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The Åland Islands, located in the Baltic Sea between Finland and Sweden, are an autonomous region of Finland with a unique postal history. Composed of around 6,700 islands, with the main island, Fasta Åland, being the largest and most populated, the capital of the region, Mariehamn, is located on this island. The islands have played a significant role in maritime history. Before modern postal services, letters were carried by local fishermen and merchants. In the 17th century, Sweden, which controlled Åland at the time, established a postal route across the islands. Mail was transported between Sweden and Finland by rowboats, often through harsh weather conditions.

When Finland became part of the Russian Empire in 1809, Åland’s postal services were integrated into the Finnish postal system. After Finland gained independence in 1917, Åland remained under Finnish administration, but local postal services continued to operate as part of the national system. In 1993, Åland was granted the right to issue its own stamps, marking the beginning of its independent postal identity.

Stamps Through the Years

• 1809–1811: Control shifted to Russia, integrating Åland into the Russian postal system. By 1811, Åland's postal services were officially merged with the Finnish postal network under Russian administration.
• 1917–1993: Finnish stamps were used in Åland.
• 1993: Åland issued its first independent stamp, featuring a sailing ship.
• 1993–present: Åland continues to issue unique stamps reflecting its maritime heritage, nature, and culture.

Did You Know?

• Before modern postal services, Ålandic farmers were required by law to help transport mail across the islands.
• The first independent Åland stamp in 1993 sold out quickly and became a collector’s item.
• Many Åland stamps feature famous local lighthouses, a tribute to the region’s maritime history.

Issued 2004: Landscapes Series - 2 klass (50c) Storklyndan, Brando.