Modern Architecture & Design
Mariehamn was founded in 1861 by the Russian Emperor Alexander
II, who named it after his wife Maria Alexandrovna. As a pleasant
complement to the Baltic capitals, Åland has more of a non-modern
architecture. A stroll along the town’s many tree-lined
avenues takes you past a series of elegant wooden turn-of-the-century
villas. The first female Master Builder of Finland, Hilda Hongell
(1867-1952), designed 98 buildings for Mariehamn, of which 44
are still preserved in their original design.
Also situated in Aland are the textile designers Korpi and Gordon,
whose products include contemporary products for the home and
are sold in the US and Japan as well as the whole of Europe.
City Life and Outdoor Activities
The islands offer excellent conditions for outdoor activities
and excursions due to the natural beauty and history of the place.
Enjoy a round of golf complimented by the view of the sea and
the castle of Kastelholm at the Åland Golf Club’s
two golf courses in Kastelholm.
Try fishing in the best fishing spot in the Baltic Sea, where
you may find trout, salmon or pike if you are lucky, and there
are local fishing guides who hire out fishing boats and equipment.
Or if you want the opportunity to get off the beaten track among
the islands and skerries, try kayaking and order a complete package
with a tour guide or rent a sailing ship with knowledgeable skippers
who will give you an insight into how the Åland islanders
used to travel in days of old.
Great Shopping & Fine Food
Because of Mariehamn’s small size, it’s possible to
walk from the western harbour to the eastern harbour in less than
20 minutes. On the way downtown you pass restaurants, cafés,
small cosy shops and lush parks.
The local craftsmen combine traditional handicrafts with contemporary
creativity and in craft shops you will find traditional products
such as wool, wood, leather and metal as well as many more crafts.
SALT is a vibrant handicraft centre featuring the works of six
leading craftswomen. Krukmejeriet is owned by potter Judy Kuitunen,
who hand makes and decorates ceramics. Her patterns are usually
very colourful and upbeat. Jussis Keramik designs and produces
ceramics and glassware, and is located in the oldest stone building
in Mariehamn.
Åland enjoys a reputation for gourmet tradition dating far
back when it comes to strong drinks, and with its food industry
never short of culinary delights and delicacies you are sure to
never go hungry or be short of places to eat and relax. Everything
is within a reasonable walking distance making Mariehamn an ideal
shopping town, and if you don’t feel like walking you can
take the free bus within the town limits or rent out a bicycle
for the day.
Ancient and Modern
The shipping tradition of today is just as strong as it was when,
in the beginning of the 1900s, the Åland Islands under shipowner
Gustaf Eriksson boasted the largest fleet of sailing ships in
the world. Visit the maritime museum and the museum ship Pommern,
the world’s only four-masted bark in its original condition.
These are located just near the quay next to the western harbour,
and they give an accurate insight to life at in the the early
1900s.
Join a guided tour to the beautiful Jan Karlsgården Open-Air
Museum, a typical Åland farmstead from the 1800s, located
just a stone’s throw from the castle of Kastelholm. The
Vita Björn prison museum is also nearby. Don’t miss
the twelve medieval churches that were built on the islands in
the 1200s and 1300s, following the abandonment of heathen worship.
The churches are possibly the Åland Islands’ most
remarkable surviving relics from medieval times, particularly
considering that their original function still remains today.
Top 10 attractions
Mariehamn Top 10 – don’t miss
• Museum Ship Pommern – This is the only four-masted
bark in original condition.
• Åland Maritime Museum - This museum gives insight
into how the seamen’s life was aboard the ship.
• Åland Museum and Art Museum - The permanent exhibition
displays the development of Åland from mid 1800’s
to present.
• Maritime Quarter - The Maritime Quarter in the eastern
harbour is a great place to experience skilled boat builder’s
work up-close.
• Castle of Kastelholm - The castle was built in the 1300’s
and has been through both sieges and piracy.
• Jan Karlsgården Open-air Museum - A typical Åland
farmstead from the 1800’s and it depicts life as it was
before the age of fast food.
• Bomarsund Fortress Ruins
• Tjudö Vineyard - enjoy not only the locally produced
wine, but also study the process of making a local variant of
calvados – the highly regarded Ålvados.
• Åland Hunting & Fishing Museum - The Åland
Hunting & Fishing Museum in Eckerö depicts the hunters’
and fishermen’s hard work to feed their families.
• Sport fishing and a round of golf |
