A holiday in Mariehamn offers a wide range of opportunities for a peaceful city break or for travellers looking for something more active. Mariehamn is the administrative centre of Åland and an ideal choice for a relaxing city break, with a good range of shops and restaurants. There are many places to explore around the city, including historical sites and beautiful natural areas. Åland is a very popular cycling destination and Mariehamn is an ideal base for exploring the island's attractions. So enjoy a break in this island town or explore the areas surrounding Mariehamn, with their unique scenery and historical sites, either at your own pace or on guided tours.
There are good transport connections between mainland Finland and the Åland Islands, and inexpensive trips to Mariehamn are easy to find throughout the year. You can travel by sea to Mariehamn on your own boat or on one of the passenger and car ferries departing from Helsinki, Turku and Naantali. If you want to start your holiday in Mariehamn sooner, there are flights available from Helsinki-Vantaa and Turku airports.
As the only town in Åland, Mariehamn offers a variety of shopping, museum and restaurant services for an enjoyable city break. Among the town’s museums, the museum ship Pommern is definitely worth a visit, as is the adjacent Åland Maritime Museum. You should also explore Mariehamn's Maritime Quarter located on the city's eastern harbour, where you can see, for example, boatbuilding and other craft skills, and admire the traditional Åland beach granaries and boathouses. Art lovers should visit Åland Art Museum, which focuses on the art of Åland.
Distances in Åland are short, and there are many things to see and experience near Mariehamn, whether you are interested in history or nature tourism. You can conveniently explore the area by bicycle – the bicycle trails are clearly marked with green and white posts. Bicycles can be rented from Mariehamn if you have not brought your own to the island. If you are interested in history, you should visit mediaeval Kastelholm Castle in Sund, the Vita Björn local prison, now restored as a museum, and the Jan Karlsgården open-air museum, which will give you a sense of bygone farming life.
In addition to cycling, the surroundings of Mariehamn offer excellent opportunities for hiking and other pursuits. To the south of Mariehamn, Nåtö Nature Reserve offers hikers delightful wild meadows, reminiscent of past times. Another worthwhile experience is to admire the beautiful scenery of Åland from the rocks of Getaberget in the municipality of Geta. You can also enjoy the natural surroundings of Mariehamn by renting a kayak and exploring the neighbouring small islands, or perhaps taking a fishing trip to the pike-rich waters of the region.
As an idyllic archipelago town, Mariehamn provides a good setting for a cheerful town break, while the town and its surroundings also offer excellent opportunities for an action-packed holiday. Immerse yourself in the marine world or cycle through the beautiful scenery and historical sites of the archipelago.
