Mariehamn municipality: harbor, museums and waterfront paths

Discover Mariehamn municipality through its harbors, museums and waterfront paths. Esplanaden is a linden-lined avenue with a walking path down the middle, running from the Western Harbour to the Eastern Harbour. Paths also run along the east and west coasts, sometimes directly beside the water. The different sections offer concrete points to consider when planning: harbor views, waterfront paths and places to experience maritime culture are all available side by side.

Pommern and the museums

The four-masted barque Pommern, preserved in its original condition, is open from May 1 to September 30. Access is via a gangway; tickets are available at the Åland Maritime Museum. The dates are therefore an important factor when planning a visit on board. The Åland Maritime Museum itself is open year-round and was once named Finland’s best museum. This award is a past recognition, while the ship’s opening is limited to the specified season.

The Cultural History Museum of Åland and the Åland Art Museum are also open year-round. Both are located in the same building. Together with the Åland Maritime Museum, they offer different reasons to visit a museum: maritime history, cultural history and art. When planning time in Mariehamn municipality, you can distinguish the Pommern’s seasonal opening from the museums that are open year-round, and check opening hours before your trip.

Maritime culture and paths by the water

Guided tours through the history and maritime culture of the Sjökvarteret district are offered. Tour dates and availability may change, so check the latest information if you are planning a guided tour. The schooner Albanus is currently moored at the Sjökvarteret quay. This gives visitors two different ways to engage with maritime interests: a guided introduction to the district’s history and a specific ship at the quay.

On Mariehamn’s west shore, you can watch ferries entering and leaving the harbor; these movements depend on ferry traffic. Several boat moorings are located on the east shore. Esplanaden offers a different way to experience the city: its path runs between the two harbors through a linden-lined avenue. Those who prefer walking along the coast will find paths on both sides of the city, some of which run directly beside the water.

Swimming spots, wetland and views

There are three swimming spots on Mariehamn’s east shore: Lilla Holmen, Gröna Udden and Nabben. Nabben beach is just outside the center. A wetland with constructed wooden boardwalks is also located on Nabben’s shore. Nabben thus brings together two named natural and swimming destinations; when planning a visit, it is worth checking the current conditions and facilities on site.

Badhusparken is used for walking and frisbee golf. A path leads past Badhuspaviljongen to Badhusberget, which offers views of the sea and harbor. Mariehamn Runt offers another way to find your bearings: the route follows sidewalks, paved roads and paths, is partly hilly, and includes stairs and wooden ramps.

A broader view of Åland

Beyond Mariehamn municipality, Åland offers further options for planning your trip. There are several ferry departures to Åland every day from Finland and Sweden; schedules vary, so check the latest departures with the respective operator. The main-island section of the Åland Archipelago Trail runs from Prästö in Sund in the north to Lumparland in the south. On Prästö, a nature trail features historical sights. These examples are part of Åland as a whole and complement the city’s attractions with a wider regional perspective.

Discover more destinations: Ventspils, Saulkrastu Novads, Central Jutland, Liepāja, Jelgavas Novads, Harju, Åland countryside, Ida-Viru.