Discover Lemland

Lemland offers a variety of historical themes to discover: the building phases of Lemland Church, Skeppargården Pellas, and the maritime shelter provided by the islands of Rödhamn. Together, these connections span church architecture, a building erected by a shipowner, and seafaring on the Åland Sea.

Building history and seafaring in Lemland

Lemland Church is dedicated to Saint Bridget and was probably built around 1275. Its tower, sacristy, and porch were added later in the Middle Ages; the present-day chancel was built in 1679. At the same church, you can see different building phases, from its presumed origins to the much later chancel. The approximate date of around 1275 and the specific year 1679 mark different points in time for anyone interested in historic churches.

Skeppargården Pellas was built in 1884 by shipowner Erik Petter Eriksson. The year and the name of its builder offer a different historical perspective from the church, which was built in several phases: here, the focus is on a single builder from the maritime world. The two Lemland sites therefore offer different points of interest—medieval and later building phases on the one hand, and a 19th-century building associated with a named shipowner on the other.

The four islands that make up Rödhamn also tell a story of seafaring: from the Middle Ages onward, they sheltered sailors from storms on the Åland Sea. Unlike the church and Pellas, the focus here is not on a building but on the shelter provided by a group of islands. During your stay in Lemland, you can therefore choose from a range of themes: building history, seafaring, or the role of the islands for sailors.

More themes in the wider destination of Ålands landsbygd

The wider destination of Ålands landsbygd offers additional historical, natural, and culinary themes. At the Bomarsund Visitor Centre, the area’s history is presented through sound and images. Kastelholm Castle was built as a defensive fortress at the end of the 14th century; the Jan Karlsgården open-air museum is also located in the Kastelholm area. Here, you can explore different ways of interpreting history: a visitor centre, a fortress built for defence, and an open-air museum.

Jomala Church is one of the oldest stone churches in Finland. It is another point of interest for anyone interested in churches and regional history. Prästö is home to cemeteries belonging to Greek Orthodox, Muslim, Lutheran, Catholic, and Jewish communities. They are connected to the period when Bomarsund Fortress was built.

The Prästö hiking trail passes the Russian telegraph station and its accommodation building, Doniken; both are among the few surviving Russian buildings in Åland. On Getabergen in Geta stands an observation tower, from which you can see far into the distance in clear weather. Ålands landsbygd also offers a choice of different themes: historic buildings along a hiking trail and a landscape view that depends on the weather.

Small producers also help shape the wider destination: Ålands landsbygd is home to several authentic small producers. Visitors can stroll through extensive apple orchards to buy the famous apple juice, or visit a caramel workshop and sample handmade sweets. These ideas offer different experiences—a walk through orchards with juice as the destination, or a visit with a sweet tasting. The specific offerings of individual producers may vary.

This allows you to thoughtfully include local connections and other regional themes in your travel plans.

Discover more destinations

Saltvik, Hammarland, Jomala, Finström, Geta, Eckerö, Lumparland

Back to the wider travel guide: Ålands landsbygd.