Lemström canal
Some information about the Lemström Canal with its bridge might be needed when planning your sailing trip in Åland. Lemström Canal was built in 1882 in order to connect the sea inlet east of Mariehamn to Lumparn which is a popular sea route.
Opening hours of the bridge
There is a bridge over the canal with a vertical clearance of 3.3 meters. During the peak season the bridge is opened for boats every even hour daytime according to the following schedule.
In periods of heavy boat traffic, the bridge may be closed even if boats remain in the canal. If necessary, a specific direction can be prioritized for boat traffic.
Opening hours 2026
Regular opening hours for the bridge:
01 May – 04 June: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
05 June – 16 August: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
17 August – 06 September: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
11 September – 13 September: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
18 September – 20 September: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
25 September – 27 September: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
During bridge openings, it is important to be on time! The bridge opens as needed only once per hour. For the bridge to open, the vessel must be at the canal before the scheduled opening time. Before the bridge's daily closing times at 10:00 PM, the bridge will open as needed approximately 10 minutes before the closing time.
Additional opening hours - Free of charge
The bridge can also be opened outside regular opening hours on weekdays at full hours from 1 March 2026, or later in connection with ice break-up, until 30 November 2026. The available times are Monday–Thursday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM and Fridays from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Contact the bridge ward at least two (2) hours in advance by phone at +358 18 33731.
Additional opening hours - For extra fee
Outside the times stated above, bridge openings can be ordered at full hours from 1 March 2026, or later in connection with ice break-up, until 30 November 2026, every day between 6:00 AM and 11:00 PM. The fee is €100 per opening.
Openings take place on the hour, following the same system as regular opening hours. Contact the bridge ward by telephone at +358 18 33731 at least twelve (12) hours in advance of your desired passage.
For more information contact the bridge ward by phone +358 18 33731.
Good to know
- There are traffic lights and information about the bridge opening at the entrance to the canal.
- Your boat’s mast height may not exceed 3.3 m in order to drive through without a bridge opening.
- Max. speed in the area is 9 km/h.
- The channel is 350 meters long.
