Mariehamn - Åland
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Mariehamn - Åland
Six thousand and five hundred islands in the middle of the Baltic Sea. A unique destination, an island string of pearls stretching between the big cities, an archipelago between Stockholm and Turku, within easy reach from Helsinki and Tallinn. On the Åland Islands, the sea is never far away. They boast 17,000 km of shoreline, a pleasant maritime climate, and the highest number of sunshine hours in Scandinavia. Experience the charm of this island country, the red granite cliffs, nature, and tranquillity.Find your trip
The best way to enjoy Åland is by boat. You can either take a ride on a ferry or go on an unforgettable excursion during your stay here. Apart from simply enjoying the unspoiled nature, you might also catch a glance of a curious seal. There are various types of boats for rent. Would you prefer a leisurely trip in a beautiful sailboat, or would you rather have more speed and spray on board a rigid inflatable boat? If you would like to get really close to the unique archipelago we recommend a kayak trip. You may choose between package tours or your own custom-designed excursion. Boat- and canoe rental: Ro-No Rent
The Åland archipelago offers an infinite number of kayaking opportunities. Regardless of whether you are a beginner or veteran kayaker, there are suitable routes for you. The archipelago creates excellent conditions, whether you prefer the tranquil bays or rugged skerries near the open sea. Do you want to come close to nature and animal life and spend time on your own in peace and quiet? Or, perhaps, you prefer kayaking in a group with a guide along a designated itinerary? Some of the most popular places to visit are Kobba Klintar and Kastelholm, as well as the Märket lighthouse for very experienced kayakers. Nimix Kayakrentals:
The Paddle Shack is an activity centre in Mariehamn. They have offered a varying range of sporting activities through the years, lately narrowing the scope of their services to paddleboard and kayak rentals, and offering kayaking courses. Their skilled instructors also organise a climbing school for groups.
Åland offers world class wreck diving. More than 500 ships are known to have been wrecked due to the difficulties of navigating in the archipelago. The unique water climate contributes to preservation of old wood structures, and steel hulls corrode slowly. In the summer of 2010, a fascinating discovery was made in the Åland archipelago: the world’s oldest champagne and beer were found aboard a 200 years old schooner. Accompany professional diving guides and experience Åland's underwater treasures. Every year new shipwrecks are discovered. If you fancy taking up diving, follow a diving course on Åland. Basic and further training is offered within the NAUI training system.
Åland has a shoreline numbering an incredible 17,000 km. Beaches lie in all directions. The mildness of the maritime climate and the contrast between calm bays and strong winds creating powerful waves outside the islands mean ideal kite surfing conditions. According to the local kite surfing professional, Patrik Larsson, Åland boasts at least 150 days of good surfing conditions annually. In the summer it's best done on the waves, and in winter in open water further away from the shores. Kite surfing is popular on Åland. Both beginner courses and courses for experienced kite surfers are offered. Kite on your own or with an experienced guide.
There are two fantastic golf courses on Åland: Åland Golfklubb and Eckerö Golf. Thanks to the favourable climate the season is long: from May to the end of October, some years even into December. Åland Golfklubb’s two well-known 18-hole courses are located in the beautiful historical settings of Sund, where the courses offer views of the sea and the castle of Kastelholm. Go to: Eckerö Golf Kyrkoby. Eckerö 22270 +358 45 70046532 www.eckerogolf.ax info@eckerogolf.ax Åland Golfklubb:
The Åland Museum (history and ethnography) and Åland Konstmuseum (art museum) are both housed under the same roof. The permanent culture and history exhibition on display at the Åland Museum gives excellent insight into the history of the province. Art from Åland is displayed at the Konstmuseum, and there are always a few temporary exhibitions. The discovery of world's oldest champagne in the region is highlighted through an exhibition entitled “Champagnegaleasen” (the champagne schooner).
The Mariehamn Maritime Museum (Ålands Sjöfartsmuseum) narrates the story of Åland's seafaring tradition via informative, family-friendly exhibits spread over three floors. The display contains historic artefacts like rare photographs and remaining parts of ships once in use.
The best way to enjoy Åland is by boat. You can either take a ride on a ferry or go on an unforgettable excursion during your stay here. Apart from simply enjoying the unspoiled nature, you might also catch a glance of a curious seal. There are various types of boats for rent. Would you prefer a leisurely trip in a beautiful sailboat, or would you rather have more speed and spray on board a rigid inflatable boat? If you would like to get really close to the unique archipelago we recommend a kayak trip. You may choose between package tours or your own custom-designed excursion. Boat- and canoe rental: Ro-No Rent
The Åland archipelago offers an infinite number of kayaking opportunities. Regardless of whether you are a beginner or veteran kayaker, there are suitable routes for you. The archipelago creates excellent conditions, whether you prefer the tranquil bays or rugged skerries near the open sea. Do you want to come close to nature and animal life and spend time on your own in peace and quiet? Or, perhaps, you prefer kayaking in a group with a guide along a designated itinerary? Some of the most popular places to visit are Kobba Klintar and Kastelholm, as well as the Märket lighthouse for very experienced kayakers. Nimix Kayakrentals:
The famous cook Michael Björklund, winner of the "Cook of the Year" title in both Sweden and Finland, welcomes you to his popular summer restaurant, located in one of the buildings of the highest cultural and historic value in Mariehamn.
Combines modern Scandinavian cooking with the special atmosphere of one of the oldest stone houses in town. Indigo serves classic dishes in new ways. The bar stocks one of the archipelago's largest selections of beer. Unlike the refined dinners, lunches are a relatively causal affair.
Summer restaurant on the island of Föglö. Seagram is a beautiful open-air restaurant with sea view, laying its culinary focus on fish dishes. The restaurant is somewhat of a local institution, and enjoys a spotless reputation.
Good food and a beautiful view of the Käringsund straits from all tables. Large open-air restaurant with two swimming pools, with an open view of the playground. Entertainment Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Popular theme evenings and show nights are also organised by the Käringsund restaurant.
Known for its delicious, guaranteed fresh fish dishes. Restaurant Glada Laxen is located in the eastern archipelago on the island of Bärö, housed in a former Coast Guard station. Glada Laxen is reached by boat or by taking the archipelago ferry operated by Ålandstrafiken to the island of Kumlinge. Call when you are on your way, and you will be picked up by the staff in the restaurant boat from the harbour on Kumlinge – a real archipelago adventure. It is possible to stay overnight at the Glada Laxen.
Restaurant Q offers an excellent culinary experience in a beautiful and stylish summer restaurant. It uses ecological and local produce, moulded into flavourful works of edible art. It makes for a good excursion for the whole family. Take some time to enjoy the long sandy beach and the unobstructed view of the sea.
One of the archipelago's swankiest venues, the on-site restaurant of Mariehamn's Arkipelag Hotel is an open-air affair with excellent food and drinks, offering fresh-off-the grill seafood and meat, all accompanied by live music at the weekends.
The refined establishment led by celebrated chef Michael Björklund is an entire gastronomic complex, which includes a high-class restaurant with an open kitchen, a distillery producing its own variety of apple brandy, a small shop, and even entire cooking courses.
The famous cook Michael Björklund, winner of the "Cook of the Year" title in both Sweden and Finland, welcomes you to his popular summer restaurant, located in one of the buildings of the highest cultural and historic value in Mariehamn.
Combines modern Scandinavian cooking with the special atmosphere of one of the oldest stone houses in town. Indigo serves classic dishes in new ways. The bar stocks one of the archipelago's largest selections of beer. Unlike the refined dinners, lunches are a relatively causal affair.
Torggatan is the pedestrian street that runs through the centre of Mariehamn, one lined by artisan shops and cosy cafes. It’s easy to spend a few hours here, dropping into one store after another, with a pleasant coffee break in-between.
A living handicraft workshop with sales and a beautiful cafe with a sea view. Handmade objects in textiles, silver, ceramics, wood, and smithery - the assortment is truly impressive. There is always a crafts person on location ready to advise.
Unique and well-liked jewellery, inspired by the spirit of the local people and majestic scenery of the islands. The craftspeople of Gullviva aim to express how life on the islands makes its imprint on the archipelago's inhabitants via their works. Features unique designs.
Judy and her dedicated team work together to produce beautiful ceramics that come in shapes of cups, plates, flower pots, and various home decor items. The ceramics are hand-made, each handled individually with attention and care.
One of Mariehamn's most popular shopping locations and meeting points is the Sittkoff Galleria. Find a real bargain in shops with beautiful and unique clothing, shoes, jewellery, and handicrafts. Restaurants and ATMs can be found on premises.
The peculiar creations of this shop's owner and primary craftsman are something one is unlikely to have seen before: put together from discarded parts of machinery, old rusty tools and the like, the pieces are, indeed, unique, and range from bizarre creatures like a chainsaw spider to endearing piglets (made of rusty metal tubes) and piratical pieces like candle-holders and bookshelves.
Another shopping gem not to be missed is the Torggatan 15 collection of small boutiques, each with its own irresistible appeal. Torggatan packs everything from islands' art to clothing. Two stand-outs are Viktor Crafts & Designs, stocking items (clothing, accessories, home decor items, etc.) produced by a collection of local artisans, and Labelled, which sells wearable pieces made from recycled fabrics.
The sleek designs produced by Jussis Keramik have long been recognised for their finesse; watching the pieces as they are being created in-house adds to the boutique's appeal. A bird motif runs through many of the creations.
Torggatan is the pedestrian street that runs through the centre of Mariehamn, one lined by artisan shops and cosy cafes. It’s easy to spend a few hours here, dropping into one store after another, with a pleasant coffee break in-between.
A living handicraft workshop with sales and a beautiful cafe with a sea view. Handmade objects in textiles, silver, ceramics, wood, and smithery - the assortment is truly impressive. There is always a crafts person on location ready to advise.
Finland can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travelers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport, but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.
The Åland Islands enjoy a mild continental climate, characterised by moderately cold winters and relatively cool summers (averages for July, the hottest month, lie around 15 degrees Celsius). Since summers don't tend to get particularly warm, visiting in July will allow you to experience the archipelago's best weather, and possibly witness some of Åland's famous festivities, which occur throughout the month. Arriving the month before - in June - will allow you to join in on the famous Midsummer celebrations, and witness the "midnight sun".
There are three ferry companies: Viking Line, Tallink Silja, and Eckerölinjen. They have services from Stockholm, Grisslehamn and Norrtälje in Sweden, as well as from Turku and Helsinki in Finland and from Tallinn in Estonia and Riga in Latvia. The Western Harbour in Mariehamn: Arrival of cruise ships and car/passenger ferries. Viking Line, Tallink Silja, Birka Cruise and Ånedinlinjen. Berghamn on Eckerö (to the west of the main island): Arrival of Eckerö Linjen’s ferry from Grisslehamn. Långnäs Harbour in Lumparland (to the east of the main island): Arrival of Viking Line’s and Tallink Silja’s ferries night-time. Arrival of Skärgårdstrafiken’s (archipelago ferry services) ferries from Korpo, Finnish mainland. Hummelvik: Arrival of Skärgårdstrafiken’s ferry from Brändö corresponding with a connection to Gustavs in Finland. Skärgårdstrafiken (Archipelago ferry services): Traffic to and from Åland’s eastern archipelago, as well as Gustavs and Korpo in Finland. Tallinksilja +46 8 22 21 40 From Finland: +358 600 15 700 www.tallinksilja.se Eckerö Linjen +46 175 25 8000 From Finland: +358 18 28 000 www.eckerolinjen.se Viking Line +46 8 452 40 00 From Finland: +358 18 26 000 www.vikingline.se
The Mariehamn International Airport is located a mere 5-minute car ride from downtown Mariehamn. There is no direct public transport connection, since the airport is located only 2km away from the city. Most visitors hire a cab at the airport (+3581810066). Air Åland +358 18 17110 www.airaland.com
Röde Orm Public transport in Mariehamn is free of charge. See the time table and bus routes at www.rodeorm.ax Note that in the summer the buses are replaced in part by cosy tourist trains. Ålandstrafiken There are five bus services on Åland. All of them depart from the bus station in Mariehamn. The buses are comfortable and the fares are low. For more information on time tables, routes and fares, go to: www.alandstrafiken.ax
Godby Taxi +358 18 41 130 Din Taxi +358 18 32 720 Mariehamns Taxi +358 18 26 000
Central-apoteket Skarpansvägen 34 +358 18 19 714 Nya Apoteket I Marieham, Norragatan 17 +358 18 16511 Both pharmacies always open on weekends. Emergency healthcare +358 18 5355 Docktorvägen 1, Mariehamn
Country code: +358 Area code: 018 (omit the zero if dialling country code first)
Finland can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travelers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport, but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.
The Åland Islands enjoy a mild continental climate, characterised by moderately cold winters and relatively cool summers (averages for July, the hottest month, lie around 15 degrees Celsius). Since summers don't tend to get particularly warm, visiting in July will allow you to experience the archipelago's best weather, and possibly witness some of Åland's famous festivities, which occur throughout the month. Arriving the month before - in June - will allow you to join in on the famous Midsummer celebrations, and witness the "midnight sun".
