Just a stone's throw from the harbour of Eckerö Linjen in Berghamn, you will find the stately yellow empire-style Post- och Tullhuset, designed by the German-born Finnish architect Carl Ludvig Engel and completed in 1828. Today, the building is one of the most well-preserved empire-style buildings in Finland.
In summer, Post- och Tullhuset is open to visitors, and in the main building you can see exhibitions of contemporary art and design. There is also a cosy café and the Eckerö Local History Society's Post Office Museum. There is also a museum shop selling Åland handicrafts, books, postcards and stamps.
History of Post- och Tullhuset
During the period when Post- och Tullhuset was built, Finland and Åland were part of Russia, making Eckerö Russia's westernmost outpost towards Sweden. The building was the first official building to welcome travellers from the Åland Sea and served as a workplace and residence for the officials who handled postal and customs matters.
In addition to Post- och Tullhuset, the building was also used as a quarantine hospital during the cholera epidemic that broke out in the autumn of 1834 and 1848. All travellers suspected of being carriers of the disease were required to undergo a medical examination and if cholera was suspected, the travellers were detained in the facility. The entire building was stocked with hospital beds and other hospital equipment. It also provided accommodation for doctors and staff.
In 1882, a telegraph station was set up in the house and the telegraph remained in operation until 1900.
During the First World War 1914-1918, Russian soldiers were stationed here for short periods despite the 1856 demilitarisation agreement. When the Civil War broke out in 1918, large numbers of refugees were also housed in the facility on their way from Finland to Sweden. In the early spring of the same year, German soldiers took possession of the facility as accommodation, a place to stay, a place to hold prisoners of war and a place to negotiate.
When the Second World War broke out, Finnish soldiers were billeted in Eckerö Post- och Tullhus to protect Åland from invasion. In the late 1950s the building was renovated and rebuilt to be used as a holiday home for postal and customs employees, and in the 1980s a café, pottery workshop and shop were added to the building. Since 1994 the building belongs to the Province of Åland and is managed by the Government of Åland.
Address: Sandmovägen 111, 22270 Storby
