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Friluftsmuseum Jan Karlsgården: A Step Back in Time

Discover Åland's rural heritage at this open-air museum featuring traditional 19th-century farm buildings and cultural events near Kastelholm Castle.

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Experience 19th-century Ålandic farm life at Friluftsmuseum Jan Karlsgården, an open-air museum near Kastelholm Castle. Explore traditional buildings relocated from across the islands, showcasing the region's rich cultural heritage and building traditions.

A brief summary to Friluftsmuseum Jan Karlsgården

Local tips

  • Visit during one of the seasonal events, such as Midsummer or the Christmas market, for a more immersive experience.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be walking through the museum's expansive grounds.
  • Check the museum's schedule in advance for guided tours and special exhibits.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Kastelholm Castle and the Vita Björn prison museum.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Mariehamn, take bus number 100 or 101 from the central bus station towards Kastelholm. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes. Get off at the Kastelholm stop, from where it is a short 600 meter walk to Friluftsmuseum Jan Karlsgården. A single bus ticket costs around €3.

  • Car

    From Mariehamn, head northeast on Route 1 (Norrbölevägen) for about 10 kilometers. At the roundabout, take the second exit onto Gotlandsvägen and continue for another 6 kilometers until you see signs for Kastelholm. Follow the signs to Friluftsmuseum Jan Karlsgården. Parking is available near the entrance. Parking is free.

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Discover more about Friluftsmuseum Jan Karlsgården

Friluftsmuseum Jan Karlsgården offers visitors a captivating glimpse into the rural past of the Åland Islands. Founded in the 1930s, the open-air museum recreates a traditional Ålandic farm from the late 1800s, showcasing how people lived and worked. The museum is located a stone's throw away from Kastelholm Castle. The museum's name comes from the Jan Karls farm in Finström, where the main building originated. Today, the museum comprises around twenty buildings moved from different parts of Åland. These structures represent various aspects of Åland's history, including farmhouses, stables, and windmills. Visitors can explore the buildings and gain insight into the daily lives of the island's past inhabitants. Throughout the year, Jan Karlsgården hosts various activities and events. A traditional Midsummer pole has been raised here every Midsummer's Eve since the 1940s. The museum also hosts Lillajulmarknaden, Åland's largest Christmas market, during the first weekend in December. Craft days are held on Wednesdays in July.

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