Saltvik: Church, Viking Village and Hiking Trail to Borge Hillfort
Accommodation in Saltvik
Saltvik offers a range of things to enjoy during a stay: Kvarnbo is home to Saltvik Church and the Viking Village, a marked hiking trail leads to Borge Hillfort, and seasonal activities are available at Västerviken Beach. The Saltvik Viking Market takes place on the last weekend of July; Folkhälsan runs swimming lessons at the beach every summer. When choosing a hotel, your travel dates and personal interests may both play a part: the historic sites, the hike and the seasonal activities appeal to different interests. Before your trip, check the current market programme and the swimming lesson arrangements for that year.
Church and archaeological context
Saltvik Church is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and stands on a site where archaeological finds dating back to the Viking Age have been made. Traces of numerous alterations can be seen on the building. Religious dedication, the site's archaeological history and architectural changes thus come together in one place. When exploring Saltvik's history, you can consider these perspectives separately: the finds relate to the site, the alterations to the church building, and the dedication to the church itself.
Viking Village and July date
The Viking Village is located in Kvarnbo, Saltvik. The Saltvik Viking Market takes place on the last weekend of July. The programme includes Viking-style music, weapon games, combat training, and demonstrations by craftspeople at work. The market is therefore a date-specific event, distinct from the Viking Village as a place. If the market affects the timing of your trip, check that year's programme before setting off.
Hiking trail and Västerviken Beach
A marked hiking trail with information boards leads to Borge Hillfort. The destination gives the hike a clear historical focus. Västerviken Beach has changing cabins, a volleyball net and a diving tower; Folkhälsan runs swimming lessons there every summer. The trail and the beach offer different ways to spend your time: hiking to the hillfort or spending time by the water. If you plan to take swimming lessons, check the arrangements for the current year. Also confirm the beach facilities before your visit.
More places to explore in the wider destination of Ă…lands landsbygd
The wider destination of Ă…lands landsbygd offers other distinct historical and landscape attractions. At the Bomarsund Visitor Centre, the area's history is presented through sound and images. Kastelholm Castle was built as a defensive fortress in the late 14th century; the Jan KarlsgĂĄrden open-air museum is also located in the Kastelholm area. Jomala Church is one of Finland's oldest stone churches.
An observation tower stands on Getabergen in Geta, offering far-reaching views in clear weather. Prästö is home to cemeteries belonging to Greek Orthodox, Muslim, Lutheran, Catholic and Jewish communities. They are connected with the period when Bomarsund Fortress was built. The Prästö hiking trail passes the Russian telegraph station and its lodging house, Doniken; both are among the few surviving Russian buildings in Åland.
Small producers are another feature of Ă…lands landsbygd. Visitors can stroll among extensive apple orchards to buy the famous apple juice, or visit a caramel workshop and sample handmade sweets. Offerings from individual producers may vary.
Discover more destinations: Hammarland, Finström, Lemland, Eckerö, Jomala, Geta, Lumparland.
Go to the main travel overview: Ă…lands landsbygd.
