Ålands Museum & Ålands Konstmuseum

Lonely Planet review

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.

The gallery has changing exhibitions as well as a handful of paintings by local artists. Perhaps most interesting among them are the canvases of Joel Pettersson (1892-1937). You really sense the elemental forces at work behind the Åland treescapes and behind his furrowed brow in a self-portrait; he's something of an Åland Van Gogh.

The Åland Museum Card allows entry to any four museums. If you choose your visits wisely, this can garner a big saving. Buy it at the tourist office or at most museums.