Trying to decide what to do when you're Mariehamn in Åland. Below are the interesting tips on what you can do.
Maritime town Mariehamn is easily discovered on foot.
SIGHTS
Discover Åland history from the Stone Ages to the present time in the Åland Museum. You can also get acquainted with current and past time Åland artists at the Åland Art Museum. Both museums are located in the same building where there is also a nice museum shop.
It is exciting to explore in the Åland Maritime Museum among ship models and figureheads. The museum lets you discover an era when the world’s greatest sailing ship fleet was from Åland.
In the western harbour, the museum ship Pommern is moored. It is the only freight sailing ship of its kind in the world which is preserved in its original state. Today the old cargo holds exhibition halls where photos, items and films depict life onboard.
The city library in Mariehamn, with its unusual architecture and beautiful artworks, is well worth a visit. The library was drawn by architect Hans Steinus from Arkitektbyrå Hansson & Steinus in Helsinki and was completed in 1989.
The Sea Quarter is located at Mariehamn’s eastern harbour. The Sea Quarter was originally founded as a center for boat building and harbour for the sailing ships named Albanus and Linden. Today the activities have expanded to include also other handicrafts. In the jewellery shop Guldviva you can buy ålandish silversmith’s works and in the handicraft centre SALT you will find products from several different artesans whose studios are located in the building.
You will get an idea of Mariehamn in the 1920’s if you visit the miniature models in the Modellstaden.
For those interested in art there are also several interesting galleries to visit in Mariehamn. For example galleri Skarpans which exhibits exciting art from Åland, Sweden and Finland.
On an island at the inlet to Mariehamn sits the old pilot station Kobba Klintar and welcomes visitors to the maritime town. For 110 years (1862-1972) the pilots at Kobba Klintar guided the ships into the western harbour. Today Kobba Klintar is a popular outing destination. The island is both beautiful and historically interesting. In the summer there are tour boats to the island. Explore the pilot house with its foghorn and splendid view and then have a cup of coffee in the pilot house’s little café.
AN ACITVE DAY
For those who enjoy a stroll, Mariehamn offers fine strolling areas. At Lilla Holmen in the eastern harbour, you can walk in the nature park Tullarns Äng which is especially attractive in spring with all its wild flowers. Near Tullars Äng is a shallow inland bay known for its rich birdlife.
If you want to take a longer walk we can recommend the sea front walks along each of Mariehamn’s harbours. On the eastern side the walk begins at the beach Nabben in the north and continues to Östernäs and Lillängsvägen in the south. The sea front walk at the western side offers a view across the fairway to Mariehamn as it curves along the cliffs from the ferry terminal to the fishing harbour.
From Badhusparken in Västerhamn there are several small trails up to Badhusberget where Mariehamn’s water tower is situated. From there you have a view across Mariehamn in all four directions.
Also the “Sjöfartspromenaden” is perfect for those who can’t sit still. A map of the walk can be bought at the Åland Tourist Information at Storagatan 8.
You can also rent a bicycle from RO-NO and bicycle to Järsö. The 10 km long bicycle road offers bridges, road banks and beautiful archipelago nature. Once you have arrived to Järsö, Stickstugan Hantverk & Café waits for you.
In Mariehamn public transport is free of charge and consists of four different routes. Get on the bus for a small tour through Mariehamn. A full tour is about 25 minutes. If you want real sightseeing, Röde orm offers guided tours from the market square to the beautiful Järsö road in the summer. You will also enjoy the southern archipelago of Mariehamn from the doubledecker London bus.
SUN, SAND AND SEA
Located just a stone’s throw from the town centre is the beach Lilla Holmen. Here children can take a dip in the sea, play in the sand, climb in the pirate ship or say hi to the animals in the bird house. You can also choose the child safe beach Nabben in northern Mariehamn or the beach at Gröna Udden’s Camping. At Gröna Udden there is also a café and a miniature golf course. A dip in the sea at the open air area in Espholm in the south is an alternative for those with a bicycle or car.
You will also find fun bathing experiences in the swimming centre Mariebad. Apart from an adventure bath and an exercise pool, the centre also has its own outdoor beach that both children and adults will enjoy.