A National Landscape
Kvarken Archipelago has been listed as one of the Finnish national
landscapes. In the idyllic villages on the islands, the old buildings have been
well-preserved. The communal boat harbours with the many boathouses are also
picturesque. The boats are still mostly locally made: old wooden boats built in
the villages, or new fibreglass boats made in the boat-building shops on the
coast.
Fields outlined by stone walls are characteristic to the landscape of the
villages. In addition, pasturing and mowing have shaped the structure of the
forests on the islands.
Lighthouses and Nature Stations
The most important sights in Kvarken Natura 2000 area are the lighthouses (www.fma.fi, in
Finnish) of Ritgrund, Valsörarna, Norrskär and
Strömmingsbådan and the many other navigation marks in the
area, such as the old wooden beacons which have no light. Nowadays the old pilot
stations and coastguard stations are managed by Metsähallitus, and being
developed as nature stations.
Stone Labyrinths and Fishermen's Cabins
There are many monuments of antiquity which are related to seal hunting,
fishing and navigation in the area, such as stone labyrinths and compass roses.
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In the archipelago, stone labyrinths have been built while waiting for
the weather improving for sailing, but they may also have been used as places
of worship and cults. They are usually built of head-size stones, and their
diameter is 10 - 12 metres. It is believed that they were places for meeting
and playing, but they probably have something to do with fishing and hunting
magic as well. Most scientists nowadays think that the labyrinths are
religious constructions.
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Compass roses are figures constructed of stones showing the compass
points.
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The old fishermen's cabins on the outer islets are related to the time
when fishing Baltic Herring (Clupea harengus membras) in the autumn
was an important source of livelihood.
Observation tower Saltkaret
The impressive, tar coloured Saltkaret raises to over
20 meters height in the World heritage Kvarken Archipelago. The tower, located
in the fish harbour Svedjehamn, offers a beautiful view over the De
Geer-moraines. This unique moraine archipelago affirms the enormous power of the
last ice age in the Kvarken Archipelago.
The visible area from the tower is a perfect example of the De Geer areas in
Finland. The tower also pleases many bird-watchers, as many of the typical bird
species of the island can be spotted in the area, such as black coots, terns and
sea eagles. The wooden observation tower is also an excellent intermediate
stopping point for hikers, because it is located directly by the hiking trail.
You can reach the lower level of the tower also with prams or
wheelchairs.
Driving directions to Saltkaret:
Saltkaret is located in Svedjehamn, which is in Mustasaari municipality,
about 40-45 minutes drive northwest from the centre of Vaasa. From Vaasa: drive
on the road number 742 (Alskatintie) north towards Raippaluoto (Replot)
approximately 20 kilometres. After Raippaluoto continue straight on road 7240
(Raippaluodontie/Björköntie) approximately 20 kilometres and you’ll arrive to
the Svedjehamn harbour where the road ends.
There is a free parking place in Svedjehamn. The observation tower can
already be seen from the harbour and the parking place. Next to the parking
place there is an information sign about Björkö-Panike hiking trail. The
observation tower is located by this trail; about 600 metres walk from the
parking place.
You can find the map of the area and further information from excursion map.
(www.retkikartta.fi)
An Important Route to the West
Through many phases of history, Kvarken has been the connection from Finlands
towards west. During the Swedish rule, the inhabitants of Björköby
Island in the area had the duty to deliver mail across the strait. Also
the Russian army has attacked Sweden across Kvarken twice. Later, the jaegers
troops crossed the sea at the same place, and during the Finnish Winter War, the
ice road to Sweden was of vital importance to Finland.
