4 minute read
Visit a lighthouse far out to sea
BOAT EXCURSIONS
ANTONS GUEST HOUSE, www.antons.ax. FISKELYCKAN, www.fiskelyckan.ax. JARO-GUIDNING, www.jaroguidning.com. LADY HELENA, www.brudhall.com SEFYR, www.sefyr.ax. SHIPLAND, www.shipland.ax. M/S SILVANA, www.skarpnato.ax. SKEPPSFÖRENINGEN ALBANUS, www.albanus.ax. STORMSKÄRS KONFERENS & VÄRDSHUS, www.visitaland.com/stormskar.
On calm days, an excursion out to one of Åland’s lighthouses is idyllic, almost magical. The lighthouse island rises from the sea, surrounded by endless horizon. The lonesome islands offer marvellous nature experiences and interesting history.
It’s quite fascinating to imagine how the lighthouse master and keepers lived out here on these islands, especially during the winter. At Lågskär lighthouse, the lighthouse keepers lived together with their families. At most, some 30 people lived on the island, an extremely exposed place to live, where the residents supported themselves with animal husbandry, hunting and fishing. For long periods of time during the winter months, these people would be completely cut off from the rest of the world.
The current red granite lighthouse is the third on Lågskär. The lamp was lit for the first time in 1920. When the lighthouse was automated in 1961, the lighthouse keepers moved off of the island, which is now one of the leading bird stations in Finland.
AFTER LAST YEAR’S RENOVATION, the tall and elegant lighthouse on Sälskär is even whiter and more stately. The view from the 30.8 metre tall lighthouse is magnificent. The lighthouse was manned from 1868 to 1949, when it was made the first automated lighthouse in Finland. Lighthouse keepers and their families also lived on Sälskär.
THE MÄRKET LIGHTHOUSE is neither tall nor stately, but it is captivating how it clings to its remote, rocky island. When the winds pick up, waves crash over the entire island. The lighthouse was inaugurated in 1885 and automated in 1976. This means that Märket was Åland’s last manned lighthouse. An international border passes right through the island. Here, you can literally stand with one foot in Finland and the other in Sweden.
Welcome to the Maritime Quarter!
WHAT’S ON IN THE
Maritime Quarter
In the Maritime Quarter, spring is welcomed with open arms at the Tar Market, which is held in April. On Midsummer’s day, we will raise the artist’s maypole. In August, we welcome the Museum of the Coastal Swedes and celebrate the Estonian Swedes Day. In September, it’s time for the Harvest Festival and, in December, we hold our popular and charming Christmas Market.
Åland is building a new schooner – EMELIA
The schooner Emelia will be over 25 metres in length and built using old shipbuilding traditions in the Maritime Quarter within walking distance of the Mariehamn city centre. Her launch is planned for 2024 during the Tall Ships Races. Emelia will replace the schooner Albanus and, like her predecessor, she will be used for youth programmes as well as tourist excursions.
info@emelia.ax | www.emelia.ax Follow us on Facebook.
MARITIME QUARTER
– Åland’s handicrafts centre, with wooden boat yard, guest harbour, shipbuilding and museums.
Come experience a living maritime milieu, with a boat yard, smithy and other handicrafts, a marina for traditional ships, and a guest harbour. You’ll find the Museum of Historical Marine Engines with its collection of antique boat motors as well as the Ship and Boat Building Museum. Stroll among the old boathouses, wooden boats and shops, and stop by the Seafarers’ Chapel. The Maritime Quarter is supported by the City of Mariehamn and Åland Cultural Delegation. The area is not accessible for persons with disabilities. www.sjokvarteret.ax
SALT
Åland’s biggest shop for handicrafts
Here you’ll find an inspiring selection of beautiful, sustainable Åland articles in all shapes and sizes. Textiles, wood, wrought iron goods, pottery, silver, delicacies and candles produced in Åland. All made with the personal touches of each artisan. A unique memento from Åland for yourself or someone else.
TS A L
KONSTHANTVERK
_________________________ Sjökvarteret, tel.21505, www.salt.ax
SALT Konsthantverk www.salt.ax +358 18 21505
Plåtbröd – Pizza Åland style
Come try a real Nordic pizza – plåtbröd - a concept developed by none other than celebrity chef Michael Björklund. Plåtbröd is made using the highest quality ingredients, homemade tomato sauce and aged Ålandic cheese – all in genuine archipelago style. This unique treat can then be enjoyed on our large terrace by the water.
Pub Niska www.niska.ax +358 18 19151
In Guldviva’s quaint boutique and workshop, you will find hand-made jewellery that immortalizes the spirit of the barren nature and warm culture of the archipelago. Everything designed and made by our own goldsmiths in 925 Sterling Silver or 18K gold. Find the gift with a genuine connection to Åland, or your own memory to carry with you forever. Welcome.
Guldviva www.guldviva.com +358 18 22130
WELCOME ONBOARD the cruise ship Sunnan II We offer day and evening cruises in the Åland archipelago. Our restaurant serves lunch and à la carte made of fresh Åland raw produce. Our bar is fully-licensed. Come and enjoy delicious food in the Åland archipelago onboard our historic vessel built in 1906!
