Discover Åland - a Hidden Gem in the Baltic Sea
Discover Åland Islands – a hidden gem in the Baltic Sea, where nature, history, and adventure come together in harmony. Located between Finland and Sweden, Åland offers a unique experience with its breathtaking archipelago of tens of thousands of islands and skerries. This self-governed, demilitarized region, known as ”the Islands of Peace,” boasts an impressive maritime heritage, highlighted by the world’s only original four-masted barque, Pommern.
Visitors can immerse themselves in traditional handicrafts, savor locally produced food, and enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities such as cycling, canoeing, and exploring nature trails. Åland is also known for its tasty apples, and the guests may visit local apple farms. With its unspoiled landscapes and rich cultural history, Åland promises an experience that leaves a lasting impression and inspires new discoveries at every turn.
The town of Mariehamn, the vibrant regional center with nearly 12,000 inhabitants, offers a charming small-town atmosphere with all the amenities of a larger city. Everything from shopping and dining to cultural experiences is within easy walking distance, making it a perfect base for your island adventures.
Distance from port to city centre
900 metres (0,5 miles)
Distance from city to airport
Approx. 3 kilometres (1,8 miles)
Airport information
Mariehamn can be reached from many European and US destinations by flights via Stockholm (Populair) and Helsinki (Finnair). There is also a flight connection to Turku (Populair).
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Discover Åland Islands – a hidden gem in the Baltic Sea, where nature, history, and adventure come together in harmony.
Must See & Do
Åland Maritime Museum and S/V Pommern
Maritime Quarter of Mariehamn
Boatyard for wooden vessels, a boat building museum, a smithy, handicraft shops and an atmospheric home port for several traditional sailing vessels.
The Cultural Museum of Åland & Åland Art Museum
The fascinating history of Åland from seal hunters of the Stone Age to today’s modern society, and local art history and contemporary art are showcased under the same roof.
Torggatan - the Heart of Mariehamn
Walk down the pedestrian street of Mariehamn, brimming with small shops, galleries, cafés and restaurants, and enjoy the atmosphere of the verdant maritime town. Make sure to take a break in one of the quaint cafés for a taste of Åland’s iconic pancake and locally produced delicacies and refreshments.
The Historical Kastelhom Castle
Dive into history with a visit to the medieval Kastelholm Castle, where you can walk in the footsteps of past Ålanders and immerse yourself in a fascinating piece of history. Next door there is an open-air museum area depicting the 19th-century rural life. The pictureresque area with maritime touch is excellent for shorter walking tours. The restaurant offers sampling of refreshments and alcoholic beverages made of local ingredients, such as berries and fruits.
Seaside Nature Trails and Cycling Routes
Shore Excursion Examples
A Breeze of History Out at Sea
Visit the old pilot station Kobba Klintar, situated out at sea in the midst of breathtakingly beautiful views. This unique place will definitely offer an experience you won’t soon forget.
Taste the Red Gems of Åland
The Åland Islands are a paradise filled with apple orchards. For an unique experience, try the apple-safari at Öfvergårds, which ends with an exquisite tasting of locally produced apple juices.
The Pearls of the Islands' History
Swedish kings, Russian tsars, medieval churches and fortresses. Verdant fields, lush meadows, deep forests and sea bays. Discover the rural and historical Åland on a sightseeing tour.
Cycling from One Island to Another
Guided cycling tours on winding country roads across bridges and road banks from one island to another with a visit to a nature reserve rich in flora and sea fowl.
Champagne Tasting on Silverskär Island
Join a tour where you get to learn about the story of the shipwreck champagne found in the archipelago of Åland and taste different champagnes from the Champagne house Veuve Clicquot. You can also come along on an adventure where we search for the champagne hidden out at sea or in the archipelago!
Annual Events
Checkout some of Mariehamn’s annual events!
Åland Grönskar - Spring Festival
- Late May
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Visit lovely places around Åland and experience the life and greenery that explodes in May. Enjoy blooming apple trees, pet lambs and calves playing in the pastures, have a coffee and taste the first fruits and vegetables of spring.
Saltvik Viking Festival
- Last weekend of July
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Experience the Viking Age with a visit to us in the Viking village in Kvarnbo, Saltvik! Trade with our merchants and crafters, eat viking inspired food, enjoy contemporary music from our artists, get entertained by our jester or see viking warriors fight in the battlefield!
Åland Opera Festival
- August
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Åland Opera Festival with eminent opera singers is arranged every year in August.
Skördefesten - Harvest Festival
- Third weekend of September
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The harvest festival is the highlight of autumn, the heart of Åland’s food culture and the engine of our vibrant countryside!
Åland Glimrar - Christmas Markets
- During four weekends, Nov-Dec
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Stroll around the Christmas markets and find unique Christmas gifts, most of which are produced on Åland, enjoy a warm cup of mulled wine and create that wonderful Christmas atmosphere with friends and family.
Ready to Elevate Your Travel Offerings? Let’s Bring Mariehamn to Your Clients!
Contact us for more detailed information about the Ålands islands and shore excursion opportunities!
