Mariehamn

Mariehamn is the capital of Aland, an autonomous territory under Finnish sovereignty, located in the Baltic Sea. Like all of Aland, Mariehamn is Swedish-speaking.

The four-masted barque and museum ship Pommern is situated below Aland's Maritime Museum by the Badhusparken, close to where ferries arrive in Vasterhamn.

A magnificent view of the town can be seen by following a trail which leads up to the Badhusberget.

The tree lined Esplanaden boulevard runs from Västerhamn to Österhamn. St Göran’s church can be found half way down along with several old shipowners’ houses. The Tourist Information Office is opposite the church.

Down in Österhamn by the Slemmern, there is the Tullarns Äng green area and Lilla holmen bathing beach and marina.

Near the town hall, a statue of Tsarinna Maria Aleksandrovna, who gave her name to the newly founded town in 1861 can be seen.

Other attractions within the Alund Islands include the ruined fortress of Bomarsund, located in Sund, Jan Karlsgården, a typical Aland farmstead from the 1800’s, Kastelholm Castle and the prison museum Vita Bjorn nearby.

Take an archipelago ferry to one of the 8 inhabited islands in the northern or southern archipelago. Experience a tiny village community, Kokar being a good example, which has traces of a medieval ruined abbey.

Most of the town’s shops and many restaurants and cafés are located in the Torggatan pedestrian precinct in central Mariehamn.

Mariehamn offers many sporting activities including golfing, sport fishing, kayak safari and sailing.

The official currency is the euro but Swedish krona (SEK) is usually accepted in most shops and restaurants during the peak season, but the exchange rate is typically not very good.

Shopping in Aland is very expensive due to import of most goods. SALT, in the maritime district of the east harbour in Mariehamn has a selection of local artisan crafts including textiles and glassware, made in Aland. Aland has its own postal service and stamps unique to the island, so these make good, inexpensive souvenirs. Local beer and apple liquors make tasty gifts.

Traditional food to try include smoked flounder with potato salad, 'svartbröd' (sweet blackbread), cheeses from local dairies and Aland’s pancake, served with stewed plums and whipped cream.

There are few fast food outlets in Mariehamn, but none elsewhere on the island. Some restaurants may have limited hours of service or aren't open every day.

Cruise ships dock at one of the berths of Mariehamn Port. There are two passenger terminals here.

The harbour is only a 10 minute walk from the centre of town, where it is easy to explore on foot or by bicycle.

Taxis can be ordered by phone or caught from one of the taxi ranks. Car hire is available but tends to be a fairly expensive option.