Kastelholms slott

About the museum

Kastelholm Castle is Åland’s only medieval castle. Construction began at the end of the 14th century, and the castle is first mentioned in 1388. At that time the site was a small islet, but because of land uplift there is water on only two sides of the castle today. In those days Åland was a self-governing administrative area with Kastelholm as its centre, and until 1634 the castle was Åland’s administrative centre.

Because of its strategic location the castle was drawn into several political conflicts, including the Engelbrekt rebellion in 1434, and in 1507 it was captured by the privateer captain Sören Norby. During the reign of Gustav Vasa, Kastelholm became a royal hunting castle, and the castle was extended in several stages. Duke John stayed here several times in the 1550s and 1560s, and his brother Erik XIV was held captive at the castle in autumn 1571 together with his wife Karin Månsdotter.

After a fire in 1619 the last governor tried to rebuild the castle, but it gradually lost its importance. The fire of 1745 destroyed almost the entire castle; the northern wing survived best and was used as a grain store. The castle has been restored several times since the end of the 19th century, most recently in the 1990s, and today it is a museum. Next to the castle lie the open-air museum Jan Karlsgården and the Vita Björn prison museum.

Highlights

• Åland’s only medieval castle from the 14th century
• King Erik’s prison cell in the Kuretornet (Kure Tower)
• Daily guided tours in summer
• Treasure hunt and dress-up box for children
• Open-air museum Jan Karlsgården and the Vita Björn prison museum nearby

Permanent exhibition

• Kastelholms slott – The restored castle ruin tells the story of the castle’s history in the Middle Ages and the Vasa period; in the Kuretornet King Erik’s traditional prison cell is shown.

Founded

1400

Operated by

Ålands museum, Ålands landskapsregering

Admission & discounts

The Kastelholm ticket is valid for Kastelholm Castle and the Vita Björn prison museum. Free admission with the Finnish Museikortet (Finnish Museum Card).

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Kastelholm Castle is not accessible for people with disabilities. Of animals, only guide dogs are allowed into the castle.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations

Children can try the castle’s treasure hunt and try on clothes, chain mail and helmets. At the end of the route there is a children’s corner with castle costumes and headwear.

Getting there & parking

There are paths to walk on in the museum area; dogs must be kept on a lead.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

The Grindstugan museum shop, about 200 metres from the castle, sells Åland crafts, local ice cream, books and postcards. Cafés and restaurants in Kastelholm are open in summer.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit