Discover this historical treasure of Åland – Kastelholm Castle

The Åland archipelago is part of Finland, stretching between the cities of Turku (FIN) and Stockholm(SWE) in the Baltic Sea. Its largest island, which also houses the region’s capital, Mariehamn, boasts short distances, but there’s quite a lot to explore. One of Åland’s most famous attractions is the Kastelholm Castle.

Kastelholm on a map

I was traveling with my sister in midwinter, and we zipped from Mariehamn to Kastelholm in less than half an hour. Along the way, we saw beautiful Åland countryside: fields, forests, Baltic sea views, and really beautiful houses with their yards. Åland is an extremely charming region – every corner seems to soothe the eyes.

The castle, located in a tiny municipality called Sund, was visible from the road from a distance. A small, sweet road curved beautifully behind the castle, leading to a parking area. The red ticket sales building was closed – in summer, you can buy a ticket here for a guided tour inside the castle. However, you could still freely walk along the castle’s beachside outdoor trail.

The sunny winter day felt like a vital breath of air for me, having arrived from the northern darkness of Lapland. I stared directly into the sun, soaking in its light to the deepest recesses of my brain as if storing it. I closed my eyes and filled my lungs with the archipelago’s moist, fresh winter air. Could anything be better?

The castle ruins rose majestically beside the path. In the early 1400s, this castle became the administrative center of Åland. When the area was incorporated into the Turku province in the 17th century, the castle received less attention. It was severely damaged by fire in the 18th century. The castle was first conserved in the late 19th century.

The trail led us slightly away from the castle, to a pier resting over calm waters in the most beautiful scenery. Ducks, mergansers, and goldeneyes spent a peaceful winter day on the bay’s waves. A heron stood on the opposite pier, probably admiring the view as much as we were.

The snow crunched under our feet, adding just the right touch of winter to the quiet scenery. The reeds and bushes on the opposite shore seemed like something out of a fairy tale.

After admiring this view and the ducks, we continued our journey back towards the castle. The path led us between the castle and the water’s edge, back to the road, which then took us back to the parking lot. There was even a bench along the way for sitting, and large beautiful trees created an enjoyable atmosphere. The jackdaws’ squabbles echoed from the high castle roof.

This place is definitely worth a visit, even if you can’t get inside the castle. The environment and the castle’s impressive appearance make an impact amidst the beautiful landscapes and ambiance of Finland’s archipelago.

Upon returning to the parking lot, another group arrived, and they too started to walk this beautiful route. A woman walking her dog gave us the sunniest smile and nod as we left the parking lot back towards Mariehamn.

This place left a really good feeling.

This post is also available in: German