avatarLisa Bolin

Summary

The website content details a personal journey to a secluded island in the Aland Archipelago, Finland, showcasing its natural beauty and historical significance through photographs and narrative.

Abstract

In July 2018, the author had the opportunity to visit a remote island in the Aland Archipelago, a place that was once a bustling sealing outpost in the 1700s but now serves as a peaceful retreat for fishing hut owners and adventurous visitors. The island, accessible only by boat, features a rustic yet habitable fisherman's hut and offers a unique experience with its smooth granite rocks, diverse flora, and serene landscapes. The author captures the essence of the island's tranquility and isolation through a series of stunning photographs and reflects on the magical experience of exploring this lesser-known gem, which even few locals have visited.

Opinions

  • The author considers it a privilege to have visited the island, indicating a deep appreciation for its beauty and seclusion.
  • The island is described as a special spot, suggesting a personal connection and a sense of wonder.
  • The mention of the island's history as a sealing outpost and its transformation into a quiet getaway reflects a reverence for its past and present state.
  • The author's enthusiasm for the island's natural features, such as the smooth rocks shaped by the sea, conveys a sense of awe and respect for the natural environment.
  • By encouraging readers to explore the author's other works and consider supporting them, the author expresses a desire to share more of their experiences and creative endeavors.
Fisherman’s Hut in the Aland Archipelago — photo: author

Beautiful Isolation

A photo journey to an island in an archipelago

In July 2018 I had the great privilege of traveling to this little island in the Aland archipelago in Finland, where I live. It took several hours by boat to reach this special spot, once a sealing outpost where several thousand people lived and hunted seasonally in the 1700s.

View of the fisherman’s hut — photo: author

Now, the only visitors are the fishing hut owners (our friends) and the occasional recreational fisher (maybe even a brave soul or two who are willing to risk navigating the rocks lying just under the water).

Fisherman’s hut — photo: author

The hut is silvery-grey, rustic, but you can still sleep inside. It has all the basics. Exploring the island is a magical experience and there are not even many locals who have ventured out here.

Smooth rocks meet the water — photo: author
Rocks and algae — photo: author
The islands are made of granite — photo: author
A small copse in the distance, reeds, and flowers blooming — photo: author
A smooth rock-lovers delight — photo: author
The rocks are made round by the sea churning them against the cliffs in stormy weather — photo: author

Lisa lives in an archipelago between Finland and Sweden. She writes poetry and other things, and she enjoys taking photos. You could check out For The Love or subscribe to Northern Notes, or consider buying her a coffee.

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Photography
Travel
Finland
Isolation
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