Mariehamn is the capital of the Åland Islands, an autonomous, demilitarized, and Swedish-speaking region of Finland. The town is located on a narrow peninsula on the main island of the archipelago, Fasta Åland. It is defined by its two harbors, one on the eastern shore and one on the western shore, which has made it…
One of the most prominent buildings in Mariehamn is the library, which is near the center and next to the bus station. I spent a lot of time in my youth in the blue building and I have many fond memories of it. The Mariehamn City Libray is a place I’d recommend to both locals…
Torget is in many ways the central point of Mariehamn, the main city of the Åland Islands. This is the main square of the city, with places such as the town hall and parliament building Självstyrelsegården as neighbors. The square marks the beginning (or the end) of the commercial street Torggatan. On normal days this…
Esplanaden is a narrow green oasis in the town of Mariehamn on the Åland Islands. In English, this is the Esplanade, a pedestrian promenade through the town. This gravel path is framed by linden trees and connects the western harbor with the eastern harbor. At its center is the Church of Saint George and if…
Nabben Beach is one of the largest public beaches on the Åland Islands. It is on the northeastern outskirts of the city of Mariehamn, the main city of the islands. It lies at the innermost point of the bay of Slemmern. Nabben Beach Nabben Beach is a sandy beach with shallow waters, making it possible…
Miramarparken is a centrally located park in the city of Mariehamn, the main city on the Åland Islands. The park lies along the eastern coast of the city and is commonly used for local events. It neighbors both the Mariehamn Public Library and the Alandica Culture and Congress. Within the park, you will find a…
Ledskäret’s fog Bell can be found on the central square of Mariehamn, it is also known by its Swedish name Torget. This fog bell was earlier placed at Ledskäret, a skerry to the south of Herröskatan. Here it had been offering its assistance to maritime vessels in the event of fog or mist since 1942….
Sjöfararkapellet is a chapel along the waterfront in the eastern part of the city of Mariehamn on the Åland Islands. It offers a picturesque scenery with the bay Slemmern in the background. It is a part of the maritime neighborhood of Sjökvarteret, known for its shipbuilding traditions. Sjöfararkapellet Sjöfararkapellet was built in 2008 by volunteers….
Stadshusbacken is the slope in Mariehamn that leads up to the town hall. This is a park landscape leading up to the entrance of the town hall, with statues, fountains, and plenty of plants. A statue of the Russian Empress Maria Alexandrovna was raised here in 2011 to celebrate the 150 years since the founding…
The Church of Saint George, or Sankt Görans Kyrka as it is known in Swedish, is the town church of Mariehamn on the Åland Islands. This is the only church on the Åland Islands that does not have its origins in the Middle Ages. Instead, this red brick church was inaugurated in 1927. Church of…
Up on a hill known as Öhbergska Backen in Mariehamn stands the city’s town hall. The name in Swedish is Mariehamns Stadshus. Construction began in 1938 and the town hall was inaugurated already a year later in 1939. It is designed by the Finnish architect Lars Sonck (1870-1956). He was born in Kälviä in mainland…
Sjökvarteret is a historical maritime neighborhood and today also a business district within the city of Mariehamn on the Åland Islands. Here you will find boat houses and fishing sheds that today have been turned into museums as well as to house smaller local businesses. This is also where the tradition of shipbuilding is maintained,…