Events that formed Åland presented in a new visitors centre

EVENTS THAT FORMED ÅLAND

presented in a new visitor centre

Use the app!

Want to know more about the fascinating history of Bomarsund? Want to see pictures of the large-scale military undertaking? Videos? Want to hear more? Just download the Coastal Past app on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Available in Swedish, Finnish, English and Russian.

Åland has always been a strategically important point in the Baltic region. Even today, we can find traces of exciting periods scattered throughout Åland - everything from Russian fortifications and coastal batteries to stately customs houses.

After the Finnish War (1808-1809), Åland and Finland went from being part of Sweden to being absorbed by the Russian Empire. Åland also became the westernmost outpost of the Russian Empire, which posted a regiment here. But, this was not enough – the Russians wanted a proper coastal fortress. Construction on the impressively planned fortifications were begun in Bomarsund in 1830. The civilian population also grew, making Bomarsund an economic and political centre. However, the fortress was never completed as it was destroyed by French and British forces during the Crimean War in 1854, an event that eventually led to today’s demilitarised Åland.

The fortress ruins have long been a popular attraction and, this year, they are extremely topical. The Bomarsund visitor centre is opening this summer, with completely new exhibits and visitor experiences.

You can find more remains of Russian wartime fortifications at Kungsö and Sålis. The Russian coastal artillery extended its defence line during the First World War by installing four coastal batteries in Åland in 1916-1918. The batteries were then destroyed by Swedish forces in 1919. Even though much of the fortifications has been destroyed, you can still visit the barracks area of two batteries and hike along sections of the stone-paved Russian military roads.

A CONTEMPORARY of the fortress at Bomarsund is the Eckerö Post and Customs House from 1828. The stately building was designed by architects Carl Ludvig Engel and Carlo Bassi in the Empire style. Despite the fact that the Post and Customs House served as the Russian Empire’s border station at the Swedish border, it was not razed when the war ended.

The building is closely linked to the Old Post Road across the Sea of Åland and functioned as the residence and workplace for postal and customs officers. It also served as a quarantine hospital during cholera outbreaks in 1834 and 1848, it had a telegraph station from 1882 to 1900, and it housed Russian soldiers during the First World War and Finnish soldiers during the Second World War.

Today, the Government of Åland welcomes visiting artists to stay in its Artist in Residence flat. You can also visit the seasonal design and handicrafts exhibition as well as Kafé Kalesch.

IF YOU WANT TO DELVE a bit further back in Åland’s history, a visit to the Cultural History Museum of Åland in Mariehamn is in order. Did you know that the first Ålanders arrived here 5,500 years before the Common Era?

Welcome to the Middle Ages and Kastelholm Castle

Completed in the 1380s, Kastelholm Castle is Åland’s only medieval castle. It is situated in a naturally beautiful setting, standing majestically remote at the foot of the Slottssundet sound. The golden age of the castle came about due to King Gustav I of Sweden and the role it played as part of the Swedish realm. However, the castle later declined in importance, eventually falling into ruin. Today, Kastelholm Castle has been restored to its former glory and is open as a living museum from spring to autumn. An exciting array of family activities, guided history tours, theatre productions and concerts bring in visitors from near and far.

Kastelholms slott www.kastelholm.ax +358 457 3500 558, +358 18 25000

Experience the many faces of Kastelholm

Kastelholm – an historic settlement in a naturally beautiful setting. Come by sea in your own boat or by road and savour the delicious food, play a lovely round of golf and see the many sights.

Vita Björn – A positively captivating museum

When the Vita Björn Crown remand prison was closed in 1975, so ended the centurieslong remand and prison tradition in the Kastelholm area. Today, the building serves as a prison museum, where you can learn about the evolution of incarceration, from the late 1700s all the way to 1950. From a time where chains and shackles were part of the prisoner’s everyday life to a more humane treatment of those behind bars. The Vita Björn Prison building is the oldest one of its kind in Finland and was opened as the first official prison museum in the country.

Jan Karlsgården – An open-air museum full of Ålandic traditions

The Jan Karlsgården open-air museum provides an idea of what life was like on a farm in Åland in the late 1800s. Today, there are some 20 buildings that have been moved here from all over Åland. Together, they offer the visitor a wide-ranging look into the building and farming culture of Åland, presenting the settings in which Ålanders lived and worked once upon a time. There are activities for the whole family at the museum.

Golf on top-class courses by the sea

Come play a round of golf on one of the most talked-about courses in the Nordic countries – Slottsbanan. Here, your nearest neighbour is a castle and you can enjoy sea views from every fairway and green. You can also try Kungsbanan, which offers a change of pace and wonderful challenge for even the most skilled of players.

Golfrestaurangen – Not just any golf club restaurant

Golfrestaurangen is run by Michael Björklund at Ålands Golfklubb in Kastelholm. This is the place for avid golfers and other guests to eat and drink. The restaurant is open every day during the golf season. Come try our homemade pizza or enjoy a refreshing drink on our lovely terrace!

Smakbyn – an unparalleled experience

At the Smakbyn restaurant, which is run by award-winning chef Michael Björklund, you’ll be treated to delicious food and drink. Smakbyn is much more than just a restaurant. Here you’ll also find a bakery, charcuterie, pottery shop and a candymaker. Join a cooking class or pop into our well-stocked shop!

Handmade, old-fashioned candies with modern flavours

At Ålands Karamelleriet in Smakbyn, you can watch natural raw ingredients be transformed into tasty, colourful candies and lollipops right up close. Every candy is made by hand with passion. You’ll find everything from the classic “polkagris” candy stick to the gin tonic candy. And, we absolutely love giving out taste samples!

Ålands Karamelleriet www.smakbyn.ax/alands-karamelleriet +358 457 345 7895

Åland Distillery – innovative spirits

The Åland Distillery is located in Kastleholm’s historic landscape in the Jan Karlsgården open-air museum, right next to the Kastleholm Castle. Our drinks are the result of innovative and modern approaches, with a dash of tradition. Here, you can take a guided tour of the distillery and sample our drinks at our restaurant and bar. We are open to the public in the summer, but we do accept group reservations all year round.