Bomarsund Fortress

The ruined 19th-century stronghold of Bomarsund (Bomarsunds fastningsruiner) in Aland, Finland, was destroyed during the Crimean War. The fortress remains are now a popular and scenic visitor destination, as well as one of the land's most spectacular historical sites. In 1856, the entire region was proclaimed a demilitarized zone, which it still is today.

Bomarsund Fortress was built for Russian contingents on the island between 1832 and 1854, while Aland was still a Russian possession. The fortress was designed to accommodate thousands of soldiers as well as serve as a defensive building. Indeed, a town-like hamlet known as 'Skarpans' sprang up around the stronghold, occupied by both military and civilian populations.

Bomarsund Fortress was supposed to contain fourteen turrets, but only three were built before it was destroyed by the allied English-Frenchmen. This happened during the Crimean War's Battle of Bomarsund in 1854, when allied British and French forces took Bomarsund Fortress from the Russians after a week. This wreaked havoc on the fortress and culminated in the deportation of over 2000 soldiers to England and France as prisoners of war.

Bomarsund is now a historical monument with an area of around 870 hectares. Visitors can tour the magnificent and historic site of Bomarsund Fortress, which was never rebuilt and hence serves as a testament to the high hopes that were once had for the area before the its destruction.

Location: Åland, Finland