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Bomarsund Fortress: Ruins of a Russian Imperial Dream

Explore the ruins of Bomarsund Fortress in Åland, a testament to a grand Russian ambition and a pivotal moment in Baltic history.

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Explore the evocative ruins of Bomarsund Fortress, a 19th-century Russian stronghold on the Åland Islands. Never fully completed and destroyed during the Crimean War, the site offers a glimpse into a fascinating chapter of Åland's history and its strategic importance in the Baltic Sea.

A brief summary to Bomarsund Fortress Area

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as exploring the ruins involves walking on uneven terrain.
  • Visit the Bomarsund Visitor Center to learn about the fortress's history before exploring the site.
  • Take the Prästö hiking trail to see the historic cemeteries and enjoy beautiful scenery.
  • Bring a picnic to enjoy at one of the designated picnic spots within the fortress area.
  • Consider downloading the 'Coastal Past' app for a digital guide to the area's history and hiking trails.
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Getting There

  • Car

    From Mariehamn, drive east on Route 2 for approximately 33 km (20.5 miles) to Bomarsund. Follow signs for Bomarsunds fastningsruiner. Free parking is available near the Visitor Center. Note that Route 2 includes a short crossing by cable ferry; this cable ferry runs frequently and does not need to be booked. There are no tolls on this route.

  • Public Transport

    Take a bus from Mariehamn bus station towards Bomarsund. Tickets can be purchased directly from the bus driver with cash. Check the Ålandstrafiken website for the most up-to-date bus schedules and routes. A single bus ticket is valid for two hours and allows for free changes between buses. The bus will drop you off near the Bomarsund Visitor Center. The cost is approximately €3-5.

  • Walking

    If arriving from the nearby Prästö island (connected by a bridge), follow the signs towards Bomarsund Fortress. The walk is approximately 5.5 km (3.4 miles) and takes you through cultural grounds, passing the Russian telegraph and cemeteries. There are no additional costs for walking.

Unlock the Best of Bomarsund Fortress Area

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Discover more about Bomarsund Fortress Area

Bomarsund Fortress stands as a poignant reminder of a bygone era, its ruins scattered across the Åland landscape. Built between 1832 and 1854 when Åland was under Russian rule, the fortress was intended to be Russia's westernmost outpost, a strategic stronghold against potential naval threats in the Gulf of Bothnia. The scale of the project was immense, designed to house up to 5,000 soldiers and a town-like settlement named Skarpans grew around it. However, Bomarsund's glory was short-lived. In 1854, during the Crimean War, a joint British-French force attacked and destroyed the fortress. The ruins were never rebuilt, and in 1856, Åland was declared a demilitarized zone, a status that remains to this day. Today, visitors can explore the extensive site, covering approximately 870 hectares, and wander among the ruins of the main fortress and cannon towers. A visitor center provides historical context, detailing the fortress's construction, its destruction, and the impact on Åland. Hiking trails wind through the area, leading to various points of interest, including the Pilot's Cottage museum on Prästö island, old cemeteries representing different religions, and scenic viewpoints. Bomarsund offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and reflection on the consequences of war.

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