Visiting Bomarsund Fortress - interesting history in Åland

Visiting Bomarsund Fortress is really interesting. Russia once built a mighty fortress here, as an outpost against the West, and a fierce battle was once fought here. Today it's a destination with a state-of-the-art visitor centre and many historical attractions.

Bomarsund Fortress in Åland

Construction of the Bomarsund Fortress began in 1832, when Åland was part of the Russian Empire. The fortress was not even completed before it was attacked and destroyed by British and French troops.

Bomarsund Fortress is located in Sund, in the eastern part of Åland.

Dramatic history - in our neighbourhood

With the Peace of Fredrikshamn in 1809, Åland, like the rest of Finland, became part of Russia. This marked the beginning of a new era in Åland, which now became the Russian empire's outermost outpost against Sweden and the western world.

In 1809, the Russian Empire began building the Bomarsund Fortress - a defence facility that would have a 290-metre elliptical core and accommodate 2,500 men.

The fortress was never fully completed and in 1854 it was attacked by a Franco-British force. Sweden was given the opportunity to take over the fortress, but declined as this would have been seen as a direct provocation to Russia. Instead, the Allies chose to destroy the defences.

Visiting Bomarsund Fortress - Visitor Centre

When you visit Bomarsund Fortress, you start at the visitor centre, which is brand new since 2022. You can tell it's new! The visitor centre at the fortress is stylish, modern and skilfully designed to draw you into the story.

There is a limited selection of interesting images, texts and artefacts (such as bottles from the Föglö wreck with "the world's oldest champagne"!), but above all it is the films that impress. On large screens, an Ålandic actor gives an engaging account of life in the Bomarsund era, and by the time you've finished watching, you're keen to see all this 'for real'.

Visiting Bomarsund Fortress - ruins and memorials

It's a good thing that you start your visit with pictures, films and models - otherwise you would never understand how extensive Bomarsund Fortress actually was. The ruins are spread out over a large area, and we started by walking to some parts, then taking the campervan to others.

The main bracket

The main fortress at Bomarsund consisted of a 290 metre long two-storey armoured barracks. The building was constructed over a 10-year period (1832-1842) by 2000 labourers, and was intended to house 2500 men.

At the time of the Anglo-French attack there were 1500 men here, under the command of Commander Bodisco. The fortress initially withstood the shelling, but two towers fell and eventually the defence authorities decided that further resistance was hopeless.

Notvik Tower

The Notvik Tower was built between 1845 and 1848 to block the entrance from the north.

During the attack, 180 men were positioned here, with 18 guns. The tower was captured on 15 August by the Allies and blown up a few weeks later.

Brännklint Tower

The Brännklint Tower is, paradoxically, the most well-preserved part of the Bomarsund fortress. In fact, it was this tower that was destroyed first, as this is where the attack began.

A total of 140 men were in the tower when it was attacked, and after just one day they had to surrender. The Allies took the tower, which now came under fire from the Russians themselves. The tower caught fire and was blown up in a violent explosion.

Devil's Mountain

Djävulsberget is the highest point at Bomarsund, and we took the motorhome all the way up to check out the view.

What does this place have to do with the devil? It is not known, but it is said that the devil was once seen dancing with a young priest's wife at a dance in Bomarsund ...

Cemeteries on Prästö

Last but not least, we took the motorhome over to the island of Prästö, which is sometimes called "The Island of the Dead". This is where all the cemeteries were built. At Bomarsund, people from many parts of the world and with different religious beliefs worked there. On Prästö there are old cemeteries for people of Greek Orthodox, Jewish, Muslim and Lutheran faiths.

Hiking trails in Bomarsund

We alternated walking and driving but if you have more time, and like to hike, there are two hiking trails in the area. The 'Coastal Past' app will act as a digital guide.

• Bomarsund hiking trail (4.2 km) starts at the main fortress and takes you through a varied natural and cultural landscape. There are also several beautiful viewpoints.
• Prästö hiking trail (5.3 km) starts at the Pilot's Cottage at the bridge pier. The walk takes you to the island's beautiful cemeteries and other historical memorials from the fortress era.

Where can you stay or park your motorhome?

Right next to Bomarsund Fortress is Puttes Camping. The campsite is green and scenic, and there is also a small guest harbour. All services are available, although the service buildings are not the most modern.

It is also possible to continue out on Vårdö, where the next day we spent a night at the nice Sandösund campsite. Here you can stand fantastically nice by the water with a motorhome / caravan, or stay in a hotel or cottage.

More to see and do in the neighbourhood

In the neighbourhood of Bomarsund Fortress there are several other interesting sights. It is not at all far to Kastelholm Castle and the Jan Karlsgården Open Air Museum, both of which are well worth a visit.

You can also continue out to Vårdö, where you'll find Sandösund camping with an ecological adventure park and the wonderful restaurant Kallas SkärGård. Of course, it is also nice to visit Mariehamn and Eckerö. Please also read all our tips on things to What to see and do in Åland. Below you will find even more tips for Finland and Åland.

Have you visited Bomarsund Fortress?

Have you visited Bomarsund Fortress? If so, how was your visit and experience? Or would you like to visit? Please tell us!

Facts about Bomarsund Fortress

• Country: Finland
• Landscape: Åland
• Location: Sund, in the eastern part of Åland
• Built: 1832 – 1854
• Type of fortress: Casemated fortress. The main fortress was a 290 metre long semi-circular two-storey armoured barracks.
• Read more: You can find more information at visitor centre website

Visiting Bomarsund Fortress - opening hours and prices

• Opening hours: The visitor centre is open daily from May to September (2023). The ruins can be visited all year round.
• Price: Admission to the visitor centre is €8 for adults and €5 for students and pensioners (2023). Children 0-6 years old are admitted free of charge. Visiting the ruins is free of charge.

Visiting Bomarsund Fortress - good to know

• Parking: Free parking is available directly outside the main entrance for visitors.
• Dog: Dogs are not allowed in the museum, except for service and guide dogs.
• Accessibility: A parking space for those with a disabled parking permit is available near the entrance. The visitor centre is wheelchair accessible. Accompanying companions and personal assistants of people with disabilities have free entry to the museums.
• Food service: In the entrance, there is a small coffee corner with coffee and some sweets.

History at Bomarsund Fortress

• 1809: The Peace of Hamina gave Åland and the rest of Finland to Russia.
• 1832: Russia began construction of its westernmost stronghold, the Bomarsund Fortress.
• 1854: The half-finished fortress was attacked by a British-French fleet. The Russians were forced to surrender and General Bodisco and over 2200 men were taken as prisoners of war. The conquerors blew up the fortress on 2 September.
• 1856: With the Peace of Paris in 1856, Russia undertook not to have a fortified point in Åland. Since then, Åland has been a demilitarised zone.