In Saltvik, several themes come together for a journey of discovery: in Kvarnbo, the Church of Saltvik and the Viking village take centre stage; elsewhere, a marked hiking trail to the Borge fortress site and Västerviken beach appeal to other interests. The Saltvik Viking Market and the summer swimming lessons offer seasonal points of reference for planning your trip.
Kvarnbo: Church and Viking Village
The Church of Saltvik is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It stands on a site where archaeological finds dating back to the Viking Age have been made; the church itself shows traces of numerous alterations. Two distinct historical points of reference therefore come together here: the finds on the church grounds and the visible changes to the church building. The Viking village is also in Kvarnbo, Saltvik. Those interested in the Viking Age will find another clearly defined point of interest in the village.
Viking Market in July
The Saltvik Viking Market takes place on the last weekend in July. The programme includes Viking-style music, weapon games and combat training. Artisans also demonstrate their work. If the market is the reason for your trip, check that year’s programme before planning your accommodation. This lets you plan your stay around the recurring event without making assumptions about the specific activities in any given year.
Hiking Trail and Västerviken Beach
A marked hiking trail with information boards leads to the Borge fortress site. Every summer, Folkhälsan holds swimming lessons at Västerviken beach. You can check the current course arrangements for the year you plan to travel.
The beach has changing cabins, a volleyball net and a diving tower. If you are planning your visit around any of these facilities, check the local situation in advance. The seasonal lessons and the beach facilities are relevant to different planning questions: the lessons run during a particular time of year, while the changing cabins, net and diving tower are practical points of reference for a visit to the beach.
When looking for a holiday apartment, it is worth considering your reason for travelling and your travel dates together. The market takes place on the last weekend in July, while the swimming lessons are held every summer. Check that year’s market programme or course arrangements if you want one of these activities to shape your stay.
In the wider destination of Åland’s countryside
Beyond Saltvik’s own attractions, Åland’s countryside offers other distinctive cultural and landscape experiences. At the Bomarsund visitor centre, the area’s history is presented through sound and images. Kastelholm Castle was built as a defensive fortress in the late 14th century; Jan Karlsgården is an open-air museum in the Kastelholm area. Prästö is home to Greek Orthodox, Muslim, Lutheran, Catholic and Jewish cemeteries. They are connected with the period when Bomarsund Fortress was built.
The Prästö hiking trail passes the Russian telegraph station and its accommodation building, Doniken. Both are among the few Russian buildings that have survived in Åland. The Church of Jomala, one of Finland’s oldest stone churches, is another regional cultural attraction. For views of the landscape, there is an observation tower on Getabergen in Geta; on a clear day, you can see a long way.
Several authentic small producers are also part of the region’s character. In Åland’s countryside, you can stroll among extensive apple orchards to buy the famous apple juice, or visit a caramel workshop and sample handmade sweets. The availability of individual producers’ offerings may vary.
Discover more destinations: Jomala, Finström, Lemland, Hammarland, Lumparland, Eckerö, Geta.
Return to the overall travel guide: Åland’s countryside.
