Sälskär lighthouse

Sälskär lighthouse is located on the northern part of Hammarland on a small islet. It was built in 1868 and was manned by a chief lighthouse keeper and two or three lighthouse keepers and their families until 1948. The lighthouse is the oldest lighthouse in Finland. It reaches up to 44 metres above the sea, and can be seen from a distance of 12 km.

Tag: Favourites tag
Date: April 26

Lågskär

Lågskär is a small island within the Åland archipelago of Finland. It is situated about 24 kilometres south of Mariehamn in the Baltic's Sea of Åland. The main island of Lågskär measures 61 hectares in area. Rock stacks, sea cliffs and rocky shores are found along the coastline of the island. The underwater banks of Lågskär Archipelago are important feeding areas for waterfowl during migration periods. In spring up to 10,000 of both Eiders and Long-tailed Ducks rest in the area on peak days. Amongst the threatened species hosted by the site are also the Ringed and Grey Seal.

Many thanks Petr!
Date: June 28

Red Fox

A red fox maxi card from Åland, 2004
Tag: Favourites tag
Date: Oct 24

From Åland Islands

A beautiful nature card, sent from Åland Islands.

Distance: 1,380 km

Travel time: 12 days

Kastelholms Slott

Kastelholm Castle has a long and colourful history. Originally the castle was a fortress, Åland’s only medieval fortress. Construction on it began at the end of the 14th century.  At that time the castle site was a small islet, but today the castle only has water on two sides, as the land has continued to rise from the last ice age. After several fires, the castle deteriorated and was abandoned. Today it has been restored to a living ruin, open to visitors during the summer. 

Thanks a lot Anna-Kaisa!
Tag: Favourites tag
Date: March 10

Flags of the World - Åland Islands

The flag of Åland is a yellow or gold Nordic cross with another red cross inside on a blue background with the vertical bar shifted towards the hoist side. It is intended to resemble the Swedish flag defaced by a red cross symbolizing Finland.

Thanks so much Tiia for the wonderful contribution to my collection!
Date: Sept 7

Greetings from... Åland Islands

The Åland archipelago consists of around 6 500 islands, but only more than 60 are inhabited. Åland has its own taxation system, its own postage stamps, its own flag and Swedish as its only official language.

Thanks a lot Marianne.
Date: May 30

Åland

My first card from Åland Islands, an autonomous region of Finland. Comprising around 6,700 islands, this Swedish-speaking archipelago is in the Baltic Sea. The capital, Mariehamn, on the main island of Fasta Åland, is known for its beaches and streets lined with 19th-century wooden townhouses, handicraft shops and cafes. Västerhamn, the town's western port, links Åland with Estonia, Sweden and mainland Finland.

Thanks a lot Nina!
Date: April 12