Rödhamn
Where the archipelago meets the open sea
Rödhamn lies on the outer edge of the Åland archipelago, where sheltered waters meet the open Åland Sea. Its protected harbour has made Rödhamn an important stopping place for seafarers for centuries, whether arriving from the sea or waiting for suitable conditions before continuing their journey.
Over the years, Rödhamn has served as a pilot station, safe harbour and radio beacon station. Today it is a popular destination for visiting boats and day trips, with a guest harbour, restaurant and the old radio beacon station open as a museum during the summer.
The History
Rödhamn has provided shelter for seafarers for centuries. Its location at the edge of the archipelago made the protected harbour an important stopping place before crossing the open Åland Sea. Rödhamn later became a pilot station, with pilots stationed here until 1928.
In 1937, a radio beacon station was established at Rödhamn to help ships navigate these waters. The station remained in operation until 1970, and the original building and much of its equipment have been preserved. Today, the old radio beacon station is a museum and one of the clearest reminders of Rödhamn’s maritime history.
Rödhamn Today
Today, Rödhamn is owned by the Government of Åland and leased by Ålands Segelsällskap, which operates the guest harbour. During the summer, the old radio beacon station is open as a museum, and the harbour restaurant makes Rödhamn a popular destination not only for visiting boats but also for local day trips.
Much of the atmosphere at Rödhamn today is shaped by the people who look after the place. Annette Gustafsson, who runs the summer restaurant Rödhamn Express, is also an artist, and her paintings are displayed at Rödhamn. Through her hospitality, art and feel for the island, she has become closely associated with Rödhamn.
Summer days can be busy, with boats filling the harbour and people gathering at the restaurant. Yet Rödhamn has a sense of calm that remains even when there are plenty of people around.
Visit Rödhamn with Shipland
Rödhamn is a good place to start exploring the Åland archipelago. It brings together maritime history, nature and life in the archipelago today, while being easy to reach and easy to explore on foot. The paths and surroundings also make Rödhamn suitable for visitors who are not used to walking on small islands and uneven terrain.
When visiting Rödhamn with Shipland, there is time to explore the island, visit the old radio beacon station when the museum is open and experience the transition between the sheltered archipelago and the open Åland Sea. Rödhamn also works particularly well for larger groups, as everyone can arrive at the same destination and explore the island at their own pace. During the summer months, lunch, dinner or a lighter meal can be arranged in cooperation with Annette and Rödhamn Express.
Rödhamn can be included in a Private Tour and is also the destination for my Dinner Cruise during the summer season when the restaurant is open.