(2018) MiNr. 454 ** - Aland - EUROPA Bridges

Bomarsund Bridge - a bridge between past and present

The Bomarsund Bridge (Bomarsundsbron) is located in the northeastern part of the Åland Islands, an autonomous archipelago belonging to Finland. The bridge connects the mainland municipality of Sund with the Prästö peninsula, where the ruins of the former Russian military fortress Bomarsund are located. Although the bridge itself is modern infrastructure, its name and location are closely linked to the dramatic events of 19th century European history.

Strategic importance of Aland and the creation of the fort

The Aland Islands occupy a strategic location in the Baltic Sea between Sweden and Finland. After the Finnish War (1808-1809), in which Russia defeated Sweden, the islands were incorporated into the Russian Empire as part of Finland. To consolidate its influence in the Baltic region, the tsarist government began construction of a large naval fortress at Bomarsund.

Construction began in 1832 under the direction of military engineers of the Russian Empire. The fortress was designed as a complex defensive system consisting of a main citadel, artillery towers and several smaller redoubts scattered around the surrounding islands and heights. At the time of its construction, it was considered a modern fortification with an emphasis on controlling the sea routes between St. Petersburg and Central Europe.

Bombardment and Fall of the Fortress (1854)

The fortress of Bomarsund was targeted during the Crimean War (1853-1856), in which Britain and France allied against Russia. In August 1854, an Anglo-French fleet arrived at the Alands and began a siege and systematic shelling of the fortress. Within days, the defenders found themselves in a stalemate and the fort capitulated. Subsequently, it was largely destroyed, never to be rebuilt.

This event had significant diplomatic implications: in 1856, the so-called Aland Convention was adopted as part of the Treaty of Paris, which prohibited the militarization of the archipelago. This "demilitarised territory" status remains in force today.

The bridge as part of the modernisation of the region

The current Bomarsund Bridge opened in 1988, replacing an older wooden bridge. It is a reinforced concrete structure approximately 279 metres long, which provides a road connection between Prästö and the mainland of Sund. The bridge has facilitated access to the historic site and has also supported the development of tourism in the area.

From an engineering perspective, the bridge is a classic cantilever structure with a simple functional design that blends harmoniously into the surrounding landscape. The bridge overlooks the ruins of the fortress, the adjacent fjord and the remains of the former military complex.

Cultural and heritage significance

Bomarsund is today one of the most important historical sites in the Åland Islands. The remains of the fortress, the preserved foundations of the barracks and the artillery posts are protected as a cultural monument. The site also features a small museum, nature trails and information boards that recall the events of 1854 and the wider context of Russian-Swedish-British relations in the 19th century.

Bomarsund Bridge thus serves not only as a transport feature but also as a symbolic link between two eras - the imperial past and the present based on peaceful cooperation. It is an example of how technical infrastructure can contribute to preserving historical memory and making cultural heritage accessible to a wider public.