Mariehamn Sights

  1. Ålands Museum & Ålands Konstmuseum

    In the centre of town, the Ålands Museum & Ålands Konstmuseum are housed in the same building and should definitely head your list of things to see in Mariehamn. The lively and well-presented museum gives an absorbing insight into the history of the islands from prehistoric to present and includes a Stone-Age replica boat made of sealskin, and a reconstructed traditional pharmacy. The panels don't have English, so take an information leaflet on entry.

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  2. Lilla Holmen Island

    Lilla Holmen Island is connected to Tullarns Äng by a bridge, and has a summer cafe, a decent swimming beach and peacocks strolling through the grounds.

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  3. museum ship Pommern

    Anchored behind the Sjöfartsmuseum, is a beautifully preserved four-masted merchant ship and a symbol of Mariehamn. The four-masted barque was built in 1903 in Glasgow, Scotland, and once carried tons of cargo and a 26-man crew on the trade route between Australia and England; its record run was a very creditable 110 days. An audio guide (available in English) can help bring the old ship to life.

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  4. Sankt Göran's Church

    The 1927 copper-roofed Sankt Göran's Church in the town centre is not as interesting as the medieval treasure-trove churches in Åland's villages. The design is Art Nouveau, by Lars Sonck, and the church was donated to the town by a wealthy shipowner.

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  5. Sjalvstyrelsegården

    Sjalvstyrelsegården is home of the Åland parliament. Free guided tours (available in English) every Friday from June to mid-August. The tour ends with a slide show about Åland.

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  7. Sjöfartsmuseum

    The stalwarts of Åland are mariners and the Sjöfartsmuseum, an enjoyably kitschy museum of sailing and maritime commerce, is devoted to them. There are heaps of items from old boats, including figureheads that once graced local ships, model ships, ships in bottles, sea chests and nautical equipment. The central part of the museum is a re-creation of a ship with mast, saloon, galley and cabins, but to see the real thing, go outside.

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  8. Sjökvarteret

    On the opposite side of the peninsula, at the northern end of Österhamn, is Sjökvarteret, where you can see the modern-day approach to boat-building, along with traditional wooden boats. There's also a museum with exhibitions on shipbuilding, several craft workshops and a café.

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  9. Tullarns Äng

    South of Österhamn is Tullarns Äng, a small park that is prized for its spring wildflowers.

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