Viking Connections & Åland’s Identity

My sister and I have many cousins, nieces, and nephews, most still in Hammarland, and some in Mariehamn and other locations. When I turned 80 in 2018, I decided I needed one more visit! My eldest granddaughter Amber Appelgren accompanied me. We stayed with my cousin Anne-Maj and Stig Mattsson again. I have the most wonderful relatives in the world! Another cousin, Jan Veronica Sundqvist, who hosted a dinner, declared that there is nowhere in the world that can compare with the excellent quality of life they enjoy on Åland! To this day, we exchange Christmas cards with Åland relatives, along with some email contact.

Waldine and her sister Betty in 2012. Photo courtesy of Waldine Ramlow.

Viking Connections & Åland Identity

by Iona Hillman

In 2012, an archaeological project named The Hall at the Crossroads of Baltic Waterways was created with the goal of uncovering the occupation of an elite settlement on the Åland Islands. Under the direction of Dr. Kristin Ilves, the archaeological team discovered a high-status farm dating to the 6th century, just north of Saltvik Church. The finds included silver and bronze ornaments buried close to the remains of a large residence structure, most likely belonging to a local chief or king.

The finds unearthed from this excavation represent just one piece of the Åland Islands’ rich history, going all the way back to the Iron Age. From the start of the sixth century when the first Viking settlements began to appear on the Åland Islands, the foundation of Åland’s cultural landscape has been characterized by the traditions of their Viking ancestors. Located along the main sailing route in the Baltic Sea, Åland held a vital position for trade and warfare during the Viking Age. With increased mobility and settlement expansion of Vikings, Åland’s role as a vibrant trade center between the East and West contributed to its rich and diverse heritage and identity.

Although most of the knowledge regarding Åland’s Viking history results from archaeological research in the region, we can still see many aspects of Viking heritage in current Åland society. The Saltvik Viking Market is an annual festival that takes place on the last weekend of July. From traditional Viking songs to live battle reenactments, this festival encompasses the triumphant and immortal history of Vikings. As one of the largest Viking festivals in Europe, this event attracts visitors from countries all over the continent, each celebrating their own Viking history. Åland’s long history of seafaring can also be witnessed at the Åland Maritime Museum, located in Mariehamn. Considered to be one of the top museums in the world for sailing ships, the Åland Maritime Museum continues to uphold Åland’s strong legacy in the maritime industry.

Although Åland has a turbulent political history, the country continues to carry its long Viking tradition in modern society through events like the Saltvik Viking Market and establishments such as the Åland Maritime Museum. Despite its small size, Åland has continued to flourish through years of conflict, the autonomous region’s identity representing strength and perseverance.

Sources: Ahola, Joonas, Frog, and Jenni Lucenius. The Viking Age in Åland: Insights into Identity and Remnants of Culture. Helsinki: Finnish Academy of Science and Letters, 2014.

Evidence of Viking Settlement on the Åland Islands. HeritageDaily, May 16, 2014. https://www.heritagedaily.com/2014/05/evidence-of-viking-settlement-on-the-aland-islands/103107.

Fallgren, Jan-Henrik. Saltwiik – Boo – Kvarnbo (FINAL PART): Some Reflections on the Early Medieval Åland – Settlement Reduction or Continuity. The hall at the crossroads of Baltic waterways, April 6, 2017. https:// kvarnbohall.wordpress.com/. Viking Days in Saltvik 2022. Visit Åland. Accessed June 1, 2022. https:// www2.visitaland.com/en/event/1710335/viking-days-in-saltvik-2022/showallimages.