Crayfish premiere in Åland is as early as 21 July. Several restaurants have crayfish on their menus from that day and there are crayfish parties all around Åland. The public is also welcome to book a place for premiere day on the island of Silverskär.
Crayfish premiere as early as July
Åland has its crayfish premiere several weeks before many other countries. The right atmosphere is created by means of classic accompaniments like hats, napkins, tablecloths and fun paper lamps on a theme of crayfish. The crayfish are served with toast, some ripe Åland cheese and salad. If you drink beer with your crayfish, a popular choice is the local beer from Stallhagen.
Silverskär is open to everyone in July
At the Silverskär crayfish party Åland crayfish are served and many of the accompaniments are local. You can take your own car to the little harbour about thirty minutes' drive north of Mariehamn. Silverskär's boat will collect you from there. Within seven minutes you'll be stepping off and being welcomed on the landing stage with a sample to taste. If you haven't been to Silverskär before, you also get to hear a few words about the island's history. Silverskär only accepts guests who have booked in advance. Anyone wanting to enjoy a little extra of the crayfish premiere is welcome to stay the night. Then you can take the opportunity to go for a walk around the island, have a sauna and have a dip in the outdoor jacuzzi or in the sea. The next morning archipelago breakfast is served at Norrgårds. If you stay overnight as a group you can even book your own crayfish party.
Crayfish parties in several places
Several restaurants in central Mariehamn have crayfish on their menus from 21 July. The restaurant boat F.P. von Knorring, Naturical and the Hotell Arkipelag are a few examples. This year even the ÅSS Paviljongen is going to be having a crayfish party for the first time. They also organise crayfish parties on request.
Outside Mariehamn there are several nice archipelago restaurants with crayfish on the menu. In Northern Åland Havsvidden is going to be serving crayfish and Jan Karlsgårdens Wärdshus at Kastelholm Castle will be organising crayfish parties on request.
Book your crayfish party in good time
Crayfish parties in Åland are soon fully booked so we recommend that you get organised in good time. There are contact details on the restaurants’ websites. A list of restaurants is available here.
28.06.2012