Kobba Klintar – The Lighthouse Island Outside Mariehamn
In the past, life as a sailor was far from easy. When sailors returned home, sometimes after a whole year at sea, the pilot station was the first sight of home they would encounter. It was often a deeply emotional reunion.
During the summer season, the powerful foghorn still echoes across the waters of the Åland Sea. Kobba Klintar is one of my favorite places in Åland.
Today, Kobba Klintar is run by the Friends of Kobba Klintar, who work to preserve and nurture the unique maritime and cultural environment associated with the island.
Many years ago I made this little film. I visited the island Kobba Klintar for no particular reason. But I had brought my camera, the iconic Canon 5D II. The triangular white building is a copy of a nautical mark that showed sailors the way through the archipelago. On this day there was beautiful music playing inside the building, and the weather was perfect, so I took the opportunity. I'm glad I did. It is a nice memory and the music suited the place so well.
Finnish melancholy at its best. Chamber music in a beacon at Kobba klintar: Aland Islands in the Baltic Sea. Mikko Perkola on viola da gamba and vocals. Jarmo Julkunen on guitar.
The Late Evening Show
A night visit to the Pilot's Islands
It's late evening but still bright. We drive the boat towards Kobba Klintar. A small island located west of Mariehamn. On the other side of Kobba Klintar, there is the sea and then eventually the Swedish coastline appears. But we can't go that far. Instead, we drive into the small port. The island has an excellent and protected harbor because there has been a pilot station here long ago.
I’m Not the Only One Enjoying the Sunset
During the summer, these small islands can truly be a paradise for birds. They offer peace and quiet, plenty of food, and safe places to nest and raise their young. With very little human activity, the birds can go about their lives without too much hustle and bustle.
But sometimes, when you step ashore, you don’t exactly feel welcome. The birds fly dangerously close and scream at us, and the terns in particular seem pretty angry. But we’re not there to steal eggs or baby birds. We come in peace, just to enjoy the sunset and the long summer evening.
After a while, the birds calm down, and we eventually become the best of friends.
Bird photography takes a bit of patience
Bird photography takes a bit of patience, but that’s part of the fun. At Kobba Klintar, the sea, the rocks and the open landscape make it a great place to watch and photograph birds. Slow down, stay quiet and let the birds come to you. A long lens helps, but knowing where they like to feed, rest or nest is just as important. Early mornings and late evenings often bring the best light, while the calm surroundings give you a chance to get close without disturbing them. For me, the real joy is watching their behaviour and catching those small, unexpected moments when bird, sea and light all come together.
