Visiting Bomarsund Fortress - interesting history in Åland

Writer: Helena Bergström

Updated: August 2026 | 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, this is a tourist destination with a super modern visitor center 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

Through the Peace of Fredrikshamn in 1809, Åland, like the rest of Finland, became part of the Russian Empire. Åland thus gained a strategic position as Russia's outermost outpost towards Sweden and the west.

Plans for a large Russian fortress in Bomarsund took shape after the change of power, but construction of the main fortress did not begin until 1832. An enormous defensive structure was to be created here, with a 290-meter-long barracks building on two floors and space for around 2,500 men. Six free-standing cannon towers were also planned around the main fortress.

The fortress was never completed. During the Crimean War in 1854, Bomarsund was attacked by British and French forces, and after the fighting the Russian garrison surrendered. The Allies then destroyed the fortress.

Bomarsund was never rebuilt. Instead, the ruins remain as a memory of the Russian era in Åland.

Visiting Bomarsund Fortress - Visitor Centre

When visiting Bomarsund Fortress, you start at the visitor center, which opened in 2022. The modern visitor center is stylish and cleverly designed to draw you into the story.

There is a limited selection of interesting images, texts and objects (for example bottles from the famous Föglöv rocket!), but above all it is the films that impress. On large screens an Åland actor talks passionately about life during the Bomarsund period, and when you have finished watching you are eager 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 in Bomarsund began construction in 1832 and consisted of a 290-meter-long two-story barracks building, with room for about 2,500 men. Six free-standing defense towers were planned around it, but only three were completed.

When British and French forces attacked Bomarsund in 1854, the entire fortress complex was still far from complete. After fierce fighting, the Russian garrison surrendered, and the Allies subsequently destroyed large parts of the fortress.

Today, all that remains are walls and ruins, but once you have seen the models and reconstructions in the visitor center, it is much easier to imagine how enormous the facility was intended to be.

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

We also continued over to Prästö, where there are several burial grounds from the time when Bomarsund Fortress was built. The growing community around the fortress was much more international than you might imagine, with soldiers, workers, civilians and prisoners of war from different parts of the Russian Empire and other countries.

On Prästö, burial grounds were established for five different religious groups: Greek Orthodox, Muslims, Lutherans, Catholics and Jews. Many of the grave monuments were made of wood and have disappeared, but a number of tombstones still remain.

The military hospital was also located here, and many of those buried at Prästö died during epidemics that affected the garrison. It is a quiet and slightly melancholic place, which tells another side of the history of the great fortress.

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 (5.5 km) starts at the Pilot's Hut by the bridgehead. The hike takes you to the island's beautiful burial grounds and other historical monuments 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 were not the most modern when we were here.

It is also possible to continue out to Vårdö, where the next day we stayed one night on pleasant Sandösund campsite. Here you can stay wonderfully by the water with a camper/caravan, or stay in a hotel or cottage.

More to see and do in the neighbourhood

There are several other interesting sights near Bomarsund Fortress. Here you will find tips and reports:

• Kastelholm Castle
• Things to do in Mariehamn
• Things to do in Eckero
• Things to do in Åland