Light in the Dark – Increasing resilience in rural and coastal tourism in the northern Baltic Sea Region by developing off-season experiences

Light in the Dark

Shipland – The World of Eiders on Stora Båtskär

22 May 2025

Technical details

Experience description
Come close to reality with authentic experiences with local people, food, culture and traditions. It’s a journey into the everyday lives of local people that focuses on personal and meaningful interactions. It’s about hearing personal stories that bring the place to life. A journey where you taste original dishes and learn the stories behind the flavours and ingredients that make them unique. This is for you who want to go beyond the typical tourist spots and instead dive deep into the heart of a destination to discover its essence through its people and their culture.

The Local Lifestyle experience group represents the most human-centred dimension of the Light in the Dark project. Each product reveals the daily rhythm of local life through personal encounters and storytelling. The hosts themselves are the key to the experience, making visitors feel like temporary members of the community.

Åland, Finland – Partner: Åland University of Applied Sciences
A maritime journey to a remote island where visitors experience the unique relationship between islanders, eider birds, and the surrounding sea. The trip combines nature exploration and storytelling in an isolated yet welcoming environment.
Duration: 3 h · Season: Late spring

Received the highest storytelling and atmosphere scores (4.7). Visitors emphasised the emotional connection with the sea and the community’s knowledge.

“We met the real people behind the stories.”