Hidden Gems At The Finish Line

The Road to Valhalla is full of history and will lead the riders past many incredible highlights, some well-known but many hidden away, waiting to be discovered. The route through Finland will take the cyclists to the country’s famous cities of Helsinki and Turku but will also allow them to explore some of Finland’s smaller treasures. Here is what they have to look forward to…

Ekenäs

Raseborg Castle

The first stage out of Helsinki will finish in the small town of Ekenäs (now Raseborg). Founded in 1546, it is known for its architecture. The historic town centre features many wooden buildings named after types of fish. There are also two buildings in  town designed by the world famous Finnish architect, Alvar Aalto; the Ekenäs Savings Bank constructed in 1964 and the Villa Skeppet built in 1969. Riders can also explore the medieval Raseborg Castle which dates from the 1300’s. In the evening, perhaps they can take in a film at the Bio Forum, Finland’s oldest movie theatre (1912) still in operation.

Åland Islands

The Åland Islands (pop. 30,000) are quite unique. The archipelago, which consists of over 6,000 islands (about 80 of which are populated), is an autonomous Finnish region but the official language is actually Swedish! Since 1922, Åland has had its own parliament as well as a representative in the Finnish national parliament. It prints its own stamps, which makes them a great idea for a souvenir or memento of the islands. Cyclists can get very hungry so they should not miss trying  a local tradition, Ålandspannakka. This is a pancake made from semolina porridge and flavoured with cardamom and vanilla and is usually served with stewed plums and whipped cream. Yum!

Bomarsund Fortress

Stage 5 on the Road to Valhalla, finds the riders arriving by ferry to the island of Fasta Aland where 90% of the region’s population lives. The route  from the ferry dock at Hummelvik to Golby  follows the historic Old Postal Route for about 35 kms, a path that was used to transport the mail from Sweden to Finland for over 300 years, before finally being abandoned in 1910. Along the way they can explore the ruins of the Bomarsund Fortress destroyed during the Crimean war in the 1850’s or a 14th century castle, the Kastelholms Slott in Sund. After all that history the riders can stop at the nearby Smakbyn Restaurant,  known for its fresh ingredients and seasonal menu.

View from the Observation Tower

Approaching Godby (pop. 800), the cyclists should keep an eye out for the Hoga C Observation Tower. At 30m high, it has some great views and right across street is the popular Godby Arboretum. Anyone looking for a beer should head to the nearby Stallhagen Brewery to try the blueberry ale or raspberry stout.

Mariehamm Harbour

This stage, and the cyclists’ time on the islands, comes to a close in the charming capital, Mariehamn (pop. 12,000). It was founded by Russia’s Czar Alexander II in in 1861 and it’s history of ship building can be seen in the maritime quarter of  Sjokvarteret. Riders should be sure to visit the Maritime Museum including the Pommern, a four-masted long ship that used to haul cargo all the way to Australia.

RELATED
TOUR

Road to Valhalla

Valhalla, also known as the Hall of Heroes, was the goal for all real Vikings. Ruled by the Norse God, Odin, only the bravest and fiercest of warriors...