Jomala | Exploring Åland

Jomala is a historic village, and it serves as the center of the Jomala Municipality. It is located on the main island of the Åland Islands. The village is often called Jomala kyrkby, or Jomala church village, so it should not be confused with the larger municipality. The village is defined by its magnificent medieval church, St. Olaf’s Church, and this is one of the oldest in Finland. With a small population, the village is a tranquil area, and it serves as the historical heart of the entire region.

The village’s identity is linked to its role as an early center of power, and its history stretches back to the Viking Age. Its church is a testament to the arrival of Christianity, and it is surrounded by fertile plains and ancient burial grounds. Today, Jomala village is a place of historical significance. Its location is just a short distance from the capital Mariehamn. This makes it an accessible and important destination, and it is perfect for anyone interested in Åland’s deep history.

History of Jomala

The history of Jomala village is one of the oldest on the Åland Islands. The area has been a central place for settlement since the Viking Age, and its name is believed to have ancient origins. The founding of its stone church in the 13th century cemented its status as the ecclesiastical hub for the region. For centuries, the village was the focal point for the entire parish. Its history reflects the broader development of Åland, from a pagan society to a Christian community.

An Ancient Center of Power

The area around Jomala has been a center of power for a very long time. The name “Jomala” is thought to come from a Norse deity, so the site was likely a pre-Christian place of worship. The large grave fields located near the village are further evidence of its importance. The establishment of one of Finland’s first stone churches here was a deliberate act. It consecrated this ancient pagan center for the new Christian faith, and this solidified its importance for centuries to come.

The Parish and Administrative Hub

For many centuries, Jomala village served as the administrative center for the entire parish. The magnificent St. Olaf’s Church was the heart of this community, and the nearby Kungsnäs royal estate was also an important center. The village’s location in the middle of Åland’s most fertile plains also contributed to its historical importance. It remained the undisputed center of the region for a long time. The founding of the new capital, Mariehamn, in the 19th century eventually shifted the administrative focus away from the old church village.

Modern Preservation

In the modern era, Jomala village has retained its historical character. The surrounding municipality has grown with new residential areas, but the village itself has been largely preserved. It has not experienced large-scale industrialization, so its historical buildings remain. The church and the vicarage are protected cultural monuments. Today, the village stands as a well-preserved example of a traditional Ålandic church village, and it offers a peaceful glimpse into the island’s long history.

Sights in Jomala

The sights in Jomala village are centered around its magnificent medieval church, and the area also has a rich archaeological landscape. The main attraction is St. Olaf’s Church, which is one of the most important historical monuments on the Åland Islands. The area surrounding the church is filled with history, and it includes the historic vicarage and several large Viking Age grave fields. A walk through the village and its surroundings is a journey through a thousand years of Ålandic history.

St. Olaf’s Church (Jomala kyrka)

St. Olaf’s Church is the undisputed centerpiece of the village, and it is one of the most impressive historical sights in Finland. It is one of the oldest stone churches in the country. Its oldest parts date back to the 13th century. The church is known for its beautiful medieval frescoes, and these decorate the interior walls and vaults. The church’s impressive architecture is also a major feature. It was likely built on a pre-Christian place of worship, and its large size is a testament to its historical importance.

Jomala Vicarage (Prästgården)

Located next to the church is the historic Jomala Vicarage, or Prästgården. The current main building dates from the 19th century, and it is a fine example of the stately architecture from that period. The vicarage has been the residence of the parish priest for centuries, and it has been a central part of the community’s life. The beautiful building and its surrounding garden contribute to the historical atmosphere. It stands as a reminder of the church’s central administrative role in the past.

Viking Age Grave Fields

The area around Jomala village is rich in archaeological remains, and it includes several large grave fields from the Viking Age. One of the most significant of these is the Jettböle settlement and burial site. These ancient burial grounds are evidence of the area’s importance as a center of power long before the church was built. While many of the graves are not visibly marked, their presence in the landscape is a powerful reminder. They showcase the deep history of the village and its pre-Christian past.

Ingby Mountain (Ingbyberget)

A short distance from the village is Ingbyberget, a large hill that features both ancient and modern history. On the hill, there are the remains of an ancient hillfort. It is one of the largest in Åland, and it dates back to the Iron Age. The hill also offers beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. More recently, the hill was also a site for defensive fortifications during World War I and World War II. Some of the remnants of these can still be found by observant visitors.

Read More Here: Ingbyberget, Jomala | Exploring Åland

Traveling with Kids

Jomala village and the surrounding municipality offer a peaceful and family-friendly environment. The area has a focus on outdoor activities and nature. While the village itself is a quiet, historical site, its central location provides easy access to many of Åland’s top family attractions. The nearby coastline offers opportunities for swimming at several family-friendly beaches. The rural landscape, with its quiet roads and forests, is also ideal for family bike rides and walks.

The main attractions for children are just a short drive away. These include the large playgrounds and the adventure pool in Mariehamn. The combination of a tranquil village atmosphere and the proximity to modern family attractions makes Jomala a good base. Children can learn about history by exploring a real medieval church. Then, they can enjoy the modern facilities nearby. This makes for a relaxing family vacation on the Åland Islands.

Jomala's Church of St. Olaf, Åland Islands

Sports in Jomala

The sports scene in Jomala is vibrant and diverse, and the multi-sport club Jomala IK is at its heart. The club is a central institution in the community. It provides organized activities in many of Åland’s most popular sports, including football and floorball. The municipality has excellent facilities to support these activities. The most notable is the Vikingavallen sports ground, which is the main hub for football and athletics. The rural landscape also makes the area a natural center for individual sports.

Jomala IK (Football)

The football section of Jomala IK is one of the largest and most successful on the Åland Islands. The club has teams for men, women, and a very extensive youth program. This program includes hundreds of players of all ages. The men’s team competes in the top divisions of the Ålandic football league system. They play their home matches at Vikingavallen. This is a well-maintained sports ground with both grass and artificial turf pitches. The club has a strong local following, and it is a key part of the community.

Jomala IK Floorball

Floorball is another very popular sport in Jomala, and the floorball section of Jomala IK is highly active. The club has teams for both men and women, and it also has several youth teams. These teams compete in the Ålandic floorball leagues. Floorball is a fast-paced and exciting indoor sport, and it is very popular at the grassroots level. The club’s matches are popular local events. They are typically played in the local school sports halls.

Jomala IK Athletics

The multi-sport club Jomala IK has a strong section for athletics. This includes track and field. The club provides training and competition opportunities for athletes of all ages. They compete in a variety of disciplines, from running and jumping to throwing events. They utilize the excellent athletic facilities at the Vikingavallen sports ground in Jomala. The club is a key part of the local grassroots sports scene. It has produced many successful athletes who have competed at the national level in Finland.

Jomala DiscGolfPark

Disc golf is a rapidly growing sport on the Åland Islands. The Jomala DiscGolfPark is one of the most popular courses. The course is located in a forest setting in the central part of the municipality. It offers a challenging and scenic 18-hole experience for players of all levels. Disc golf is a fun and accessible sport, and it is perfect for the whole family. The course in Jomala is free to play. It is a popular recreational spot for both locals and tourists throughout the year.

Getting Around in Jomala

Navigating Jomala village and the surrounding municipality is best done by car or bicycle. The village is located in a rural area, and while there are public bus services, they may not be very frequent. A car provides the most flexibility for exploring the different sights on the Åland Islands. Cycling is also an excellent option, as the terrain is relatively flat and the distances between villages are not too great. The main roads are well-maintained, and there is an extensive network of separate cycle paths.

Navigating by Car

A car is the most convenient way to explore Jomala and the wider Åland Islands. The village is located just a short, ten-minute drive from the capital, Mariehamn. Having a car makes it easy to take day trips to other major attractions, such as the Kastelholm Castle or the fortress ruins at Bomarsund. Car rentals are available in Mariehamn, which is the main arrival point for ferries. The roads are generally in good condition and traffic is light, making for a pleasant driving experience.

Exploring by Bicycle

The Åland Islands are a paradise for cyclists, and exploring by bicycle is a highly recommended option. The landscape around Jomala is relatively flat, and there is an extensive network of well-marked cycle paths that are often separated from car traffic. A bike ride is a great way to experience the beautiful rural scenery at a leisurely pace. You can easily cycle from Jomala village to Mariehamn or to other nearby sights. Bike rentals are widely available in Mariehamn.

Using Local Buses

The Ålandstrafiken is the public transport authority that operates the bus network on the islands. There are local bus services that connect Jomala village with Mariehamn and other villages in the municipality. However, the services in rural areas may be infrequent, especially on weekends. It is important to check the current timetable in advance if you plan to rely on public transport. The main bus terminal is located in Mariehamn, and from there you can connect to routes that serve the entire main island.

How to Get to Jomala?

Jomala village is located on the main island of the Åland Islands, an autonomous region of Finland. The primary way to reach the islands is by ferry from either Sweden or mainland Finland. The main ferry ports are in the capital city, Mariehamn, and in Eckerö. There is also an airport in Mariehamn with flights from Stockholm, Helsinki, and Turku. Once on the Åland Islands, Jomala village is just a short drive from the main arrival points.

Arriving by Ferry

The vast majority of visitors arrive on the Åland Islands by ferry. There are several major ferry companies, including Viking Line, Tallink Silja, and Eckerö Linjen. These companies operate regular services from ports in Sweden like Stockholm and Kapellskär. They also operate from ports in Finland like Turku and Helsinki. Most of the large cruise ferries stop in Mariehamn. The crossing is a scenic journey through the beautiful archipelago. From the ferry terminal in Mariehamn, it is a short drive of about ten minutes to Jomala village.

Arriving by Air

The Åland Islands have one airport, Mariehamn Airport (MHQ). The airport is located just a few kilometers from the city of Mariehamn, within the municipality of Jomala itself. There are regular flights to Mariehamn from Stockholm-Arlanda Airport (ARN) in Sweden. There are also flights from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL) and Turku Airport (TKU) in Finland. The flights are short, making it a quick way to reach the islands. From the airport, you can take a taxi or rent a car to reach Jomala village, which is a very short drive away.

From Mariehamn

Once you have arrived on the Åland Islands, either by ferry or by plane, Jomala village is very easy to reach. The village is located directly adjacent to the capital city of Mariehamn. It is approximately a 5-kilometer drive from the center of Mariehamn to Jomala church. The drive is straightforward, and it takes only about 5-10 minutes. The village is located on the main road that leads north from Mariehamn towards the municipality of Finström.

Jomala | Exploring Åland