Västergeta is a village in the northwestern part of the Åland Islands. It is the seat of the local municipality and it is also home to the parish church. The municipality has a population of around 500 inhabitants, most of which live in one of the 15 villages. Agriculture and fishing have always been important for the inhabitant’s livelihood, with the recent addition of tourism. The area is known for its apples, with many orchards within the municipality.
A Short History of Västergeta
The area around Västergeta was one of the first to be inhabited on what is today the Åland Islands. Västergeta is the “Western Geta”, there is also an eastern village within the municipality. The name Geta is believed to come from “get”, the Swedish name for a goat.
Development of local tourism began already in 1931 in the nearby hills of Getabergen. It was here that the first tourist cabin in the Åland Islands was built. Västergeta had at this time already existed as a church village for several centuries. The chapel and later church were built in the 15th century.
Things to Do and See
The village has a few smaller businesses such as a small grocery store. It is also in Västergeta that you will find the local services of the municipality, such as the school, library, fire station, and retirement home. For sightseeing, it is the medieval stone church that stands out, as well as the surrounding nature with Getabergen as one of the main attractions.
Geta Church
The 15th-century church still stands as the most prominent building in the village. It was originally a chapel but that status changed in 1906 when Geta became an independent congregation. The church is today a part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland.
How to Get to Västergeta
- Flights: The closest airport is Mariehamn Airport (MHQ), the main airport for the island.
- Car: Västergeta is at the western end of Road 4, in the northwestern part of the Åland Islands. A ferry ride is required to get here from the mainland of Finland.
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