History, Nature and Creativity in the Åland Archipelago

Available courses

Upcoming classes

Week 33

9/15 - 9/19/2025 (5 days)

August 15, 2025 at 11:59 PM

Week 17

4/20 - 4/24/2026 (5 days)

March 20, 2026 at 11:59 PM

Payment

Day price

80 €

Course days

Total

400 €

*The invoice will be available after the registration deadline and if at least 8 participants have enrolled. Otherwise the class will be cancelled.

Course

Title

History, Nature and Creativity in the Åland Archipelago

Description

Join us for a unique journey exploring the rich history, breathtaking nature, and inspiring creativity of the Åland archipelago. This immersive course takes place on Kökar Island, where participants will experience the magic of the outer archipelago while deepening their understanding of history and nature’s influence on creativity.

Throughout the course, participants will:

- Observe the autumn bird migration and learn about the diverse birdlife in the archipelago.

- Discover Kökar’s fascinating history, including its medieval heritage and island traditions.

- Hike through the stunning archipelago landscapes, connecting with nature’s raw beauty.

- Engage in creative writing exercises inspired by the island’s history and natural surroundings.

- Visit Kökar’s primary school to understand the realities of education in the outer archipelago, spending a day at the school and learning about island life.

- Explore the possibilities of outdoor learning and reflect on how history and nature shape our creativity.

The course will be held in Kökar from Monday, September 15th to Friday, September 19th 2025 and from Monday 20th April to Friday april 24th 2026.

Come and experience the intersection of history, nature, and creativity in one of Finland’s most enchanting island environments!

Pre-assignment

Novels have been written about the Åland archipelago, and perhaps the most famous novels written by Åland women are:

- Ulla Blomqvist: Stormskärs Maja / Myrskyluodon Maija

(Also several movie / tv-series, newest: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stormskerry_Maja)

- Ulla-Lena Lundberg: Jää / Is, Ice

If you have the opportunity to read and watch a novel or film related to the Finnish archipelago / the Åland archipelago, it would bring an additional dimension to the course content, but there may be problems with availability with translations...

Program (5 days)

Monday

Heli-Maija and Tapio

Departure from Helsinki: The journey begins as we leave the city behind and head toward the unique landscapes of the outer archipelago.
Travel by Three Ferries: We will experience a scenic multi-step journey, traveling first from Helsinki to Parainen, then continuing via ferry connections through the Åland archipelago, and finally reaching Kökar in the evening.
Onboard Discussions: During the journey, we will introduce ourselves, discuss pre-course assignments, and review the upcoming program. This will be an opportunity to connect, exchange thoughts, and set the tone for an inspiring week ahead.
Arrival in Kökar (Evening): Settling in, we will reflect on the journey, explore the surroundings briefly, and prepare for the days ahead. Dinner.
This change ensures that participants get a full experience of reaching Kökar, embracing the archipelago’s unique transportation routes, and using the travel time for meaningful discussions and connections. Excited to see how the journey unfolds!

Tuesday

Heli-Maija and Tapio

Morning birdwatching: observing the autumn migration and local bird species
Visit to Kökar’s historical landmarks, including medieval ruins and maritime heritage sites
Writing workshop: using nature and history as creative inspiration

Wednesday

Heli-Maija and Tapio

Hiking excursion through Kökar’s rugged landscape and coastal paths
Exploration of outdoor learning opportunities in the archipelago setting
Writing exercises based on reflections on nature’s influence on creativity

Thursday

Heli-Maija and Tapio

Visit to Kökar primary school: experiencing education in the outer archipelago
Discussions on learning in remote environments and everyday life on the island
Group reflection on connections between history, nature, and creative thinking

Friday

Heli-Maija and Tapio

Final creative writing session: Reflecting on the week’s experiences and crafting written pieces inspired by Kökar’s nature and history.
Summary discussion & closing reflections: Sharing insights, memories, and creative discoveries from the course.
18:30 – Departure from Kökar by ferry: The journey back to Helsinki begins.
Multi-step return trip: Traveling via three ferry connections, with travel time varying between 6–8 hours depending on schedules.
Late-night arrival in Helsinki (Friday–Saturday night): Estimated arrival in the early hours, marking the end of a memorable experience in the archipelago.
With this schedule, the journey home will also be an opportunity to reflect on the experience, discuss final thoughts, and process the inspiration gathered throughout the week. Safe travels and deep reflections all the way back! 🚢✨
This program offers a deep dive into Kökar’s cultural and natural environment, providing a unique blend of exploration, learning, and creativity. Ready to be inspired by the archipelago’s beauty?