Aland Islands: Kastelholm Castle

Kastelholm Castle was built in the 14th century by the Swedish as one of the major fortification within the Baltic Sea. It was paramount in establishing Swedish control and presence in this part of the world, constantly threatened by the resurgent Russian empire in the east. Thick walls, moats, towers – it’s all here. But given the Alands are somewhat an unknown part of the world – not much tourism swings by here. You could have the entire castle to yourself. In addition to the castle, there is a large collection of tradition houses and windmills, brought over here from elsewhere in the Åland.