Saltvik

Saltvik is located in the northeastern part of mainland Åland and is the largest municipality in the province by land area. Out of 1,800 residents who live in the municipality year-round about 91 % speak Swedish as their mother tongue.

In the northern part of the municipality is Orrdalsklint, the highest point in Åland. The top of this rocky hill rises 129 meters above sea level.

Understand

The Orrdalsklint and Långberget hills started to emerge from the Yoldia Sea about 10,000 years ago. At Kasberget hill there are the largest ancient seashores (Stenåkrarna) on Åland still visible. Saltvik area has been inhabited for thousands of years, as evidenced by the abundant archaeological finds in the area. In particular, numerous remnants of a comb ceramic and pittet ware culture settlements have been found around Orrdalsklint and Långbergen hills. Very interesting graves and objects have been found in the area of Kvarnbo village, which tell about old trade connections during the Viking era. The Kvarnbo area has been a significant settlement and a market place since at least the 14th century. A large number of archaeological findings from the Saltvik region are on display at the Åland Museum in Mariehamn.

As over 91 % of population speak Swedish as their mother tongue, Saltvik is one of the most Swedish speaking places on Earth. As elsewhere in Åland, Swedish is the only official language. Nowadays there are about 1,800 year-round inhabitants living in Saltvik. The municipality has two bank offices, grocery stores, two kindergartens, and two elementary schools (grades 1–6). The Taffel chips factory by the highway 2 is not only one of the largest employers in the whole Åland province but also one of the largest buildings on these islands.

Get in

Färjsund Bridge in Saltvik

Highway 2 going from Mariehamn northeast to Vårdö goes through the southern part of the municipality; from the highway 50 connects to the town centre. You can get in by car or by bus.

See

• 1 Saltvik Church, Ribackavägen 8. Medieval church dedicated to St. Mary, the main landmark of the Kvarnbo village. (updated Aug 2023)
• 2 Orrdalsklint. The highest point of Åland archipelago rises up to 129 meters above sea level. The scenery is not considered as fine as views from the famous Getaberget, and Orrdalsklint has never developed into a similar tourist attraction. The site itself is somewhat as remote as it is possible on mainland Åland. There is no access to the summit by car, but there is a hiking trail, and at the summit a small hut to visit. Couple of caves by the cliff SW from the hill top. (updated Aug 2023)

Do

• 1 Saltvik Viking Market (Vikingamarknad). last weekend in July. Based on archaeological findings, Kvarnbo village was a lively trading place during the Viking Age. Every year, in the last weekend of July, one of Europe's largest Viking-themed events is held here. Viking-themed programme. Handicrafts and other merchandise for sale. In many years the tickets are sold out so buying one in advance is advised. in advance €8/3, at the gate €10/5. (updated Aug 2023)
• 2 Germundö Alpin (Germundö Slalombacken), Lavövägen 124, info@alpin.ax. The only downhill skiing slope in Åland has been operating since 1982. (updated Aug 2023)

Buy

• 1 Taffel Factory Shop, Sundsvägen 420. M-F 11-18, Sa 11-17, Su (summer) 11-17, (winter) closed. Taffel Chips (nowadays part of Orkla) is a well-known company that produces potato chips and other salty snacks. Their potato chips are made from potatoes harvested in Åland. The Taffel factory is located in Saltvik, next to highway 2. At the edge of the parking lot is a factory store where shelves are full of chips and other snacks made in the factory next door. (updated Aug 2023)

Eat

• 1 Söderhörn, Kvarnbovägen. Restaurant. (updated Aug 2023)

Sleep

• 1 Kvarnbo gästhem, Kyrkvägen 48, ☏ +358 18 44015, info@kvarnbopensionat.ax. Guesthouse. (updated Aug 2023)

Go next

• Kastelholm and Bomarsund fortresses in Sund.
• Uffe på Berget café with panorama tower in Finström.