Entertainment is a little quieter in the Western Harbour compared to the Eastern Harbour. But the outdoor sections of restaurants and bars in the evening sun attract both tourists and Ålanders.
The large cruise ships come to Mariehamn’s western harbour. The Åländska Seglarsällskapet (ÅSS) (Åland Sailing Society)’s guest harbour is located here, with the magnificent Museum Ship Pommern as its closest neighbour. A visit to the four-masted barque and a good meal at any one of the harbour’s many restaurants makes for an excellent summer afternoon or evening.
Fine old traditional restaurant with terrace
In the same building as Åland’s Maritime Museum is the Nautical restaurant, with its fine old traditions and a view over the Museum Ship Pommern. The view over the harbour both from within the restaurant and from outside on the newly opened terrace is something quite special. Pure and simple flavours characterise the food, which is mostly based on fish and local raw products. One recommendation is their baked perch with primeur beet, prostinnan cheese, browned butter and wild garlic puree.
Classic yachtsmen’s restaurant
Down in the guest harbour is the ÅSS Paviljongen ("The Pavilion"). This is a classic yachtsmen’s restaurant, which according to many people is one of the most beautiful places where you can sit and enjoy a meal. Especially at dinner time when a fabulous evening sun is shining over the outdoor section of the restaurant. The chefs serve fresh and uncomplicated food with a focus on raw products. Mustard-marinated plank-grilled perch with duchess potatoes, lemon-pickled vegetables, hand-peeled shrimps and white wine sauce is one of the most popular dishes. If you have more of a craving for pizza, then the Pub Albin is located 150 m away. There you can eat pizza either indoors or outside on the edge of the quay. The Adlon Sportsbar, located opposite the Birka terminal, also serves pizza and beer. They will also be showing all Euro 2012 football matches this summer.
Bars and night life
When the sun has gone down, the night life continues two kilometres away in the Eastern Harbour. Here there is a large range of bars, night clubs and outdoor restaurant and bar areas. Many of them are open until 4 a.m.
12.06.12