Market and entertainment among Russian fortress ruins

Stroll among the market booths by the ruins of the Russian fortress in Bomarsund!

Buy handicrafts, relax with food and drink and enjoy local artists’ performances.  Savor the historical environment and learn more about this dramatic period of the Åland Island’s history. In other words – do not miss the Bomarsund Days August 9-10.

Exciting history
The fortress area in Bomarsund is, according to some, the most unique sight of Åland. From 1830 and two decades ahead, the area was an economic and political centre in an international environment.

Åland’s position changed drastically after the war in 1808-1809. Before the war Åland and Finland were a part of Sweden but after the war the regions were incorporated into Russia. That meant that Åland became the Russian empire’s outermost outpost against the Swedish enemy and the Russians wanted to build a coastal fortification here.

Just like a town
Their choice was Bomarsund. People with different skills arrived from all over Russia to the little community Sund on Åland. They were of different religions, spoke different languages and during this time about 3000 people lived in and around Bomarsund – a considerable amount at the time. Town-like communities were built with shops, a school, a hospital and a chapel.

The fortress was never completed. In 1854 British and French forces attacked Bomarsund and its soldiers capitulated. The fortress was later demolished by the conquerors and today only ruins of the main fort are visible in the natural surroundings. If you look closely you will also notice house foundations under the herbage.

Everything is from Åland
In this area with its exciting history and splendid view across the sea bay, the Bomarsund days will be arranged.

Salespeople with handicrafts, food and beverages – everything produced in Åland – come to the market and some of the crafts people will also show how they work. Here you can for example drink Åland beer and taste the special Sund pastry which is a food heritage from the Russian time. But do come early – it disappears like butter in the sunshine!

Local artists perform and if you want to learn more about Bomarsund and maybe discover a house foundation or two from a Russian store, you can come along for a guided tour and also visit the museum in the area.

Devote an August day for a pleasant market afternoon with a historical touch – welcome to Bomarsund!

Helena Forsgård