I'm on my way to Alnön, where I grew up. Alnön, a captivating island located just off the coast of Sundsvall, Sweden. Alnön is the 16th largest island in Sweden and the second largest in the northern region, spanning over 65 square kilometers. Its unique shape measures 15 kilometers in length and 6 kilometers at its widest point.
Approximately 8,900 people call Alnön home year-round, but during the summer months, this tranquil island experiences a dramatic population surge, more than doubling in size as visitors flock to its shores.
As I travel along the iconic Alnö Bridge, which was inaugurated in 1964, it's worth noting that this remarkable structure held the title of Sweden's longest bridge at 1,042 meters until 1972 when the Öland Bridge was constructed. This engineering marvel was brought to life by a workforce of 40-55 individuals over the course of 3.5 years, creating a 9.4-meter-wide passage over Alnösundet. Standing at a towering 42 meters above the water, it provides ample clearance for vessels with approximately 40 meters of vertical sailing space. The Alnö Bridge replaced the former ferry services, greatly enhancing transportation in the region.
Alnön itself was shaped around 570 million years ago through volcanic activities in the area. As a result of this volcanic history, the northern bedrock of Alnön boasts rare minerals, including the unique rock formations known as "alnöite" and "borenite."
Notably, Alnön is renowned for its numerous sawmills, with a peak of 16 sawmills operating simultaneously. As you can see in the video, Sweden's lush forests contribute to this industry's prosperity, making Alnön a vital part of the nation's forestry heritage.
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