MariehamnÅland Islands · Finland

All About Mariehamn

The capital city of Åland has an omnipresent feel-good aura, brought about by its welcoming residents and unhasty lifestyle. As the archipelago’s only city, Mariehamn is home to 40% of Åland’s population. Founded in 1861, when Finland was under Russia’s rule, this autonomous, demilitarized region is now a bustling metropolis. However, it still is a far cry from the rush one experiences in Helsinki or Stockholm. Due to its location between Sweden and Finland’s mainland, a vacation in Mariehamn is an unmissable opportunity to admire a side of Scandinavia that pleasantly remains devoid of mass tourism. Taking a ferry to Mariehamn is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare ferry companies and book ferry tickets.
 

Routes and Ferries to Mariehamn

Most holiday-goers prefer to buy ferry tickets to Mariehamn and reach the area by sea. Tallink and Viking Line vessels from Turku, Stockholm, and Kapellskär arrive at regular intervals throughout the week. It takes 5.30hr for the journey from Turku or Stockholm, whereas the boat from Kapellskär takes half that time. Ferry tickets to Mariehamn are considerably cheaper than air travel. A return ticket from Turku or Stockholm, without any vehicle, and deck chair seating ranges between €27 and €50.

Mariehamn Airport in Jomala, located 3km from Mariehamn’s center, is the quickest way to arrive on the islands from Mainland Finland and Sweden. However, flights from Turku, Helsinki, and Stockholm are limited and tend to be on the more expensive side. Since no bus service is available, taxis are the only option to reach your hotel from the airport.
 

Port of Mariehamn

Mariehamn is Åland Islands’ most important port catering to dry cargo, passenger ferries, and cruise ships. Due to the archipelago’s duty-free status, several ferries and cruises make it a special point to stop at Mariehamn. The port consists of an Eastern Harbour, which is primarily a yacht marina. The Western Harbour has six ferry berths and greets roughly 15 ferries per day.

When arriving with ferry tickets to Mariehamn, passengers can expect a terminal that is somewhat average in appearance. Open 24/7, the ferry terminal has basic amenities. Examples are lockers, a customs office, toilets, and vending machines. A café, bus stop, and taxi stand are conveniently located right outside the building. It is possible to purchase ferry tickets at the port just before catching a ferry to Mariehamn. However, to safeguard your seat, look into booking them via Ferryscanner beforehand. Especially if travelling between June and September, when the port is at its busiest.
 

Best Beaches of Mariehamn

Forgoing the liveliness associated with famous beaches, a day by the water in Mariehamn is an occasion for families and friends to bond peacefully. Basking in the unadulterated warmth of the summer sun is also a plus.

Lilla Holmen Beach

Known as the children’s island, Lilla Holmen is the most famous beach in Mariehamn. The sandy stretch primarily attracts families with its calm waters, playground, volleyball court, and bird park, particularly over the weekend. A lovely spot for swimming, the beach’s diving raft is a favorite with daring kids. The area surrounding Lilla Holmen is spectacularly green. The birdhouse on this islet has free-roaming ducks and peacocks, rabbits, chickens, and guinea pigs.

Nabben Beach

Situated close to the city center, Nabben is another family-friendly beach in Mariehamn with a cozy atmosphere. There aren’t many amenities here, but the water is warm and shallow for quite a distance. This sandy beach is easy to walk to barefoot. There are green patches nearby if you prefer to sit on solid ground.

Algrundets Simstrand

Cycling the short distance of 3km to Algrundets is an excellent way to begin a sunny day on the beach. While not completely secluded, it remains uncrowded on most days. There’s a sweet pastoral personality about the beach, which has a sandy shore and naturally shaded areas nearby. Algrundets is close to a camping ground but remains tranquil nevertheless.

Västervikens Badstrand

A snug little waterside escape, Västervikens in Saltvik is a mere 25-minute drive north from Mariehamn. The water here is very clean, making it optimal for floating around or swimming in for a few hours. An on-site jumping tower and volleyball court encourage lethargic sunbathers to get up and get active occasionally. A seasonal swimming school for kids pops up on this spot during the summers.

Bambölevik Bandstrand

Bambölevik is a quick 25-minute drive from Mariehamn. Between June and August, try to reach the beach early as it gets crowded, making it hard to find a good parking spot in the afternoon. While small, Bambölevik pleases every type of beach-goer with its grassy, sandy, and rocky nooks. A jumping tower at the end of the wooden plank adds a bit of excitement, while the grill and picnic table are ideal for a memorable sunset barbeque.
 

Places to Visit Around Mariehamn

Tourists typically use Mariehamn as a base for their travels around the Åland Islands. The capital here isn’t without its charms though, however simple they might be. Therefore, set aside a couple of days to be a flâneur in Mariehamn, walking its streets, discovering the city’s maritime legacy, and unraveling its reserved persona.

Åland Maritime Museum

Åland Maritime Museum won ‘best museum of the year’ in 2016. A visit to this museum promises an eventful time packed with interactive displays, exhibitions, and child-centric activities. Among the museum’s main attractions are the 1903 cargo ship Pommern and the ‘Cabinet of Curiosities’ – a display of oddities collected by sailors from places near and far. An excursion that hides its educational element between oodles of fun, Åland Maritime Museum helps visitors understand why Mariehamn is known as being the port of the last windjammers. Taking a ferry to Mariehamn is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare ferry companies and book ferry tickets.

Torgattan

Shopping, eating, and drinking options in Mariehamn are conveniently found huddled together in and around Torgattan. The main street here is pedestrian-only. For a lunch date, check out Boquerian, a hip restaurant with al fresco dining that serves delectable tapas. If you love comfort food, Pizza Diablo is said to have the best pizza in Mariehamn. For shopaholics, there is the petite shopping mall Sittkof Gallerian and local clothing stores such as Labelled, Modehuset Alice, and Emmaus Åland to check out.

Mariehamnsmuseet

Delve into the past of Mariehamn through the visually appealing and meticulously designed Mariehamnsmuseet. The museum, situated in the center of the city, features a miniature replica of Mariehamn from the 1920s. A must-visit with kids, entry into the museum is free. Mariehamnsmuseet is open for all from mid-June to mid-August. During the rest of the year, it only permits pre-booked groups.

Sjökvarteret

If traveling with children, do not miss out on spending a day in Sjökvarteret. The maritime quarter in Mariehamn provides unmatched insight into the seafaring legacy of Åland. Here, you can visit a boatbuilding museum, sail on the wooden ship Albanus, observe traditional boathouses and sheds, and enjoy a delicious lunch at Pub Niska. Sjökvarteret regularly hosts events throughout the year like the Christmas market in December, a harvest festival in September, and the Snipe Adventure in July consisting of boat races, children’s activities, music performances, and flea markets. 

Badhuset Mariebad

An indoor and outdoor swimming center, Badhuset Mariebad, is open year-round, offering a choice between several pools and water-based activities. With a €9 entry ticket, visitors can use different pools for swimming laps or relaxing under a water jet. There is a swimming pool for toddlers and a 65.5-meter slide for adults and older children. The outdoor pool and private beach are in demand on warm days. Badhuset Mariebad further has dining options, a sauna, and a spa.
 

Transportation Around Mariehamn

Walking around Mariehamn is comfortable, as is cycling due to the relatively flat topography of the area. If not in the mood to walk, two bus lines cover the city’s northern and southern regions. They travel in a loop, starting from a stop near the post office in the center. A one-way ticket on the bus costs €2.

Renting cars is a popular choice with several travelers arriving in Åland through ferry tickets to Mariehamn. Plenty of rental agencies have offices a few hundred meters outside the port. Taxis, which all have personalized number plates bearing old ship names, are perfect for short-distance trips. If heading out for the day to explore neighboring islands, use the archipelago ferries. They are free and a leisurely transport mode that allows ample time to appreciate Åland’s unforgettable scenic beauty.