Social activities

Thursday night 28 August18:30

We are delighted to invite you to the welcome reception on the  tall ship Pommern, located only a short walk from the conference venue, Alandica.  As space is limited, we encourage you to register early to ensure your spot at this complimentary reception!

 Saturday night 30 August
(not included in the congress fee)

The congress dinner will be held at Restaurant Smakbyn, located in Sund, on a walking distance from the Jan Karlsgården open-air museum and the Kastelholm Castle. You can register solely for the dinner, which includes a bus ride from the Alandica Congress Center (approximately 30 minutes), or you may choose to enhance your experience by combining the dinner with one of three social activities beforehand.
The Kastelholm Castle and Bomarsund Visitor Center (on a short busride from Smakbyn) both offer guided tours, while Jan Karlsgården is available for independent exploration. As each activity has limited space, we encourage you to register early to secure your spot for your preferred activity. 

Smakbyn Restaurant
Opened in 2012, Michael and Jenny Björklund’s restaurant in Kastelholm, Åland, has quickly become a renowned destination. Michael Björklund, a celebrated chef in the Nordic region, has earned accolades such as Chef of the Year in both Sweden and Finland. He also placed fifth in the prestigious Bocuse d’Or competition and serves as a Finnish Food Ambassador for New Nordic Food.

Beyond his culinary expertise, Michael is a familiar face to the public through popular TV shows and cookbooks. In Åland, he is affectionately known as Micke, a welcoming chef and restaurateur beloved by locals and summer visitors alike.

Read more: Smakbyn – Rejäl mat, gjord på kärlek i Kastelholm

Bomarsund Visitor Center
Bomarsund Visitor Centre is located next to the dramatic remains of what was once to be Åland's most magnificent structure. The construction of Bomarsund Fortress took place in the first half of the 19th century and was built by the Russian military as an important outpost to the west. The fortress was however destroyed during the Crimean War, after the Battle of Bomarsund in 1854, but to this day, the remains testify to an impressive large-scale fortification area.

Read more: Bomarsund Visitor Center | Åland Museum

The Kastelholm castle
Kastelholm Castle is one of the most significant historical attractions in the Åland Islands and one of only five medieval strongholds still standing in Finland. Construction of the castle began in the 1380s. Originally belonging to Swedish marshal Bo Jonsson Grip, it was later inherited by Margaret I, the queen of all Nordic countries.
Throughout the Middle Ages, Kastelholm Castle served as a central stronghold for vassals governing the islands, enduring numerous sieges, invasions, and even witch trials.

In the 20th century, extensive archaeological excavations and restorations brought the castle back to life, and today it stands as a popular destination for visitors.

Read more: Kastelholm Castle | Åland Museum

Jan Karlsgården open-air museum
The Jan Karlsgården Open Air Museum offers a rich insight into Åland’s traditions and provides a glimpse of what an Åland farm might have looked like in the late 19th century. The museum features around twenty buildings, each relocated from different parts of Åland. Together, these structures offer visitors a comprehensive view of Åland’s architectural and living history, showcasing the environments where Ålanders lived and worked. Nearby, you’ll also find the Kastelholm guest harbor, adding to the area's charm.

Read more: Jan Karlsgården Open Air Museum | Åland Museum

Ticket fees EUR 60 - EUR 90 + VAT