Plizio Visual Lab
Bomarsund Fortress
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Historical site
Bomarsund Fortress on the Åland Islands was once the most ambitious military project of the Russian Empire on its western frontier. Construction of this massive fortification began in 1832, intended to serve as a strategic bastion in the Baltic Sea. However, during the Crimean War in 1854, the still-unfinished fortress was attacked by a combined British and French naval fleet and destroyed after intense shelling. Today, the extensive ruins bear witness to the former scale of the facility, which was designed to house up to 2,500 soldiers. The stones from the demolished fortress were later used to construct numerous buildings in Mariehamn and even as far as St. Petersburg. The site now functions as an open-air museum, offering visitors insight into 19th-century military architecture and the turbulent history of the islands. The fall of Bomarsund ultimately led to the demilitarization of the Åland archipelago.
- Location: Finland
- Top sights: Prästö badstrand · The old Prästö pilot station · Bomarsunds fästning
- Nearby: Vårdö (9 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 0 | -1 | 0 | 4 | 8 | 13 | 17 | 17 | 13 | 8 | 5 | 2 |
| Rain mm | 53 | 40 | 38 | 36 | 42 | 58 | 58 | 65 | 60 | 70 | 68 | 62 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Bomarsund fortress ruins are freely open and located in an open landscape on the island of Åland. There are no buildings to enter, but the remains of the ramparts are impressive.
Typical hours
The site is accessible year-round, 24/7, with no restricted hours. An information center is open seasonally from May to September with varying hours.
Photography
Photography is naturally allowed - the ruins offer great subjects, especially in low sun. Drone flights are generally permitted but respect privacy.
Time needed
A visit to the ruins and a walk around the site takes about one hour. If you also visit the nearby museum, allow another hour.
Combine with
Combine your visit with other attractions in Åland, like Kastelholm Castle or the Jan Karlsgården open-air museum. The archipelago also gives rewarding bike rides.
Getting there
The fortress is reachable by car or bike from Mariehamn in about 30 minutes. Buses run in season but connections are limited.
Insider tip
Bring insect repellent, as mosquitoes are abundant on Åland in summer. Sturdy footwear is advisable as the ground is uneven and often damp.
Geography
Facts
- The construction of the fortress began in the year 1832.
- In 1854, the facility was destroyed by British and French forces.
- The fortress was designed to accommodate a garrison of 2,500 soldiers.
- Bomarsund was the most significant Russian stronghold on the Åland Islands.
- Stones from the ruins were used to build the Uspenski Cathedral in Helsinki.
- The destruction led to the demilitarization of the Åland Islands in 1856.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Bomarsund Fortress (7)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Why are there so many ruins here?
The unfinished Russian fortress was destroyed in 1854 by a British-French fleet during the Crimean War.
Where is Bomarsund located?
It is located on the island of Sund in the eastern part of the Åland Islands.
Does it cost to visit?
The vast ruins area is free to access; only the new visitor center has an entrance fee.
How do you get there from Mariehamn?
The easiest way is by car or bus; the drive takes about 30-40 minutes.
What can you see there besides ruins?
There are beautiful coastal hiking trails and viewpoints like Notvikstornet.
Bomarsund Fortress: where is it located?
Bomarsund Fortress is located in Finland.
Bomarsund Fortress: what is there to see?
Highlights include Prästö badstrand, The old Prästö pilot station, Bomarsunds fästning.
Bomarsund Fortress: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Bomarsund Fortress: why is it worth visiting?
Bomarsund Fortress on the Åland Islands was once the most ambitious military project of the Russian Empire on its western frontier.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Finland →
Nearby cities
Helsinki surroundings
The surroundings of Helsinki are a highly urbanized area.
Vantaa
Vantaa is Finland's main airport city and a key part of the Helsinki metropolitan area.
Hämeenlinna
Hämeenlinna is situated on Lake Vanajavesi and is one of Finland's oldest cities.
Aulanko
A magnificent nature and landscape park in Hämeenlinna, famous for its observation tower and for inspiring Sibelius.
Salo
Salo is located in southwestern Finland.
Nurmijärvi
Finland's largest non-city municipality, famous as the birthplace of national author Aleksis Kivi and for its serene lake landscapes near…
Hyvinkää
Hyvinkää is located about 50 kilometers north of Helsinki.
Tuusula
Tuusula is located near Helsinki.
Kaaro
Kaaro is a tranquil coastal area near Rauma in western Finland, offering beautiful Baltic Sea views and serene nature.
Vuolahti
Vuolahti is a picturesque coastal destination in southern Finland, known for its pristine nature and tranquil archipelago beaches.
Harvaluoto
Harvaluoto is a serene island destination in the Finnish archipelago, offering peaceful forests and beautiful Baltic shores.
Nokia
Nokia is located in the Pirkanmaa region west of Tampere.
Ylöjärvi
Ylöjärvi is located in Pirkanmaa near Tampere.
Vihti
A charming natural destination near Helsinki, serving as a gateway to the Nuuksio National Park.
Raasepori
Raasepori is located on the south coast of Finland.