Kastelholm is a lovely daytrip destination for the whole family. There is a lot in a small area, including a medieval castle, disc golf course and a genuine candy factory.
Kastelholm Castle from 1380s is the only medieval castle in Åland. The heyday of the castle was under the reign of King Gustav Vasa when Åland and Finland belonged to Sweden. The son, King Erik XIV was imprisoned in the castle together with his spouse Karin Månsdotter.
The castle was rebuilt and enlarged several times up to the 1630s, but started falling into ruin after a devastating fire. Today the castle has been restored and it is a living museum, open to visitors between May and September.
Behind the castle is the Jan Karlsgården open-air museum, Ålands Skansen, with older buildings from the 1800s and even more stories about olden times. For example a cow shed, oxen stable, smithy, smoke sauna and the main house. All buildings are open for visitors. Events are arranged during the summer, including Midsummer Eve’s celebrations, and a traditional Christmas market. In July there are child-friendly activities.
The prison museum of Vita Björn is located opposite Jan Karlsgården. The prison was built in 1784 and it is the oldest preserved prison building in Finland. Next to the museum area there is a popular discgolf course.
Flavours for all senses
There are two restaurants to choose from: Åland Distillery och Smakbyn. Enjoy lunch, dinner or just sit down for coffee. At Smakbyn you can also visit ceramist Mia Englund’s pottery shop and Ålands Karamelleriet’s candy factory and taste their lollipops of many flavours, such as wild strawberry.
