Ålands jakt- och fiskemuseum

About the museum

The museum’s collections began to be built up in the 1970s, when Allen Mattsson and a few others started to take care of objects connected with Åland’s hunting and fishing culture. The support association for Ålands jakt- och fiskemuseum was founded in 1978, and the collections grew through donations and purchases at auctions.

The Stiftelsen Ålands Jakt- och Fiskemuseum sr foundation was established in 1994, and in 1995 the museum was inaugurated in Käringsund in Eckerö on western Åland. The museum building was designed by the architect Folke Wickström and resembles a cluster of boathouses by the red rocks of Käringsund, right beside the sea and the fishing village.

The permanent exhibition deals with Åland’s nature and its hunting and fishing culture, with emphasis on various kinds of fishing, spring bird hunting, seal hunting and boats. There is also an exhibition of trophies and weapons. Outside the museum begins the geotrail Genom eld och is (Through Fire and Ice), and the salmon boat Svanö lies by the museum.

Highlights

• Permanent exhibition on Åland’s nature and hunting and fishing culture
• Barnens Strömmingsmarknad (children’s herring market) and the family game Trout Route
• Geotrail Genom eld och is (350 metres)
• Salmon boat Svanö, free to visit even when the museum is closed
• Museum building designed by Folke Wickström in the Käringsund fishing village

Permanent exhibition

• Basutställningen – The exhibition tells of Åland’s nature and hunting and fishing culture, with emphasis on various kinds of fishing, spring bird hunting, seal hunting and boats, and also has a trophy and weapons exhibition.

Founded

1995

Operated by

Stiftelsen Ålands Jakt- och Fiskemuseum sr

Admission & discounts

Free admission for Åland hunters on presentation of a hunting licence, for bus drivers and licensed guides, and for holders of ICOM cards, press cards and the Finnish Museum Card (Museokortti). The museum accepts wellness vouchers and Eckerö activity tickets. The Museum Card costs €86, top-up €79.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum is adapted for people with reduced mobility, with ramps outside and inside as well as an accessible toilet. The indoor ramps are fairly steep, and staff will help if needed. Wheelchairs and rollators work in almost the whole museum. The doors have no automatic opener; you ring the bell at the outer door. There is a hearing loop at reception. Accessible parking with an asphalt surface is located beside the ramp. The museum has level differences which are connected by ramps, but no separate floors.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities

The Children’s Herring Market, treasure hunts and the trout game Trout Route are aimed at families. Pushchairs can reach the whole museum via the ramp, and a seat carriage can be borrowed. The toilet has a changing table, an extra toilet seat and a potty.

Getting there & parking

The museum is located in the Käringsund fishing village in Eckerö on western Åland.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Museum shop
• Coat check: not available

The museum shop Havsboden sells fishing lures, Åland crafts, souvenirs, books and postcards and can be visited without an entrance fee. The museum has no food service of its own, but you may eat your own packed lunch in the inner courtyard or outside on the steps. Places to eat are available in Käringsund and Eckerö.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

A meeting room can be rented for €40 per hour.

Plan your visit