Being close to everything is one of the advantages of a small town. Mariehamn is easy to discover on foot. The distance between the town’s two harbours is just over one kilometre, and the streets are paved with interesting history.
Mariehamn offers many exciting encounters between new and old worlds. Today the western harbour is the port for modern ferries and cruise ships, but here you can also see the tall ship Pommern, which was built in 1903 and is the world’s only four- masted barque in its original condition. Combine a visit to the Pommern with the Maritime Museum for a deeper dive into Åland’s impressive maritime history.
Walk along the path up to Badhusberget’s lookout place to get a bird’s eye view of Mariehamn. Every afternoon around 2 p.m. you can see several ferries on the fairway to the port of Mariehamn. In the western harbour you can find ÅSS Paviljongen and other buildings from the town’s spa resort era in the early 20th century. Then follow the Esplanade towards the town centre. The Esplanade linden alley dates back to the original town plan from 1859.
At St. Göran’s Church from 1927 you can stop and admire the murals and window paintings. The church, as well as the buildings of the Åland Navigation Institute and the Town Hall are designed by architect Lars Sonck.
Another style of architecture can be found along Södragatan, one of the oldest streets in town with fin-de-siècle wooden houses designed by Hilda Hongell, born in Mariehamn and Finland’s first female Master Builder.
Sunbathing and swimming
Mariehamn’s eastern seaside attracts with restaurants and shopping around the Torggatan pedestrian street. You can also visit the Cultural History Museum of Åland and Åland Art Museum, or enjoy of a dip in the sea by Lilla Holmen’s sandy beach where there is also a jetty, kiddie’s pirate ship and peacocks. The Maritime Quarter and Mariebad swimming centre are also favourites for all the family.
