The 2020 Europa stamp theme is ancient postal routes, and the Åland contribution shows the Postal Boat Race across the Sea of Åland. Following the ancient postal route between Åland and Sweden, the Race is arranged in June every year in remembrance of the Åland and Swedish postal-farmers’ obligation to convey mail as well as passengers in all kinds of weather.
The sea route across the Sea of Åland between Roslagen in Sweden and Eckerö in Åland is very important even nowadays. As Sweden became a very powerful state in 1600s, regular mail services between the western and eastern parts of the realm became necessary. The first mail run across Åland to Finland departed from Sweden in 1638. The crossing between Grisslehamn and Eckerö was to be known as one of the most dangerous postal routes in the world, particularly during times of treacherous ice and snow conditions; more than 200 farmer-postmen lost their lives.
See also other beautiful Europa 2020 stamps.
