mariehamn tourist information

◀︎ Attractions

Port town mariehamn.

Passenger ships arrive daily to Mariehamn from Stockholm, Turku, and Helsinki. Despite being a tiny town, Mariehamn has a lot to offer in services, hotels, restaurants and activities for visitors and locals. Mariehamn has a population of 11 700, consisting of 6000 Ålanders and about 5500 immigrants from Finland, Sweden and other countries.

Åland and Finland were parts of the Russian empire from 1809 to 1918. Mariehamn was founded in 1861 by decree of Czar Alexander II, and is named in homage to his wife Maria. The city plan was made by architect Georg Theodor Policron Chiewitz. Before Mariehamn was founded, Degerby was the main port in Åland. Mariehamn is a peninsula with ports on both sides: The Eastern harbour with leisure boats and entertainment, and the Western harbour for receiving large cruise ships and cargo. Between the ports is the charming little town.

Åland Maritime Museum

In short walking distance from the ferry terminal in the Western harbour, you'll find the Åland Maritime Museum, and the impressive sailing ship Pommern docked on the shore. The Åland Islands has a rich maritime history to tell. In the past it was common for local boys to "go to sea" and muster in the merchant fleet as soon as they were ready at 14-15 years of age. At the time our agriculture didn't render much and for the younger sons of the families, a life at sea gave much better opportunities for succeeding on your own merits.

During the 19th century Mariehamn had already become an important trade port, due to it's strategic location between Stockholm and Turku. Shipping is still a strong industry in Åland, today mainly thanks to the tax exempted passenger cruises between Finland and Sweden. Several cruise ships arrive to and depart from Mariehamn every day - all year round.

The Åland Maritime Museum hosts a large collection of miniature ship models - 41 of them built by the sailor Viktor Andersson. The expositions are divided between the classic era of sails and the modern era of combustion powered vessels. Ålandic naval merchants have donated objects and equipment to the museum, such as the complete captain's saloon salvaged from the ship Herzogin Cecilie after she was shipwrecked in the English Channel. In the exhibition for combustion powered vessels you can see a steam engine from 1920 built in Newbury, as well as a captain's saloon from Danish steamer Dagmar.

Much else of interest can be found at the Maritime Museum, including exhibitions about Mariehamn, safety at sea, local ship building tradition and the (not to be confused) Cape Horn exhibition.

Tall Ship Pommern

Seafaring merchants from Åland made their wealth by purchasing cheap sailing ships when the world was turning to steam power for naval transport. For decades they sailed these tall ships - known as "windjammers" - with wheat from Australia to Europe, and it wasn't until 1949 that they did their last grain run between the continents. One of these windjammers is Pommern, built in 1903 and purchased by Ålandic merchant Gustaf Eriksson in 1923. Pommern sailed the high seas until Word War II broke out in 1939. During her use the crew set many speed records for trade ships - such as making the journey from Oslo to Melbourne in 87 days in 1929.

Windjammers

After the war ended, Pommern was donated to the town council of Mariehamn and commissioned as a museum in 1957. In 2019 a dock was built around the ship, to make maintainance of her steel hull easier. The ship is open for visitors during the warmer seasons in the year.

Being a sailor on these ships was a hard life. On these enormous vessels, the sailors had to climb the shrouds and out on the yards to haul the heavy sails in case a storm was coming. The main mast on Pommern is 48 meters tall and the ship had a total of 28 sails to power a burden of at most 4000 tonnes, with a crew of 26.

South of Mariehamn is the archipelago of Järsö, which you reach by one of the most beautiful roads in Åland. During summer Järsö is a popular excursion destination for bicycle tourists, who can enjoy having the sea on both sides as they bike over the bridges between the islands. The road passes through nature reserve Espholm, where you can do a detour on a forest trail to a small beach. After several bridges you arrive in Nåtö - also a nature conservation area.

🚴🏻‍♀️ Bicycle tours

At last you arrive in the Järsö island, where you can stop for coffee at Stickstugan Café, or continue to the nature trail at Lilla Björkö. If you're lucky you might catch a glimpse of the estate of the insula's governor, where he sits and counts the tributes he levies from his subjects in Åland.

Eastern harbour & Maritime Quarter

It takes about 30 minutes to walk from the Western harbour to the Eastern harbour, along the grand Esplanade street surrounded by linden trees. Durign the walk you'll pass by St George's church, Mariehamn town hall, the Cultural Historical Museum and the Åland Parliament buildings.

The Eastern harbour starts with the Steamship Pier, with a miniature golf track and the old jew smuggling steamer turned restaurant, F.P. von Knorring. On your right hand from the Steamship Pier you have the moorings for the small leisure boats of the locals and on your right the Yacht club's marina. Walking North along the shoreside, past the hideous Alandica congress building and the Miramar Park , you'll soon reach the Maritime Quarter.

In Maritime Quarter there is a pier for old fashioned ships to visit, as well as several activities on shore and a restaurant. Their main office is the Boat Building Museum. The Maritime Quarter hosts local artisans and boat builders using traditional techniques. Among the many boats built here is the wooden galley Albanus , now sailing on charter. The Maritime Quarter is also the location for several yearly events, including their Tar market, the Snipe Adventure, Maritime Days and Åland Sea Jazz.

One of the most popular spots to take a photo is the beautiful wooden Seafarers' Chapel, on the edge of a pier by the Maritime Quarter. It was built by volounteers in 2008. Another nice photo is the red, pyramid shaped beacon on the other side of the quarter. Inside you'll find an exhibition of boats. To finish things you can visit the Marine Motor Museum.

Kobba Klintar

When Mariehamn was founded in 1861, the new city needed the service of pilots, to guide incoming ships to the harbour, and therefore a manned pilot station was built on the Kobba Klintar skerry, together with a pyramid shaped beacon as a landmark. When large ships arrived, the pilots would drive out and board the ships to aid them in navigating to Mariehamn.

In 1883 a gas powered flashing navigation beacon was installed to further aid navigators. In 1910 a larger building was built to house an enormous foghorn, that is still functional to this day. Several more beacons were constructed, including the red-black striped Marhällan beacon.

As shipping moved on to more modern navigation means, the need for specialized pilots diminished, and in 1972 the station at Kobba Klintar was closed. Since then, the island has been a popular day visit destination for tourists and islanders, with art exhibitions and a summertime café. Those who travel to Mariehamn by ferry still pass close to Kobba Klintar when arriving.

Picture: Kallerna

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• 1.1 History
• 2.1 By plane
• 2.2 By ferry
• 2.3 By yacht
• 3 Get around
• 7.2 Mid range
• 7.3 Splurge
• 9.1.1 Camping
• 9.1.2 Cottages
• 9.1.3 Guesthouses
• 9.2 Mid-range
• 9.3 Splurge
• 10 Stay safe

Mariehamn is the capital, and the only town of the Åland islands. The town's Finnish name, Maarianhamina , is rarely used, as less than 6% of the population of 12,000 (2021) speaks Finnish.

• Tourism website
• 60.09685 19.93596 1 Visit Åland , Storagatan 8 , ☏ +358 18 24000 , [email protected] . M-Sa 09:00-17:00, Su closed . Tourist information. Vast selection of maps, timetables, guide leaflets etc. Also t-shirts and other souvenirs. ( updated Aug 2020 )

A youthful town, Mariehamn was founded in 1861 while Åland and Finland formed part of the mighty Russian Empire. Maria, consort of Tsar Alexander II of Russia, gave the town her name. The name Mariehamn is Swedish for Maria's harbour.

Mariehamn grew up round the farming village of Övernäs, situated on a peninsula. The harbour's built-in sheltered bays came to be of great importance. The streets of Mariehamn are wide and straight. Housing sites were large from the beginning, but today they have been divided to provide space for several houses. A distinctive feature is the Esplanade, an avenue of lime (linden) trees stretching from west to east, from harbour to harbour.

The Russian heritage is mainly responsible for the layout of the town. It follows the same basic guidelines as can be found in many Russian cities, with large avenues with promenades in the middle of the street. Apart from that, the only Russian signs left from that era is the multitude of tombstones in the graveyards in Åland.

During the Russian times seafaring expanded from shipping local goods to Stockholm to global trade, continuing after the independence. Between the world wars Gustaf Erikson got famous by gradually buying most of the big sailing ships still left in the world, and successfully operating them. One of the former German P-liners acquired by him, Pommern , has become a symbol of Mariehamn. Many of the beautiful wooden houses were built by shipowners. Shipping still contributes considerably to the wealth of the town.

Mariehamn is well connected by cruise ferries: from Stockholm , Norrtälje , Turku , Helsinki , Tallinn , and occasionally even Riga . For those cruise ferries that call in Eckerö or Långnäs, there are buses to Mariehamn. Note that while a single bus trip from Långnäs harbour to Mariehamn costs only €2.50 in daytime, the night bus by Viking Line costs €19.

The airport is small, with flights mainly from Stockholm, Turku and Helsinki.

Mariehamn is a common first port for those arriving by yacht from Sweden.

NB! As Åland is outside European Union VAT area the customs regulations are different from normal traffic between EU countries. The amounts of alcohol and tobacco that are allowed in duty free import into EU apply also here, but free import of taxed EU products for personal use may not.

The passenger port is at the western edge of the centre, in 60.0921 19.9289 2 Västerhamn , the Western Port. The terminal is open when a boat is due to leave. Facilities are limited. There are several lockers, toilets and a customs office. Just outside, there is a café and a small kebab restaurant. Visiting cruise ships have their own terminal 300 m north from the main terminal, facing the Adlon hotel and pizza restaurant.

There are a few cruise ferry services from Stockholm specifically to Mariehamn. The cruise ferries that travel between Turku and Stockholm in the day call in Mariehamn, while ferries passing in the night mostly call in Långnäs, 25 km away (with bus or taxi connection), as do the ferries between Kapellskär ( Norrtälje , Greater Stockholm) and Turku or adjacent Naantali . There are also ferries from Grisslehamn (Norrtälje) to Eckerö , the shortest and cheapest passage, with bus connection to Mariehamn. The cruise ferries have tax-free sales, often slightly cheaper than the equivalent on-shore products.

There are buses between Stockholm, Uppsala and Norrtälje, often specifically connecting to the ferries.

It is possible to come island hopping with smaller ferries from Finland. This is much less straight-forward and not necessarily cheaper, but can be rewarding as an experience in itself. You end up in Långnäs or Vårdö , with bus connection to Mariehamn.

For the specific services, see Åland#Get in .

For those with a yacht, Mariehamn is conveniently between Sweden and the Finnish mainland, with only a short passage over the Sea of Åland. There are two marinas, one in the west harbour (Västerhamn) and one in the east (Österhamn). The distance between them by sea is considerable, so know your plans. Åland has border control service, check procedures if you are arriving from outside Schengen, have a pet or otherwise need customs clearance (Åland is not in the EU VAT zone).

• ÅSS' marina ( Västerhamn ), ☏ +358 18 13610 , [email protected] . Early May to late September: 14:00–21:00, peak season 08:00–21:00, off season by request . Marina of Åländska segelsällskapet. Guest harbour; showers, toilets, laundry (not included), Wi-Fi, septic tank emptying, garbage disposal, electricity and water. Shop (fuel, basic groceries, charts, newspapers, postcards, sailing clothes). Sauna 08:00–11:00 and 18:00–21:00, off season by request. Restaurants: ÅSS Paviljongen and Pub Albin, see Eat below. Bikes for rent. Booked moorings shall be taken into use before 18:00. July €35 up to 30 feet, 30–66 feet €40–84; other times buoy €35, alongside €48; larger vessels: ask; €2/person past the first four . ( updated May 2023 )
• MSK's marina ( Österhamn ), ☏ +358 18 19979 (harbour office), +358 40-867-7760 (harbour master) , [email protected] . Marina of Mariehamns Seglarklubb. One of the largest guest harbours of the Nordic countries (320 guest moorings; the few alongside mooring needs to be booked). Showers, toilets, laundry, Wi-Fi, septic tank emptying, garbage disposal, electricity and water. Shop (basic supplies, sailing clothes). Restaurant: Club Marin. Playground. €30–34, length > 35" in peak season €38–39, alongside €58–60 .  

As of summer 2023 there are five local bus lines operated by Ålandstrafiken, and identified by direction: N for northern line, S for southern, Ö for eastern, and V for western. The J line drives south all the way to Järsö. The bus routes are circular, so do not be surprised if the bus does not return the same route as it arrived. The local transport hub is on Nygatan. Single ticket cost €2.5 (€1.25 for children 6-11 years old, children less than 6 yo free). The ticket is valid for 2 hours.

Your other options to get around is by taxi , car, bike or foot. The town is quite compact, a car is mostly useful to get to the surroundings.

Long distance buses leave from the 60.1022 19.9422 3 Mariehamn bus station , next to the library.

Bikes are available from 60.09227 19.93021 4 Ro-No West Harbor or 60.09865 19.9478 5 Ro-No East Harbor (see their webpage for prices and conditions). And probably from every accommodation business for their own customers.

• 60.09899 19.93821 6 Mariehamn Museum ( Mariehamnsmuseet ), Ålandsgatan 42 ( in the cellar of K-Supermarket, entrance from Ålandsgatan ). from mid-June to mid-Aug: daily 12:00-16:00; otherwise by request for groups only . A vast gallery model of Mariehamn in the 1920s with its wooden houses. Information about the design and history of the town. Also an art exhibition. Free . ( updated Aug 2020 )
• 60.0973 19.9348 7 St. George's Church in Mariehamn ( S:t Görans kyrka i Mariehamn ), Östra Esplanadgatan 6 . The main church was built in 1927 and is dedicated to St. George. Designed by renowned architect Lars Sonck . Altarpiece by painter Bruno Tuukkanen . Guide leaflets on Swedish, Finnish, and English available. Service every Sunday at 11:00. ( updated Aug 2020 )
• 60.094 19.9483 8 Tullarns Äng Park . Deciduous forest and a small meadow included to Natura 2000 network and protected by law. Walking/biking route goes through the area. Old cannon from Bomarsund fortress and a copy of Emskär jungfrudans . At spring you may spot snake's head fritillary or ramsons here. ( updated Aug 2020 )

• 60.0964 19.9501 1 Lilla Holmen . Park island with peacocks, rabbits etc. Small sand beach. Activities for children. Free . ( updated Oct 2015 )
• 60.0912 19.9536 2 Gröna udden beach , Östernäsvägen 1 . Large sand beach near the town center. Free . ( updated Nov 2015 )
• 60.1083 19.9444 3 Mariebad , Österleden 68 , ☏ +358 18 531650 . M 12:00–22:00, Tu–F 10:00–22:00, Sa Su 10:00–18:00 . Swimming hall. Also outdoor swimming, water slide, spa facilities, café etc. €9/5 . ( updated Oct 2015 )
• Football: IFK Mariehamn play soccer in Veikkausliiga, Finland's top tier. Their home ground Wiklöf Holding Arena (capacity4500) is shared with the women's team Åland United; it's central in town. The playing season is April-Oct.
• RockOff is a music festival in the last week of July, in Torget the main square.

• The northern part of 60.0998 19.9419 1 Torggatan is the main shopping street. Shops usually close at 17:00 or 17:30 on weekdays and at 14:00 on Saturdays. Some close at 20:00 on Thursdays. Most shops accept Visa and MasterCard, but some of them do not accept Visa Electron. ATM's ("OTTO") are scarce. There are some in the city centre, outside the four bank offices along Torggatan. One is situated in Strandnäs, at the Ålandsbanken bank office.
• 60.0989 19.943 2 Sittkoff Gallerian , Torggatan 13 . M-W F 10:00-18:00, Th 10:00-20:00, Sa 10:00-16:00, Su closed . Downtown shopping mall. Includes Alko store. ( updated Aug 2020 )
• 60.0999 19.9413 3 S-Varuboden City , Torggatan 6 , ☏ +358 10 76 27100 . M-F 07:00-22:00, Sa 09:00-22:00, Su 10:00-22:00 . S-group grocery store. ( updated Aug 2020 )
• 60.0989 19.9379 4 K-Supermarket Matthis-Hallen , Ålandsvägen 42 , ☏ +358 18 28149 , [email protected] . M-Sa 09:00-22:00, Su 11:00-22:00 . K-group grocery store. ( updated Aug 2020 )
• 60.1301 19.9332 5 Maxinge , Sparvägen 1 ( in Jomala , 4 km north of the centre ). The largest shopping mall on the islands. Alko store. Terminus for local bus line N. ( updated Nov 2015 )

Notice that most prices are somewhat higher than on the Finnish and Swedish mainland. There are local products widely available but groceries are mostly the same as in Finland mainland.

Iconic Ålandspannkaka , the Åland pancake, is available in every café in town.

• 60.1002 19.94341 1 Draken Kebab Stan , Nygatan 1 , ☏ +358 18 19770 . M–F 10:30–20:00, Sa Su 11:00–20:00 . ( updated Aug 2020 )
• 60.09338 19.92922 2 Draken Kebab Hamn , Hamngatan 11 ( next to the ferry terminal ). M–F 11:00–19:00, Sa Su 12:00–19:00 . ( updated Aug 2020 )
• 60.09908 19.94328 3 Hesburger Mariehamn , Torggatan 13A . M-Sa 10:30-20:00, Su 11:00-20:00 . Finnish fast food chain. ( updated Aug 2020 )
• 60.1006 19.94169 4 Pizza24 machine . 24/7 pizza machine. Choose a pizza from the list, pay with a card, the machine will bake the pizza (3 min), and finally you will receive a hot pizza in a take-away box. around €10/pizza . ( updated Aug 2023 )
• 60.09844 19.92474 5 Pub Albin , Sjöpromenaden ( at the ÅSS marina, right next to the sailing ship Pommern ), ☏ +358 18 19141 . June-early August: M-F 15:00-22:00, Sa Su 12:00-21:00; otherwise closed . Pizzeria and bar by the West Harbor. ( updated Aug 2020 )
• 60.10015 19.94254 6 Pizza Diablo , Nygatan 3 , ☏ +358 18 17100 , [email protected] . Daily 11:00-22:00; takeaway F Sa 22:00-04:00 . Excellent pizzas, also super hot ones. ( updated Aug 2020 )
• 60.10016 19.94308 7 Kotipizza Mariehamn , Nygatan , ☏ +358 18 22332 . M-F 10.30-21, Sa 11-21, Su 11-21 . Finnish pizza franchise. ( updated Aug 2023 )
• 60.1012 19.94269 8 Marie Bar , Köpmansgatan 1 ( next to the bus station ). M-Sa 07:00-16:00 . Cosy corner café with a cool retro-looking neon sign . Fresh sandwiches, bakeries, coffee and tea.  
• 60.10516 19.94517 9 Pub Niska , Sjökvarteret ( at the Maritime Quarter ), ☏ +358 18 19151 , [email protected] . M-Sa 11:00-21:00, Su 12:00-20:00 . One of the Mariehamn classics established by chef Michael Björklund . They serve Åland style pizzas called plåtbröd . So popular they have opened restaurants in mainland Finland as well but this is the original one. Definitely worth of trying. ( updated Aug 2020 )
• 60.09917 19.93918 10 Restaurant Pommern ( a fair walk from the ship Pommern; at Hotel Pommern ). Arranged with ship's fittings. The menu is delicious and some items are quite cheap.  
• 60.0988 19.9423 11 Restaurang Sittkoffska Gården , Torggatan 13 ( Sittkoffska Gallerian ), ☏ +358 18 17612 . M–F 10:00–20:00, food from 11:00, Su closed . Food largely from local ingredients, at least some dishes with an unorthodox touch. ( updated Oct 2015 )
• 60.097114 19.926851 12 Nautical , Hamngatan 2 , [email protected] . Lunch €13.50–30, à la carte €30–40 . ( updated Jun 2021 )
• 60.09878 19.94759 13 F. P. von Knorring , Ångbåtsbron 3 , ☏ +358 18 16500 , [email protected] . Pretty expensive restaurant in an old cargo boat in the East Harbor. ( updated Aug 2023 )
• 60.09837 19.94696 14 Brasserie Ångbåtsbryggan , Ångbåtsbryggan 2 , ☏ +358 18 17613 , [email protected] . Elegant seafood-specialized restaurant in the East Harbor. Table reservation advised. ( updated Aug 2023 )

Nightlife in Mariehamn is sparse and revolves around the two restaurants Dino's and Indigo – although heavily frequented by locals they don't compare well to establishments in larger cities. Between midnight and 02:00 those restaurants close, and almost everybody migrates to the nearby nightclub Oliven (formerly known as Arken ). Considering Åland's history (a Swedish archipelago until 1809, then Russian and later Finnish since 1918 – Ålanders speak Swedish, they use some Russian expressions and they drink like Finns) the later hours are dominated by the occasional bar-brawl, heavily intoxicated teens and vomiting. The Oliven closes at 04:00, and then it's all over.

• 60.09982 19.94354 1 Dino's bar & grill , Strandgatan 12 , ☏ +358 18 13939 , [email protected] . M-Th 15:00-24:00, F 15:00-02:00, Sa Su 12:00-02:00 . Pub-like bar with a nice terrace during summer. Live music and rock DJ's at weekends. Karaoke. ( updated Aug 2020 )
• 60.09989 19.94291 2 Indigo restaurant & bar , Nygatan 1 ( entrance from Nygatan ), ☏ +358 18 16550 , [email protected] . M-Th -02:00, F Sa -04:00, Su closed . Nice and popular bar. Also a food restaurant until 22:00. Large garden terrace during summertime. ( updated Aug 2020 )
• 60.09992 19.94294 3 Spritlager , Nygatan 1 ( upstairs from the alley in front of Indigo. ). Small and cosy nightclub upstairs from Indigo terrace. ( updated Aug 2023 )
• 60.10002 19.94462 4 Night Club Oliven , Strandgatan 35 ( entrance from Nygatan ), ☏ +358 18 24020 . F Sa 22:00-04:00 . Large night club mostly crowded by locals at their twenties. Several bars. Dance floor with dj's. entrance fee €15 . ( updated Aug 2023 )

• 60.0912 19.9513 1 Gröna Uddens Camping , Östernäsvägen 1A , ☏ +358 18 528700 , [email protected] . Check-in: 13:00 , check-out: cottages 11:00, camping 14:00 . The only camping area in Mariehamn is located by a beach and a nice park about 1.2 kilometres easy walk from the town center, and has plenty of room. Reception building has a café with food items and toiletries available. Playground for children. Basic kitchen in the cottages and in a separate kitchen building. Service building with toilets and showers. €10 per person + €10 per tent/caravan/whatever; electricity €5; cottages €95–180; bike €15/day; sauna €30/4 pers/1 hr; linen à €8.50, breakfast basket à €8.50 .  
• Gröna Uddens Camping . See above.
• 60.11129 19.92653 2 Strandbergs Stugor , Varvsvägen L 183 .  

Guesthouses

• 60.09332 19.93189 3 Guesthouse Kronan , Neptunigatan 52 . Inexpensive, especially for singles. Very close to the main ferry port. Open all year.  
• 60.09392 19.93172 4 Guesthouse Neptun , Neptunigatan 41 .  
• 60.07457 19.94228 5 Pensionat Solhem , Lökskärsvägen .  
• 60.08281 19.94168 6 Övernäsgården , Östra Ytternäsvägen . 2 and 4 person chalets also available  
• 60.09699 19.94011 7 Hotel Esplanad , Storagatan 5 , ☏ +358 18 16444 , fax : +358 18 14141 , [email protected] . A bed and breakfast hotel open only in the summer season.  
• 60.11968 19.94316 8 Strandnäs Hotell , Godbyvägen 21 , ☏ +358 18 21511 , [email protected] .  
• 60.09899 19.93917 9 Hotel Pommern , Norragatan 8-10 , ☏ +358 18 15555 , fax : +358 18 15076 , [email protected] .  
• 60.09495 19.92806 10 Hotel Adlon , Hamngatan 7 , ☏ +358 18 15400 , fax : +358 18 15045 , [email protected] .  
• 60.09764 19.93999 11 Park Alandia Hotel , Norra Esplanadgatan 3 , ☏ +358 18 14130 , fax : +358 18 17130 , [email protected] .  
• 60.09787 19.92679 12 Hotel Cikada , Hamngatan 1 , ☏ +358 18 16333 , fax : +358 18 17363 , [email protected] .  
• 60.1001 19.9442 13 Hotel Arkipelag , Strandgatan 35 , ☏ +358 18 2402 , [email protected] .  
• 60.1001 19.9384 14 Hotel Savoy , Nygatan 12 , ☏ +358 18 15400 , fax : +358 18 15045 , [email protected] .  

Crime is extremely low in Åland. The only prison (having 3 cells) was closed in 1975 and is nowadays a museum (see Sund ). In statistics, the situation seems very different as drunken fights and assaults on cruise ships are recorded as occurring in Mariehamn!

• 60.1155 19.933 2 Åland Central Hospital , Doktorsvägen 1 , ☏ +358 18 5355 . Åland Central Hospital offers medical care to both the local population and visitors. This is the only 24/7 general emergency clinic on these islands. Basic procedures are successful on site, but patients in need of more serious care will be sent by helicopter to university hospitals either to Turku in Finland or Uppsala in Sweden. ( updated May 2021 )

Mariehamn is the natural starting point for all the other destinations on Åland such as Kastelholm Castle and Bomarsund Fortress ruins in Sund or the Post and Customs museum in Eckerö .

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Credits: Visit Åland

Mariehamn is the capital of the Åland Islands.

Welcome to mariehamn.

Åland, an autonomous and unilingually Swedish province of Finland, is an archipelago of 6,700 named islands scattered across the middle of the Baltic Sea, between the Finnish and Swedish mainlands. Its capital, Mariehamn, is easily reached from both Sweden and Finland by ferry or plane, and there is also a ferry connection to Estonia. Local travel on Åland is convenient due to the short distances between islands, making all the essentials easily accessible.

Where in Finland?

Population : 12 000 (30 000 in the province of Åland)

Flight connections : The airport is situated 3 kilometres from the city centre. Flights to and from Helsinki, Turku and Stockholm (Sweden).

Ferry connections:  To and from Helsinki and Turku; also Stockholm, Kapellskär and Grisslehamn (Sweden) as well as Tallinn (Estonia).

Distance from mainland Finland :

– Plane 50 minutes from Helsinki, 30 minutes from Turku – Ferry 10 hours from Helsinki, 5 hours from Turku

Åland Convention Bureau/Visit Åland Storagatan 8 AX-22100 Mariehamn [email protected]

True maritime culture

Thanks to its excellent centres for meetings and numerous outdoor activities, Åland is the perfect destination for conferences and group tours.

Maritime industry and tourism are central in Åland’s economy. In the summer, around 40 ferries depart from the area’s ports to Sweden and Finland’s mainland.

Charming island capital

Aside from tourism, Åland’s major industries include shipping, trading, banking, farming and food services. Shipping has always been especially important for Åland and no other industry has exerted such a large influence on local life.

Mariehamn is Åland’s centre for industry and politics. During the summer months, it’s a lively tourist area with plenty of small-town charm.

Scores of natural and historic sights

Mariehamn is perfect for strolling. It’s small enough to save your feet from blisters, but there’s still plenty to do, see and buy. Founded by Russia’s Czar Alexander in 1861, its old quarters and many buildings have been largely preserved (although the centre of town has been modernized).

The Åland archipelago offers many opportunities for recreation. Besides its pristine nature, you’ll find beautiful red bedrock, worn smooth by inland ice, is a typical feature. Other examples of Åland’s distinctive traits include maypoles for midsummer festivities, colourful garlands and traditional windmills.

THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Mariehamn

Things to do in mariehamn.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for Kids
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Adventurous
• Good for Couples
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Museumship Pommern

2. Åland Maritime Museum

3. Kobba Klintar

4. Lilla holmen

5. The Maritime Quarter

6. The Åland Island Art Museum

7. Wiklof Holding Arena

8. S:t Gorans Kyrka

9. alandstravet - travet mitt i havet.

10. Aalands Parliament

11. islandia, 12. ålands kulturhistoriska museum.

13. Baltichallen

14. s:t martens kyrka.

15. Entax Virtual Reality

16. palleralla.

17. Badhuset Mariebad

18. Escape Room Aland

19. SALT Konsthantverkk

20. Lustans Ekologiska

21. Shipland

22. Mjuk&Len SPA

23. Aland Tours

24. RO-NO Rent

25. Bio Savoy

26. alands golf- & skyttehall.

27. Les Boats

28. Guns Taxi

29. M/S Sunnan II

30. Mapa Fishing Team

What travellers are saying

• Top Picks Featured Listings

Tourist Attractions in Mariehamn

photo © Visit Åland

Although it is a relatively small town,  Mariehamn  is the epicentre for tourism in Åland and boasts a wealth of cultural heritage and attractions. There is a fine variety of musical events held throughout the year, including the Katarina Concerts of chamber music, the Åland Country Festival, the Rockoff and Island in the Sun festivals of rock and pop music, and both a winter and summer Jazz festival.

There are plenty of museums, key among them being Ålands Konstmuseum, Ålands Museum, Ålands Sjöfartsmuseum and the Köpmannamuseum. In addition, there is the Maritime Quarter, a short walk from Mariehamn’s town centre, which is a living marine centre with a boat-building yard, a smithy and other traditional handicrafts. Planning a  visit  to   Mariehamn ? View our  list of top  tourist   attractions  in  Mariehamn .

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Top Things to Do in Mariehamn, Finland

Places to visit in mariehamn.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for Kids
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Adventurous
• Good for Couples
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Museumship Pommern

2. Åland Maritime Museum

3. Kobba Klintar

4. Lilla holmen

5. The Maritime Quarter

6. The Åland Island Art Museum

7. Wiklof Holding Arena

8. S:t Gorans Kyrka

9. alandstravet - travet mitt i havet.

10. Aalands Parliament

11. islandia, 12. ålands kulturhistoriska museum.

13. Baltichallen

14. s:t martens kyrka.

15. Entax Virtual Reality

16. palleralla.

17. Badhuset Mariebad

18. Escape Room Aland

19. SALT Konsthantverkk

20. Lustans Ekologiska

21. Shipland

22. Mjuk&Len SPA

23. Aland Tours

24. RO-NO Rent

25. Bio Savoy

26. alands golf- & skyttehall.

27. Les Boats

28. Guns Taxi

29. M/S Sunnan II

30. Mapa Fishing Team

What travellers are saying

Must-see attractions in Mariehamn

Sjöfartsmuseum

Preserved boats make up most of the exhibitions at this state-of-the-art museum exploring Åland's marine heritage; the centrepiece is a reproduction of a…

Museumship Pommern

Anchored just behind the Sjöfartsmuseum, this beautifully preserved, four-masted, merchant barque was built in 1903 in Glasgow, Scotland. The ship once…

Sjökvarteret

At the northern end of Österhamn, Sjökvarteret has long been devoted to boat building. You can stroll along the atmospheric quay, lined with traditional…

Kobba Klintar

Since 1862 a beacon has shone out from this island south of Mariehamn. Nowadays, the original pilot cottage is dwarfed by a bigger and better house with…

Sankt Göran’s Kyrka

The copper-roofed Sankt Göran’s Kyrka, built in 1927, is one of the island's few modern churches. Its art-nouveau style was conceived by Lars Sonck, who…

Ålands Kulturhistoriska & Konstmuseum

After a recent renovation, these side-by-side museums offer an informative perspective on Åland’s culture, past and present. The Konstmuseum showcases…

Top Things to Do in Mariehamn, Finland - Mariehamn Must-See Attractions

Things to do in mariehamn.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for Kids
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Adventurous
• Good for Couples
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Museumship Pommern

2. Åland Maritime Museum

3. Kobba Klintar

4. Lilla holmen

5. The Maritime Quarter

6. The Åland Island Art Museum

7. Wiklof Holding Arena

8. S:t Gorans Kyrka

9. alandstravet - travet mitt i havet.

10. Aalands Parliament

11. islandia, 12. ålands kulturhistoriska museum.

13. Baltichallen

14. s:t martens kyrka.

15. Entax Virtual Reality

16. palleralla.

17. Badhuset Mariebad

18. Escape Room Aland

19. SALT Konsthantverkk

20. Lustans Ekologiska

21. Shipland

22. Mjuk&Len SPA

23. Aland Tours

24. RO-NO Rent

25. Bio Savoy

26. alands golf- & skyttehall.

27. Les Boats

28. Guns Taxi

29. M/S Sunnan II

30. Mapa Fishing Team

What travellers are saying

Top Things to Do in Mariehamn

Things to do in mariehamn.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for Kids
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Adventurous
• Good for Couples
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Museumship Pommern

2. Åland Maritime Museum

3. Kobba Klintar

4. Lilla holmen

5. The Maritime Quarter

6. The Åland Island Art Museum

7. Wiklof Holding Arena

8. S:t Gorans Kyrka

9. alandstravet - travet mitt i havet.

10. Aalands Parliament

11. islandia, 12. ålands kulturhistoriska museum.

13. Baltichallen

14. s:t martens kyrka.

15. Entax Virtual Reality

16. palleralla.

17. Badhuset Mariebad

18. Escape Room Aland

19. SALT Konsthantverkk

20. Lustans Ekologiska

21. Shipland

22. Mjuk&Len SPA

23. Aland Tours

24. RO-NO Rent

25. Bio Savoy

26. alands golf- & skyttehall.

27. Les Boats

28. Guns Taxi

29. M/S Sunnan II

30. Mapa Fishing Team

What travellers are saying

Things to do in Mariehamn, Aland Islands, Finland

• by Dave Brett

Wanting to discover more of Finland, I decided to try something new and unique and visited the city of Mariehamn on the Åland Islands.

With over 6,700 islands to explore that make up the Åland Islands, you will have plenty to see and do.

Mariehamn is the central capital city of the Åland Islands and has a domestic airport and ferry connections to both Stockholm and Helsinki.

The Åland Islands are part of the Finnish archipelago located between Sweden and Finland.

To best explain the Åland Islands, it’s a small state within a state and a Swedish speaking autonomous province within Finland. They even have their own flag and postal service too!

Here are some of my top suggestions that will help you discover Mariehamn and the Åland Islands:

Fly with Finnair to Mariehamn from Helsinki

Did you know you can fly to the Åland Islands? Mariehamn has an airport located around a 10-minute drive from the city.

Finnair operates a domestic route to Mariehamn from Helsinki with a possible connection in Turku along the way, making a connection to the main island via Helsinki a possibility.

Of course, you can also opt for the most frequent travel method and take the popular ferry connection from either Stockholm or Helsinki, but maybe flying might be a more convenient option.

Stay at Hotel Cikada in Mariehamn, Åland Islands

Hotel Cikada offers a perfect location to base yourself during your stay in Mariehamn. It has a whole host of affordable rooms with breakfast included and access to a sauna and swimming pool facilities for guests to use.

The hotel is within a walking distance of the museum ship Pommern, and a 10-minute walk along Norragatan will bring you Strandgatan, the main city street. Perfect place to base yourself during your stay on the Åland Islands.

Dinner at restaurant ÅSS Paviljongen

If you’re looking for somewhere fancy to dine out in Mariehamn, be sure to check out restaurant ÅSS Paviljongen where you can get an excellent taste of the archipelago cuisine.

With a beautiful selection of locally sourced seafood dishes and fun cocktails, this is a perfect location to enjoy a meal with a sunset view over the marina.

You can start with the seafood soup and even order a larger portion if you wish to have it as your main dish. Highly recommended!

Enjoy lunch at Bagarstugan cafe

If you’re looking for a cosy fika spot in town, be sure to check out Bagarstugan cafe which is located in a charming old red wooden house. There you can find a delightful selection of cakes and pastries that can be enjoyed with tea or coffee.

They also have a lunch menu special with a salmon pie that’s smothered with tasty dill salad.

Take a Shipland Boattaxi to Kobba Klintar

Kobba Klintar, also known as the old pilot station island, is an iconic landmark on the Åland Islands.

It’s usually the first landmark visitors to the Åland Islands see as the ferry passes the island before reaching the Mariehamn port.

Many locals see it as a sign of returning home as they see the flag of the Åland Islands flying on the island.

You can still visit the old pilot station on the island as it’s been turned into a museum and art gallery. You can also find a cafe on the island that makes incredible doughnuts, so be sure not to miss out on the coffee shop.

You can take a boat to the island, or if you fancy exploring more of the 6,700 surrounding islands, I’d suggest taking a private tour with a local skipper.

I’d recommending booking with Shipland Boattaxi who can arrange a private boat tour for you, including a stop-off at Kobba Klintar.

The unwritten rule across the Åland Islands is, if no one else is on the island and it’s not private, you’re welcome to dock onto the island and enjoy lunch.

So why not order an archipelago pizza in Mariehamn and pick an island to enjoy your lunch?

With over 6,700 islands to choose from, you will be lost for choice, but by the time you make it, your pizza should still be nice and warm to enjoy as many of the islands are within a close range to Mariehamn.

Also, keep a lookout for seals that like to swim around and bathe in this area.

A boat tour is a great way to explore some of the Åland Islands’ many islands, within close distance to Mariehamn.

Go for a walk around Sjökvarteret

Sjökvarteret, also known as the Maritime Quarter, can be found on the east side of Mariehamn’s marina. This area has been kept well preserved and is rich in maritime design from its past heritage.

Here you will find a selection of cosy cafes selling food and drink, as well as gift shops selling locally made craft goods and food such as salt that was once produced here. Perfect spot for buying souvenirs to remember your time visiting the island.

Explore the new Mariehamn Wetland

If you’re looking for a light walk from the city, why not explore the Mariehamn Wetland?

On Nabben seashore, there’s a newly constructed conservation area to support the local wildlife.

It’s a peaceful walk around this swamp-like area, and you may spot a few birds and sheep along the way too.

Go for a swim at Mariebad

If you’re after a traditional Finnish sauna experience and want to have a swim with a view looking out to the sea, then be sure to check out the public Mariebad swimming hall.

Book yourself a relaxing pool time session. The perfect way to spend your time in the city when the sun is shining outside.

Walk around Lilla Holmen

You can find many walking, cycling and hiking routes around Mariehamn and the Åland Islands.

All the routes are well signposted and suited for different abilities, so you can choose a longer hike or take a shorter walk, whichever suits you best.

You can pick up several different maps from the Åland Island tourism office before you head off.

One leisurely light stroll around Mariehamn starts from Lilla Holmen and brings you around the coast in a loop.

It’s also a popular spot amongst locals to enjoy a lunch picnic, sunbathe and go for a slight dip. Perfect for relaxing after walking around the city coast.

Cycle to Godby on a rental bike

Mariehamn is a perfect base to go on an adventure to explore the rest of the Åland Islands. I would recommend renting a bike from RO-NO Rent for the day and heading out towards Godby.

You can find many fun day trips that you can do from Mariehamn to explore the rest of the island on a rental bike. Here are a few suggestions:

Visit Uffe På Berget Cafe and view tower

Along your cycling route to visit Kastelholm Castle, be sure to stop off at the Uffe på berget cafe and view tower, which is a perfect halfway point along the way.

Park up your bike and have a relaxing fika break with coffee and a bun from the charming cafe whilst enjoying the stunning surrounding area from this high observation point.

Stopover at Taffel Factory Shop

Any fan of Finnish snacks should do a visit to the Taffel Factory. It is located along the road that takes you to Kastelholm Castle.

You can find a gift shop open to visitors as well as scheduled factory tours. Be sure to stock up on snacks for later.

I highly recommend the dill flavoured ones (Taffel Kartanon tilli), and the cheese puffs (Taffel Juustosnacks) are a classic!

Visit Kastelholm Castle

Kastelholm Castle is a Swedish medieval castle steeped with history and has been around since it was built in the 14th century.

It’s one of the very few castles in Finland to be still standing. Along with Hämeenlinna, Olavinlinna, Raasepori, and Turku, Kastelholm is one of only five surviving Finnish medieval fortresses.

The castle has always been of strategic importance, located within the Baltics and between Finland and Sweden. Several Swedish monarchs visited the castle throughout its history.

For most of its later years, the castle was used to store grain stock but has since been transformed into a top visitor attraction on the Åland Islands and is a must-visit historical museum.

Dinner at PubStallhagen

The Stallhagen brewery gastropub, PubStallhagen, takes you on little detour from the main road. Still, if you have enough cycling power remaining, I highly recommend this spot for dinner before heading back to the city.

Stallhagen is the most popular locally brewed beer on the Åland Islands, and you must try the classic lager. It’s fantastic!

Here at the brewery restaurant, you can find a selection of beer on tap and a menu with loads of dishes containing locally sourced ingredients.

I went for the beefsteak, salad and peppercorn sauce, and it was outstanding. Would highly recommend dining here if you have the time.

Museum ship Pommern and Åland Maritime Museum

Connected to the Åland Maritime Museum is the well-preserved museum ship Pommern (which requires two tickets for each attraction).

One of the star visitor attractions that can be found in Mariehamn.

Discover what life was like by exploring the captains’ cabin and cook’s quarters, and don’t miss an opportunity to experience a unique audio-visual show down in the cargo hold. Walk around the Åland Maritime Museum and see the extensive collection of historical maritime items that they have on display.

Enjoy a game or two of Mariehamn disc golf, Åland Islands

Did you know that around the Åland Islands, you can find over ten disc golf courses and a few of them can be found in the city centre of Mariehamn?

If you didn’t bring a frisbee with you, don’t worry, you can either buy your own as a memory of the island or borrow a set from the Visit Åland Tourist Information office in town.

Have fun playing disc golf, a popular sport amongst the island locals and a great way to explore the outdoors.

Enjoy your visit to the Åland Islands

Thank you for passing by my blog and reading the latest post about my visit to Mariehamn and the Åland Islands.

I hope you’ve found all this information helpful and you’re looking forward to visiting the Åland Islands in the future.

Have a wonderful trip!

Feel free to also check out this video I created about my trip to the Åland Islands on YouTube:

— Dave Brett

Travelling the world, one adventure at a time. Follow the UK's leading solo adventure travel blogger, Dave Brett on his travels around the world. An Adventure travel blog that features travel tips and advice, inspirational stories, travel videos and travel photography that will help you inspire and plan your next trip abroad.

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THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Mariehamn

Things to do in mariehamn.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for Kids
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Adventurous
• Good for Couples
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Museumship Pommern

2. Åland Maritime Museum

3. Kobba Klintar

4. Lilla holmen

5. The Maritime Quarter

6. The Åland Island Art Museum

7. Wiklof Holding Arena

8. S:t Gorans Kyrka

9. alandstravet - travet mitt i havet.

10. Aalands Parliament

11. islandia, 12. ålands kulturhistoriska museum.

13. Baltichallen

14. s:t martens kyrka.

15. Entax Virtual Reality

16. palleralla.

17. Badhuset Mariebad

18. Escape Room Aland

19. SALT Konsthantverkk

20. Lustans Ekologiska

21. Shipland

22. Mjuk&Len SPA

23. Aland Tours

24. RO-NO Rent

25. Bio Savoy

26. alands golf- & skyttehall.

27. Les Boats

28. Guns Taxi

29. M/S Sunnan II

30. Mapa Fishing Team

What travellers are saying

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Mariehamn - Åland

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.​

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• The Islands
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Nearby guides

• Västerås

Section in Mariehamn - Åland Do & See There is a surprising variety of visitor pursuits in Åland, both on land and water. Water sports, such as kayaking, kite surfing and paddleboarding, are rather popular, and so are leisurely boat trips. For those interested in diving, Åland is a treasure trove of exciting diving sites containing the remains of eerie sunken ships. There are a few museums, too, and most attractions are designed to accommodate families with children. Read more

Paddleboarding

Wreck Diving

Kite Surfing

Åland Museum & Art Museum

Åland Maritime Museum

Wildlife Safari

Kastelholm Castle

Bomarsund Fortress

Horse Riding

Ålandstravet (Trotting Track)

Museum Ship

Åland Islands

• Ferry Tickets
• Destinations

Mariehamn is the capital of Åland , an autonomous territory under Finnish sovereignty. Thanks to its central location between Finland and Sweden, beautiful architecture and rich nature, it has become a popular resort town and a tourist favorite.

On Ferryhopper, you can find the information you need for your holiday in Mariehamn in Åland. Read about the best attractions and activities, local cuisine and events, and discover how to get there. Check also available routes and book ferry tickets to Mariehamn from Finland, Sweden and Estonia at no extra cost !

The floating green scenery of Åland

Vacation in Mariehamn

The capital of Åland, Mariehamn, was founded in 1861 by Alexander II after the Empress Maria. Its wide streets lined with linden trees witness its Russian heritage. Mariehamn is the home to 12,000 out of the Åland Islands’ 30,000 inhabitants and is the world’s smallest metropolis , as its locals claim. However, this popular destination is extremely lively , especially in the summer months, attracting around 1.5 million tourists per year !

During your holiday in Mariehamn you will be able to enjoy the small-town vibe and admire the quaint streets and wooden houses. You can also use Mariehamn as a starting point for a tour around the Åland Islands .

Fun fact : the Åland archipelago consists of around 6,500 islands . Only 60-80 of them are inhabited, and Mariehamn is one of them.

How to get to Mariehamn

You can easily reach Mariehman by ferry from Turku or Helsinki in Finland. Tallinn is also connected by ferry with the ports of Stockholm and Kapellskär , in Sweden, as well as Tallinn , the capital of Estonia.

Tip : Åland is actually a popular getaway destination from Sweden. Find out what to do on a weekend in Mariehamn from Stockholm . 

Mariehamn also has an airport , located around 5 km outside the town, which is a 10-minute drive by car or a 30-minute ride by bus (lines 1, 2, 4 and 5).

Find more details about ferry routes and schedules to Mariehamn below.

What to do in Mariehamn

Despite its modest size, Mariehamn hosts a large number of cafés , hotels, restaurants, bars, parks, galleries , museums, festivals , and cultural events, so there’s lots of things to do in this busy town and in the surrounding areas.

During your stay, you can visit numerous sights and plan activities in nature , such as cycling. You can organize island-hopping or road trips and explore more islands in Åland by sea or by land. Moreover, if you are a golf lover, you have come to the right place, since Åland has at least 3 golf courses !

Tip : we strongly recommend visiting Mariehman around June 21 , when the festivities of Midsummer take place. Ålanders take advantage of the long daylight and celebrate outside and in the countryside with barbecues, decoration and traditions, such as the maypole .

Incredible midnight sun in Mariehamn

Sightseeing in Mariehamn

From preserved medieval churches to various museums and impressive lighthouses , there is a lot to explore in Mariehamn. However, we also recommend taking day trips in order to get a better taste of Åland and its hidden gems.

If you are wondering what to see in Mariehamn, here are some popular sights in the area:

• The Sjökvarteret boat-building site
• Åland's Maritime Museum (Sjöfartsmuseum)
• The Kobba Klintar old pilot station
• The Church (Kyrka) of Sankt Göran
• The Åland Island Art Museum 
• The Cultural History Museum of Åland
• The Bomarsund Fortress
• The Kastelholm Castle (14th century)

Tip : we strongly recommend taking a guided tour by boat to the remote lighthouses around Åland, such as Märket, Sälskär or Lågskär, and enjoy a sea adventure!

The Kobba Klintar old maritime pilot station with its café and museum

Activities in Mariehamn

Mariehman is the perfect travel destination if you want to be active on your vacation. The island’s beautiful natural landscapes and modern sports facilities make Åland a top option for adventure and fitness lovers . Get ready to release some stress and get the endorphins running, and try:

• Sport fishing

If you are an architecture enthusiast , you must definitely discover the buildings designed by Lars Sonck, such as the Mariehamn City Hall and the ÅSS Pavillion, or Finland’s first female master builder , Hilda Hongell, whose work you can still admire on a walk along Mariagatan and Södragatan.

On the other hand, if you just feel like relaxing we suggest you visit the Mariebad bathhouse and enjoy an invigorating experience in its sauna , jacuzzi and steam room, along with massage treatments from the establishment’s specialists.

Nightlife in Mariehamn

Mariehamn might not be the place for party seekers, but it has a variety of entertainment options to offer all year round, even though some establishments may operate only from May to September. There are many events and festivals taking place in June and July , so be prepared to check the event schedule before visiting.

In Mariehamn, you will find several pubs which are the town's evening hot spots. You will also find some beautiful bars with a terrace around Lilla Torget, and a nightclub for some late-night fun in the Arkipelag Hotel. You can also enjoy a movie night at the historic Bio Savoy Cinema or try your luck at the Casino Paf .

Food in Mariehamn

For Ålanders food is a big thing, and so is sustainability . In Åland you can eat tasty organic food , which is locally produced with respect for nature and according to the seasons. In Mariehamn and Åland restaurants, the AX label on a menu indicated that the dish is made from local ingredients , such as fish, meat and apples from local farms.

Moreover, the Ålanders have always been sea travelers that would bring new tastes, ingredients and influences , that you can trace even nowadays on innovative courses with exotic products.

Some of the Åland flavors that you must try in Mariehamn’s many restaurants are:

• Fish (smoked, cured, fried in batter or roasted)
• Åland pancakes
• Local tangy cheeses
• Dark malt bread
• Apple juice and soda from local fruit
• Artisan “slow” beers (Stallhagen microbrewery)

Åland is Finland's apple orchard

Useful information about Mariehamn

Mariehamn is the biggest town of Åland, has a unique architecture and offers many things to see and do. With incredible landscapes combining sea and green vegetation, a vibrant life in the summer and many options for activities and relaxation , it has become a tourist favorite over the last decades.

In Mariehamn, you will find a variety of accommodation options depending on your preferences and budget. The hotels in Mariehamn are classic and are close to museums, restaurants and shops.

Then again, if you want to connect with nature and try something different, you can book a cottage by the sea, a cozy wooden guesthouse of B&B, or even a room in a farm hotel . Do your research and you will find that options are numerous!

Tip : if you want to go simple, you can set up a tent or park your motorhome in one of Åland’s around 20 camping sites .

As for health establishments, there are several hospitals and clinics in Mariehman, so you can enjoy your vacation with peace of mind.

Important phone numbers for your stay in Mariehamn

Here are some useful contacts for your trip to Mariehamn:

• Mariehamn Port Authority: +35818531470
• Åland Police: +35818527100
• Mariehamn bus station: +3581825600
• Medical assistance: +35818538 500
• Emergency health ward: +358185355
• Mariehamn airport: +35820708000
• Mariehamn taxi services: +3581826000
• European emergency number: 112

Transportation in Mariehamn

Mariehamn is a relatively small town so you can easily get around on foot . Inside the town, you can also get around by the city bus Mariehamnsbussen . The main stop is in the town center at the crossroads of Nygatan and Torggatant. To travel to the countryside from Mariehamn, you can catch a bus from the main station next to the library.

In Mariehamn, there are many taxis that you can use to get to the airport and the ferry terminals. Moreover, Åland is a cycling friendly destination with a great network of cycling tracks and, since the distances are short, biking is one of the best ways to move around and see the surrounding areas. Alternatively, if you don’t bring a vehicle, you can rent a car in one of Åland’s two car renters.

Finally, where the roads end, you can continue your journey to the Åland Islands via the Archipelago ferries and even spend the night in one of the archipelago municipalities. These local ferries are free of charge for passengers who travel without a vehicle (bikes are considered as vehicles).

Ports in Mariehamn

The port of Mariehamn has 2 harbors: one on the western shore and one on the eastern shore. The Western Harbor is an important passenger harbor with and is used by cruise ferries traveling from/to Sweden , Estonia and mainland Finland .

In the Eastern Harbor you will find the Maritime Quarter , a living marine center with boat building activity, a smithy and other handicrafts, and a marina for traditional ships and wooden boats.

Mariehamn ferry: schedules and tickets

From the Western Harbor at the port of Mariehamn, there are regular ferry crossings to Helsinki and Turku in Finland all year round. There are also connections to the ports of Stockholm and Kapellskär in Sweden , and to Tallinn in Estonia .

The companies that operate the connections are Viking Line and Tallink Silja Line . Keep in mind that on all vessels it is possible to embark your vehicle and stay in a cabin during the trip.

On Ferryhopper's Map of ferries , you can see all available ferry routes from/to Mariehamn, so that you can easily plan and visualize your ferry trip.

Here are some more details on the ferry routes to Mariehamn:

• Ferry from Helsinki to Mariehamn : the Helsinki - Mariehamn ferry route is served up to 7 times a week . The crossing lasts approximately 11 hours and tickets start at around €55.
• Ferry from Turku to Mariehamn : the ferry from Turku to Mariehamn runs up to 7 times a week all year round. The crossing takes approximately 11.5 hours and tickets start at around €17.
• Ferry from Stockholm to Mariehamn : the ferry connection from Stockholm to Mariehamn includes around 4 daily sailings and the ferry ride takes about 6.5 hours to get to Mariehamn. Tickets start at around €18.
• Ferry from Kapellskär to Mariehamn : the Kapellskär - Mariehamn ferry route is operated all year round, with up to 3 daily crossings in the summer months. The trip lasts around 3.5 hours and tickets start at about €12.
• Ferry from Tallinn to Mariehamn : the ferry from Tallinn to Mariehamn runs with up to 4 weekly crossings . Ferry time ranges from 10 to 14 hours  and tickets start at about €103.

Snow covering the green scenery of Mariehamn

Book ferry tickets to Mariehamn online

On Ferryhopper, you can find all ferry routes to and from Mariehamn in the Åland Islands. Compare prices, timetables and companies, and book ferry tickets to Mariehamn online with no hidden fees .

Mariehamn ferry timetable

View the complete ferry schedule from and to Mariehamn for the upcoming week. Find up-to-date trip information, including departure and arrival dates and times, ferry operators and ticket prices.

Frequent ferry connections

Nearby destinations, mariehamn has direct ferry connections to 8 ports :.