Åland is a special place, that's for sure! For a long time, Åland was the only country in Europe that I hadn't received a postcard from. A couple from CouchSurfing named Maria and Ted agreed to send me a postcard during the pandemic, but little did I realise that I'd be staying with them about three years later. Yesterday on a gorgeous and sunny Åland day, Maria, Ted, and their two children welcomed me into their home. Summers are short in Åland so we dined al fresco on my first evening at their home, and after dinner I went for a long bike ride. Today was more a day of the highlights of Åland rather than just Kastelholm Castle. Armed with a lot of suggestions I would be dropped off at the fascinating Åland Museum. Especially impressive is the stamp collection.
The flag of Åland fascinates me. It has a cross like the rest of the Nordic countries. Blue represents the sea, the yellow cross symbolises its history as part of Sweden, and the red cross symbolises its connection to Finland.
The museum is also home to some very interesting art.
Since it's a sunny day I didn't want to spend all day in the museum, so I collected a few geocaches and then sat outside for a lunch of pizza and a glass of wine before tackling more of Åland. Kastelholm Castle is even more fascinating than the museum.
Built in the 14th century, the castle has been damaged and ruined several times, Kastelholm Castle is Åland's most visited attraction.
Maria and Ted impressively staged their wedding here in traditional 14th-century attire. Next to Kastelholm Castle is the Vita Bjorn Prison Museum. It functioned as a prison for more than 200 years but these days it's much more peaceful. Locals dressed in traditional attire are playing violins, baking bread, weaving textiles, and educating people on the history of Åland.
Being a beautiful summer day, it was very busy here today. Åland locally produces various cheeses, berries, chocolate, etc. but the local apple juice is especially delicious.
Bomarsund Fortress was next on my radar, so I hitchhiked out there. For a small place, it's rather challenging to hitchhike in Åland. Maria and Ted told that locals are reserved, so that could be why. I'm still getting lifts, so I can't complain. Bomarsund Fortress once had its own bakeries, churches, and wells but was never completed; French and British ships bombarded the fortress in 1854. After the Crimean War in 1856, Åland was demilitarised. These days it's a fascinating place to explore, especially on a sunny day.
It was getting rather late in the day and I had to start making my way back to Mariehamn. I'd be picked up by a man from Ukraine, and he gave me a few tips since it's on my radar for within the next few weeks. Since I haven't yet received my new credit card, I asked Ted if they could book my ferry and I'd pay them back. It's also cheaper to book online than at the port. Maria would set me up for an interview with Nya Åland, which is one of the local newspapers. They're intrigued by my story and want to hear my thoughts on Åland. Surely they'll get some high praise from me.
Åland gets a 10 out of 10 from me after four wonderful days here. Ricko and then Maria and Ted have been wonderful hosts, and it's been very interesting getting some insight on the history of and life in Åland, and the interview with Nya Åland went very well before making my way back to Finland.
