Sights in Mariehamn
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A
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.
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 be…
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B
Sjöfartsmuseum
Åland marine heritage is explored at the Sjöfartsmuseum, a traditional museum that’s designed to look like a ship’s prow cutting into the land. Preserved boats make up most of the exhibitions, particularly glorious ship’s figureheads such as a rare male carving that once graced the California. It’s a great place to discover your inner pirate with plenty of ships in bottles, sea chests and nautical accoutrements. The central part of the museum is a re-creation of a ship with mast, saloon, galley and cabins.
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C
Sjökvarteret
At the northern end of Österhamn, Sjökvarteret has long been devoted to boat-building and you can see various traditional schooners moored here and possibly even boats like the traditional öka (rowing boat) under construction. The museum, with exhibitions on ship-building, is located in a small boatshed that still has the whiff of timber and sea salt. The quarter also has a good cafe, Café Bönan, and several artisan galleries and shops.
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D
Museum Ship Pommern
The Museum Ship Pommern is anchored just behind the Sjöfartsmuseum. It’s a beautifully preserved four-masted merchant barque and a symbol of Mariehamn. Built in 1903 in Glasgow, Scotland, the ship once carried tonnes of cargo and a 26-man crew on the trade route between Australia and England. Its record run was a speedy 110 days. An audio guide (available in English; €3.50) brings the creaking timbers back to life.
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Ålands Museum & Ålandskonstmuseum
In the centre of town, the Ålands Museum & ÅlandsKonst Museum are housed in the same large building. Permanent exhibits offer an insight into the complete history of the islands including a replica of a Stone Age boat made of sealskin, a reconstructed traditional pharmacy and a large illustration of Bomarsund in all its glory. The panels don’t have information in English, so take a leaflet on entry.
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E
Sjalvstyrelsegården
It may seen like a local council building, but Sjalvstyrelsegården is actually the home of the Åland parliament. The free guided tours (available in English) explain the autonomous nature of Åland and the election of the Lantråd, the premier of Åland, and end with a slide show about the area.
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F
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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Sankt Göran’s Kyrka
The copper-roofed Sankt Göran’s Kyrka, built in 1927, is one of the few modern churches on the islands. Its art nouveau style was conceived by Lars Sonck, who grew up in Åland. The glittering mosaic altarpiece is a real highlight.
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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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Tullarns Äng
South of Österhamn is Tullarns Äng, a small park that is prized for its spring wildflowers.
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