Here lies Kyrksundet, a strait with a story etched in its waters. Kyrksundet in Föglö, Åland, serves as the waterway between Degerö and Västersocken. This is no ordinary passage. Kyrksundet is a popular route for motorboats. Imagine the gentle hum of engines as boats navigate these waters.
A road connects the shores across Kyrksundet via the islet of Gollan. South of Gollan, a road embankment stretches across. To the north, Gollansbron bridge spans Gollansströmmen. This section of Kyrksundet bears a special name.
Villages embrace Kyrksundet. Degerby and Stentorpa nestle on the northern side of the strait on Degerö. Flisö, Hummersö, Björsboda, and Prästgården reside on the southern side in Västersocken. Life here is interwoven with the water.
Kyrksundet owes its name to Föglö Church. The church stands proudly near the strait on the southern bank. It is a beacon watching over the waterway. Kyrksundet is more than just a body of water. It is a lifeline and a landmark.
But there is also another Kyrksundet. This Kyrksundet lies in Kimitoön. It is now a narrow and shallow strait between Rosala and Hitis islands in Dragsfjärd. Ruins of a chapel from the early 1300s are found here.
Archaeological digs from 1938-1939 and 1993-1996 unearthed treasures. Fifty coins mainly from the 1400s and 1500s were found. The chapel was abandoned in 1637 when Hitis’ current church was built. Close to the chapel ruins a collection of Viking-era metal objects was discovered in 1990.
Further investigations from 1992-1996 revealed traces of human activity over 500 meters. Rich finds included Viking and Crusader-era metal objects. Islamic, German, and Anglo-Saxon coins turned up. Weights, bronze bars, ornaments, belt buckles, keys, and weapons were also discovered.
Remnants of a workshop contained bronze pieces glass beads flint amber and silver bits. Bronze technology played a key role in activities at Kyrksundet. A collection of boulders held hidden treasures. These items suggest a possible sacrificial or cult site. This site could be the origin of the name Hitis.
Kyrksundet was a vital landing and trading post during the Viking voyages to the east. It might be the Örsund mentioned in the Danish itinerary. Farmers from Bjärnå, Uskela, and Halikko likely traded here. They sought contact with merchants, Vikings, and adventurers.
Kyrksundet’s importance as a trading center waned in the 1200s. A settlement had formed in the Hitis archipelago. However the chapel and coin finds indicate it remained a harbor and landing place.
According to a Danish itinerary from the Middle Ages a place called Örsund existed between Aspö and Hangö. Örsund may be the place now known as Kyrksundet. The name likely changed after the first chapel was built. Findings suggest it was a busy trading hub during the Viking and Middle Ages.
During the Iron Age the outer archipelago was sparsely populated in winter. Summers offered good fishing. Farmers came to Örsund to trade with travelers and Vikings. The locals provided goods. Örsund quickly became a lively port.
Extensive examinations with metal detectors have been made in the area during the 1990s. The discoveries suggest the site was a crucial harbor and trading post perhaps as early as the 9th century. No traces of houses or other structures have been found. The settlement was centered in Rosala and Hitis villages.
The growing population needed a burial site. The burial ground was established near the marketplace at Örsund. Later a chapel was constructed. This may be when Örsund became Kyrksundet. Parts of the chapel and burial ground still exist.
Some finds indicate the area around Kyrksundet was used as a place of sacrifice. A Viking sword a Viking spearhead and a sword knob have been found. These items were deliberately hidden possibly as offerings.