New Åland boathouse stamps illustrating heritage and joy of carpentry

On 3 February, we launch the second part of the stamp series featuring Åland boathouse culture. The two 2025 stamps highlight both historic and modern boathouses on Åland. “We hope that the stamp series will inspire people to explore the Åland boathouse culture, which is a living and essential part of our cultural heritage. The 2025 stamps show classic boathouses located in Käringsund, one of the oldest preserved fishing villages on Åland, and a newly built boathouse the style of which combines the joy of carpentry with traditional craftsmanship”, says Johanna Finne, design manager at Åland Post Stamps.

A tribute to Åland boathouses

For centuries, boathouses have been a visible part of coastal settlements on Åland, and they have been particularly vital for archipelago residents who need to keep their boats in good condition. The boathouse stamp series started in 2024 with two stamps showing a boathouse on Kökar and a row of boathouses in Lemland. The series now continues with two new postage stamps.

Stamp 1: Classic boathouses in Käringsund

The first stamp shows two traditional boathouses in Käringsund, Eckerö – one of the oldest preserved fishing villages on Åland. The architecture of these boathouses is simple yet functional. Built on stone chests in the water with wooden boardwalks to land, they are large with tin roofs and few windows and unpainted in the Åland way, having turned silver-grey over time. Some thirty boathouses still stand around the lagoon-like bay by the Sea of Åland.

Stamp 2: Modern boathouse in Bovik

The other stamp shows a boathouse in Bovik, Hammarland. In 2016–2017, the owner Conny Häger built his boathouse close to his summer cottage. Inspired by "timber framing", the style of this modern boathouse combines the joy of carpentry with traditional craftsmanship. Built of Åland pine, the boathouse measures 10 × 6 meters and has room for two boats.

Collect stamp series of boathouses

Discover and collect this year's stamps which tell about the history and culture of Åland. A first day cover with both stamps cancelled with a special first day cancel is also available for purchase.

Order your stamps and first day cover today.

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