Sund
Kastelholm Castle anchors Åland heritage tourism—1,000 residents maintain agricultural viability on main island while Swedish autonomy framework governs differently from mainland Finland.
Sund municipality in Åland's main island hosts approximately 1,000 residents—larger than outer archipelago communities but smaller than Mariehamn's urban concentration. The municipality contains Kastelholm Castle, Åland's principal historical monument, and Jan Karlsgården open-air museum preserving traditional island culture.
Agriculture remains viable on the main island's larger landmass; Sund's farms produce for local and regional markets. Tourism builds on heritage sites and archipelago scenery; visitors combine cultural sites with nature experiences.
Åland's autonomy framework governs Sund as elsewhere in the islands. Swedish language, distinct legal traditions, and self-governance create institutional environment different from mainland Finland despite nominal sovereignty connection.
Sund demonstrates middle-scale archipelago viability: larger than outer islands' micro-communities, smaller than Mariehamn's urban functions. Such municipalities maintain agricultural production, heritage preservation, and residential function without economic dynamism that larger settlements might generate.