Saltvik
Encyclopedia
Saltvik is a municipality of Åland, an autonomous territory of Finland
. The total area is 1 161,8 km², of which 150,7 km² is land, 4,7 km² lakes and 1006,4 km² sea.
The archipelago north of Saltvik is perhaps the most beautiful one in Åland. Closest to land are the big islands Boxö, Sommarö, Flatö and Ryssö. Beyond, the horizon opens up and after passing Saggö it is more or less unbroken.
The church St:a Maria is located by Kvarnboviken in the east of Saltvik. The red granite church is one of the oldest in Åland, and was once the main church in the province. The church has been rebuilt and extended several times. The oldest parts are from the late 1200’s, but various reconstructions have been made from the 1300’s until today. For example, the chalk drawings on the walls have first been painted, then covered and then uncovered again. Around and under the church, there are traces of houses from Viking Age
. This is not so strange, considering the church is located in the middle of the biggest grave field from Iron Age
in Åland.
The head office and one factory of the Chips Group
is located in the municipality. The company begun its operations in Saltvik in 1969 and was the first potato chip producer in Finland
. Through acquisitions, new establishments and growth, the group has grown and is today the market leader within snacks in the Nordic and Baltic countries. The best-known brands are Taffel
, OLW
, KiMs
and Oolannin. In 2005, the Norwegian industrial group Orkla ASA
acquired all the shares in the Chips Group.
Finland
Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside...
. The total area is 1 161,8 km², of which 150,7 km² is land, 4,7 km² lakes and 1006,4 km² sea.
The archipelago north of Saltvik is perhaps the most beautiful one in Åland. Closest to land are the big islands Boxö, Sommarö, Flatö and Ryssö. Beyond, the horizon opens up and after passing Saggö it is more or less unbroken.
History
The municipality has a rich history. When Åland emerged from the sea about 10 000 years ago, Saltvik was the first land to be seen. During the Viking ages, Kvarnbo used to be a central crown court- and place of merchandise. Today you may visit the medieval church and at the court place see the memorial monument.The church St:a Maria is located by Kvarnboviken in the east of Saltvik. The red granite church is one of the oldest in Åland, and was once the main church in the province. The church has been rebuilt and extended several times. The oldest parts are from the late 1200’s, but various reconstructions have been made from the 1300’s until today. For example, the chalk drawings on the walls have first been painted, then covered and then uncovered again. Around and under the church, there are traces of houses from Viking Age
Viking Age
Viking Age is the term for the period in European history, especially Northern European and Scandinavian history, spanning the late 8th to 11th centuries. Scandinavian Vikings explored Europe by its oceans and rivers through trade and warfare. The Vikings also reached Iceland, Greenland,...
. This is not so strange, considering the church is located in the middle of the biggest grave field from Iron Age
Iron Age
The Iron Age is the archaeological period generally occurring after the Bronze Age, marked by the prevalent use of iron. The early period of the age is characterized by the widespread use of iron or steel. The adoption of such material coincided with other changes in society, including differing...
in Åland.
Business
About 50% of the people living in Saltvik work in the service industry or in the public sector. 15% work in transport and 14% in industry. Construction and farming/fishing employ, respectively, 10 and 7%.The head office and one factory of the Chips Group
Orkla Group
Orkla Group is a Norwegian industrial conglomerate operating in the Nordic region, Eastern Europe, Asia and the US. The company's main divisions are branded consumer goods, aluminium solutions, materials, associates and financial investments.-Operations:...
is located in the municipality. The company begun its operations in Saltvik in 1969 and was the first potato chip producer in Finland
Finland
Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside...
. Through acquisitions, new establishments and growth, the group has grown and is today the market leader within snacks in the Nordic and Baltic countries. The best-known brands are Taffel
Taffel
The Chips Group is a company based in Åland, an autonomous territory of Finland, producing potato chips and other savoury delights. The company is now owned by Norwegian Orkla ASA. Four kilograms of potatoes are needed to produce one kilogram of Taffel chips. Also known as a great contribution...
, OLW
OLW
OLW could refer to:* Centennial Station, Olympia, Washington, United States; Amtrak station code OLW.* Office Live Workspace The online collaboration tool.* Oldham Werneth railway station, England; National Rail station code OLW.* Original Loss Warranty...
, KiMs
KiMs
KiMs is a Danish owned brand of chips and snacks owned by the Finnish Company Chips AB, which in turn is owned by the Norwegian Orkla Group.The brand "KiM" was trademarked in 1961 by Odense Marcipanfabrik in Denmark, but as a German cigarette brand of this name already existed, the name was...
and Oolannin. In 2005, the Norwegian industrial group Orkla ASA
Orkla Group
Orkla Group is a Norwegian industrial conglomerate operating in the Nordic region, Eastern Europe, Asia and the US. The company's main divisions are branded consumer goods, aluminium solutions, materials, associates and financial investments.-Operations:...
acquired all the shares in the Chips Group.
External links
- Municipality of Saltvik – Official website