Ödkarby brings together a clearly defined museum theme and a historic building right next door. The Bomärket Museum and the windmill form the local cultural focus; the wider destination of Saltvik offers additional historical and seasonal themes.

Bomärket Museum and Windmill

At the Bomärket Museum, you can see around 1,000 objects related to Ålandic ownership marks and learn about their history by appointment. A bomärke is an ownership mark, giving the collection a clear thematic focus. If you are interested in the history of such marks, the visit leads from individual objects to a broader theme. The museum is open by appointment. Arrange your visit with the operator before adding it to your day’s plans.

Right next to the museum stands a windmill dating from 1801, preserved in its original condition. It complements the collection as a distinct building with a clear date. In Ödkarby, the history of Ålandic ownership marks and a windmill stand side by side as two different cultural points of interest.

More Culture in Saltvik

In the wider destination of Saltvik, the church in Kvarnbo offers a different historical perspective. It is dedicated to the Virgin Mary; archaeological finds dating back to the Viking Age have been made on its grounds. Traces of numerous renovations can be seen on the church building. The finds provide an archaeological point of reference, while the renovations show changes to the building itself. The dedication adds a religious point of reference to these material traces.

The Viking village is located in Kvarnbo, Saltvik. The Saltvik Viking Market takes place on the last weekend in July. The programme includes Viking-style music, weapon games, combat training, and demonstrations by craftspeople at work. Check the programme for the relevant year before travelling.

Activities and Travel Planning in Saltvik

In Borgboda, Saltvik, a marked hiking trail with information boards leads to the Borge castle site. The trail combines a hike with information about the site. At Västerviken beach, Folkhälsan runs swimming courses every summer. The market and courses are seasonal activities with different schedules: the market is tied to the last weekend in July, while the courses take place every summer. Check the current arrangements before your trip.

Choose Accommodation to Suit Your Focus

When looking for a hotel in Ödkarby, you can first decide what you want to focus on. A visit to the Bomärket Museum needs to be arranged in advance; the windmill is right next door. If you would like to include other cultural or seasonal themes, make the wider destination of Saltvik a separate part of your plans.

Discover more destinations: Gottby, Finström, Lemland, Lumparland, Hammarland, Eckerö, Markusböle, Geta.

Return to the overview of the wider destination: Åland’s Countryside.