Russia, of which Åland and Finland were part between 1809 and 1917, began building the fortress in 1832 as an important outpost to the west. More than 2000 Russian soldiers, fortress workers and convicts worked here and a whole community grew up in the area. The fortress was destroyed during the Crimean War in August 1854, when 12,000 English and French soldiers landed and attacked, while warships subjected the fortress to massive cannon fire. Commander Bodisco surrendered on 13 August and a few weeks later the fortress was blown up by the victors.
In June 2022, a new visitor centre opened in Bomarsund, where you will be guided through a story that begins with Peter the Great founding St Petersburg and dreaming of making Russia a worldwide empire. At the centre of the exhibition is how Åland and Bomarsund became part of the Russian plans and how Ålanders were sucked into a world of new and powerful experiences.
Feel free to walk the hiking trail that leads around the fortress area and tells the history of the area. There is also a nice walking trail of about 5.5 km that starts on the other side of the Prästö bridge. This trail runs mostly on small gravel roads and paths in beautiful cultural grounds, along which you pass the Russian telegraph and its residence Doniken, the military hospital and the cemeteries of Greek Orthodox, Muslims, Lutherans, Catholics and Jews.
Read more at bomarsund.ax
Address: Bryggvägen , 22530 Sund
