local traditions
9. When you buy local products, you contribute to grazing the meadows and harvesting the fields.
10. Value. When you consider the high nutritional content, the minimal impact on the environment, the high quality and the effect on the province of Åland, which will even benefit the next generation, local produce is comparable in price with imported produce.
The event attracts approx. 15,000 visitors including locals and visitors from Sweden and Finland every year.
For more information on the Harvest Festival, please read here.
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