Mariehamn, the only town in Åland, has a charming and compact centre located just 900 metres from the port, making it easy to explore on foot. This Mariehamn walking guide takes you through the town’s main sights, from beautiful beaches and historic landmarks to local attractions, shops, and restaurants. Despite its small size, Mariehamn offers a surprising range of experiences for both residents and visitors.
Walking around the town is easy, with just a ten-minute stroll separating the west and east harbours. If you prefer to cover more ground, you can also rent a bike and explore Mariehamn at your own pace. Åland is, in fact, one of the best places in Finland for cycling. Many of Mariehamn’s highlights can be seen in a single day, making it an ideal destination for a short visit.
So, put on your walking shoes and join me as we explore Mariehamn on foot, discover its charming streets and attractions, and uncover some of the hidden gems of Åland’s capital.
1. Start your journey from Western harbor and ÅSS Marina
Let’s begin our Mariehamn walk at the Western Harbor and ÅSS Marina. This is one of the first places where you can really feel the town’s strong connection with the sea. With boats, ferries and the surrounding archipelago all around you, the waterfront makes a lovely starting point for exploring Mariehamn.
The Western Harbor has a fascinating maritime history. From 1920 to 1940, it was home to the world’s largest fleet of sailing ships, which travelled and traded across the globe. In the late 1880s, these ships also began carrying passengers along the Turku–Mariehamn–Stockholm route, helping establish Mariehamn as an important maritime centre.
Today, the atmosphere is more relaxed, but the town’s connection with the sea is still very much alive. Boats and ships come and go throughout the day, while the waterfront promenade offers beautiful views of the surrounding archipelago. You can take a leisurely walk along the harbor, stop at one of the cafés or restaurants, or simply sit for a while and watch the boats.
The Western Harbor is also an important ferry connection between Mariehamn and mainland Finland, Sweden and Estonia, with around 15 departures each day. Along the harbor, you can also find practical facilities such as a public seaside sauna and laundry service.
Just beside the Western Harbor is the ÅSS Marina, a peaceful spot filled with sailing boats and yachts. As you walk along the marina, you can watch sailors preparing their boats, admire the different vessels moored along the quay, and enjoy the gentle movement of the water.
The marina is particularly pleasant when you simply want to slow down and enjoy the surroundings. There is no need to rush from one sight to another here—the boats, water and quiet waterfront atmosphere are part of the experience.
For a meal with a view, head to the ÅSS Pavilion, located by the marina. Its terrace overlooks the water, making it a lovely place to sit down for lunch or dinner while watching the boats and enjoying the maritime surroundings.
For me, this part of Mariehamn is not only about sightseeing. It is about experiencing the town’s relationship with the sea. The history of the sailing ships, the busy ferry harbor, the small sailing boats at the marina and the waterfront restaurants all come together to create the character of Mariehamn.
So take your time here, enjoy the views, and keep your camera ready—you will find plenty of beautiful waterfront scenes to photograph before continuing your walk through the town.
2. Visit Åland Maritime Museum:
From the Western Harbor, continue your walk towards the Åland Maritime Museum, one of the best places in Mariehamn to discover Åland’s long connection with the sea. The museum tells the story of the archipelago’s seafaring traditions and the people whose lives have been shaped by the Baltic Sea.
Inside, you will find a fascinating collection of maritime objects and exhibits. Historic ships, navigation instruments, detailed ship models and other artefacts help bring Åland’s seafaring history to life. The displays also tell stories about the people who worked at sea and the traditions that developed around maritime life in the archipelago.
The museum is not only for adults. There are activities and interactive elements that make the visit interesting for children as well, making it a good stop for families exploring Mariehamn.
Before leaving, take a look at the museum shop, where you can find maritime-themed souvenirs, books and other items related to Åland’s seafaring heritage.
The museum has also received national recognition. In 2016, the Åland Maritime Museum was named Museum of the Year in Finland, highlighting its importance and quality as a museum experience.
One of the highlights of a visit is that the same admission ticket also gives access to Pommern, the famous four-masted sailing ship moored nearby. After exploring the museum, you can step aboard this historic vessel and get a closer look at what life was like on a sailing ship.
There is also free parking in front of the museum, with a limited parking period, making it convenient if you are visiting by car. However, if you are following this Mariehamn walking guide, the museum is easy to reach on foot from the harbor area.
Allow yourself enough time here, especially if you are interested in maritime history. The museum and Pommern together offer a much deeper understanding of why the sea has played such an important role in the history and identity of Åland.
3. Explore the Museum ship Pommern
After visiting the Åland Maritime Museum, step aboard Pommern, the historic four-masted sailing ship moored just outside the museum. Built in 1903, Pommern is one of Mariehamn’s most distinctive maritime attractions and offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of sailors who spent months at sea.
Pommern is remarkably well preserved, allowing visitors to explore the ship much as it would have appeared during its sailing days. Walking through the narrow passages, cabins and working areas gives you a sense of how demanding life at sea must have been for the crew.
The visit is more than simply walking around an old ship. Inside, exhibitions and interactive displays tell stories from Pommern’s voyages and the people who lived and worked aboard her. One of the highlights is “Pommern – 100 Days Under Sail,” which brings one of the ship’s long voyages to life through real stories and an audio experience. As you move through the ship, the voices and stories help you imagine what life was like for the crew during their time at sea.
A visit to Pommern is included with the admission to the Åland Maritime Museum, so it makes sense to experience the two together. If you are travelling with children, the ship can also be an enjoyable way to make the maritime history you have just seen in the museum feel more real.
Pommern is open to visitors during the sailing season, generally from May to September, although opening dates and times can vary. It is therefore worth checking the current information before planning your visit.
For me, Pommern is one of those places where history becomes much easier to imagine. Instead of simply looking at photographs or reading about Åland’s sailing heritage, you can walk through the actual spaces where sailors once lived and worked.
4. Watch the city from Badhusberget’s lookout point
From the Museum Ship Pommern, continue your walk towards Badhusberget, one of the best places to enjoy a panoramic view of Mariehamn. The lookout point sits about 40 metres above the water and offers a wonderful view over the town, the harbor and the surrounding Åland Sea.
The walk from Pommern takes only around 7–10 minutes. A pleasant path through the trees leads up towards the hill, giving you a short break from the streets and a chance to enjoy a little nature along the way. You can also reach the lookout point by car if you prefer.
Once you reach the top, take some time to enjoy the view. From here, you can see Mariehamn spread out below, with its rooftops, streets and harbors surrounded by the blue waters of the archipelago. It is also a lovely spot to stop for a picnic or simply sit and enjoy the scenery.
If you enjoy photography, this is a good place to pause and capture Mariehamn from above. The view changes with the weather and light, so even a short stop can be rewarding.
On warm summer days, remember that the exposed viewpoint can feel quite sunny and warm. Bring water, and sunscreen and a hat can be useful, especially if you plan to stay for a while.
After enjoying the view from Badhusberget, you can continue your walk back towards the centre of Mariehamn and explore the next part of the town.
5.Walk through Esplanade area
From Badhusberget, make your way back towards the centre and continue your walk along the Esplanade, one of the most distinctive features of Mariehamn. This long, tree-lined promenade stretches between the Western and Eastern Harbors and gives the town much of its green and peaceful character.
The Esplanade is lined with tall linden trees, creating a leafy canopy over the walkway. Because of the many linden trees found throughout the town, Mariehamn is often known as the “linden tree city.” The promenade is especially beautiful in autumn, when the leaves turn shades of yellow and gold.
But the Esplanade is more than just a pleasant place for a walk. It is also one of the town’s gathering places, hosting fairs, markets, street events and other celebrations throughout the year. Depending on when you visit, you may find the promenade quiet and peaceful or filled with people and activity.
About halfway along the Esplanade stands St. Göran’s Church, a prominent landmark surrounded by trees. It offers a quiet contrast to the livelier parts of the promenade and is worth a short stop as you continue your walk.
Take a little time to explore the streets alongside the Esplanade as well. On the northern side, Södragatan runs parallel to the promenade and is known for its historic wooden villas. Many of these houses were designed by architect Hilda Hongell and were once owned by Mariehamn’s shipowners. Their elegant architecture provides another glimpse into the town’s prosperous maritime past.
Walking through the Esplanade is one of the simplest ways to experience Mariehamn at a slower pace. There are no major attractions you need to rush between here—just trees, historic buildings, quiet streets and the everyday atmosphere of the town.
6. Visit St. Göran’s Church
As you walk along the Esplanade, take a moment to visit St. Göran’s Church, one of Mariehamn’s notable landmarks. Built in 1927, the church was donated by shipowners August and Johanna Troberg, reflecting the close connection between the town’s maritime community and its development.
The church was designed by Lars Sonck, one of Finland’s best-known architects of the period. Sonck designed several important buildings in Mariehamn, and St. Göran’s Church is another example of his distinctive architectural style.
From the outside, the church has a simple yet striking appearance that fits naturally into the surrounding Esplanade. Step inside and the atmosphere becomes quiet and peaceful, offering a welcome contrast to the streets outside. The interior details and craftsmanship are worth taking a closer look at, even if you are only making a short stop during your walk.
If the church is open when you pass by, step inside for a few minutes and enjoy the calm atmosphere before continuing your exploration of Mariehamn.
7.Explore Torggatan Street and Town Hall Park
Continue your walk towards Torggatan, one of the liveliest streets in the centre of Mariehamn. This pedestrian-friendly street is lined with shops, cafés and restaurants, making it a pleasant place to slow down, browse the shops or stop for something to eat.
As you walk along Torggatan, you will find a mix of boutiques, souvenir shops and smaller specialty stores. If you are looking for something to take home from Åland, this is a good place to browse for local souvenirs and gifts.
Just opposite Torggatan stands Mariehamn Town Hall, one of the town’s prominent landmarks. Beside it, the Town Hall Park offers a peaceful green space away from the activity of the shopping street. The park is decorated with flowers, plants and sculptures, creating a pleasant setting for a short break.
After walking through the town centre, this is a good place to sit down for a while, rest your legs and enjoy the surroundings. If you have brought a snack or picnic, you can also take a few minutes here before continuing your walk through Mariehamn.
Torggatan and the Town Hall Park offer a nice contrast—the lively atmosphere of the town centre on one side and a quiet green space on the other.
8.Visit the Cultural History Museum and Åland Islands Art Museum
From the Town Hall area, continue your walk towards the Cultural History Museum of Åland and the Åland Islands Art Museum, located under the same roof at the foot of Town Hall hill. Visiting these two museums together gives you a chance to explore both the history and the artistic heritage of the Åland Islands.
The Cultural History Museum of Åland takes you through the long history of the archipelago, from prehistoric times to the present day. Its exhibitions tell the story of the people who have lived on these islands, beginning with the early seal hunters and continuing through the many changes that have shaped Åland over the centuries.
The museum also gives you a broader understanding of Åland’s identity and how the islands developed into the multicultural community they are today. The exhibitions provide useful context for many of the places you have already seen during your walk, especially Åland’s long connection with the sea and maritime life.
Right next door, the Åland Islands Art Museum offers a different perspective on the region. Its collection focuses on artists and artistic life in Åland, while temporary exhibitions introduce new themes and perspectives throughout the year.
One admission ticket gives access to both museums, making it convenient to visit them together. The opening hours vary depending on the season: during May–August, the museums are open daily, while from September to April they are generally closed on Mondays and open Tuesday–Sunday, with longer opening hours on Thursdays. It is worth checking the current opening hours and exhibitions before your visit.
If you have enough time, these museums are a worthwhile addition to your Mariehamn walk. Together, they offer two different ways of understanding the islands—through their history and everyday life, and through art and creative expression.
9. Relax at Lilla Holmen
After exploring the museums, head towards Lilla Holmen, a small island just a short walk from the centre of Mariehamn. Connected to the mainland by a short bridge near the Åland Museum, Lilla Holmen is a pleasant place to take a break and enjoy some time by the water.
The island is particularly popular with families. Its sandy beach is a lovely place for children to play, build sandcastles and enjoy a swim on warm summer days. Floating piers make it easy to get into the water, while changing rooms and toilets are available nearby. There are also beach volleyball courts for those who want to be a little more active.
If you are travelling with children, the pirate ship playground is likely to be one of the highlights. Kids can climb, play and let their imagination run wild as they explore the ship.
Lilla Holmen also has a small animal area where children can see rabbits, chickens, hamsters and peacocks. It adds a fun and unexpected touch to this little island and makes it more than just a place for a swim.
For a quieter visit, bring a picnic and find a spot at one of the picnic tables. With the water, greenery and relaxed atmosphere, Lilla Holmen is a nice place to slow down before continuing your Mariehamn walk.
For families following this Mariehamn walking guide, Lilla Holmen is especially worth including. It offers a welcome change from museums, historic buildings and town streets, with plenty of space for children to play and enjoy the outdoors.
10. Explore Sjökvarteret (Maritime Quarter) and Seamen’s Chapel
From Lilla Holmen, continue your walk towards Sjökvarteret, or the Maritime Quarter, on the eastern side of Mariehamn. It is about a ten-minute walk from the town centre and offers a different side of Åland’s maritime heritage, with traditional boat building, handicrafts and a peaceful waterfront setting.
The heart of the Maritime Quarter is its Handicraft Center, where you can learn more about traditional Ålandic craftsmanship. The quarter is also home to a museum dedicated to the region’s wooden boat and shipbuilding traditions. As you walk around, you may see craftsmen working in the boatyard, smithy and silversmith’s workshop, giving you a chance to see traditional skills being practised rather than simply displayed.
Take your time to explore the small workshops and walk along the marina. The atmosphere here is quieter than in the centre of Mariehamn, with wooden boats, small workshops and the water creating a distinctly maritime feel. It is also a nice place to pause and watch the boats or chat with people who are involved in keeping Åland’s seafaring traditions alive.
One of the most unusual sights in Sjökvarteret is the Seamen’s Chapel, a small wooden chapel standing just a few metres out in the water. A granite path connects it to the shore, creating a simple but picturesque approach.
The chapel has a peaceful setting overlooking the water and is a lovely place to pause for a few quiet minutes. Even if you are not interested in visiting the interior, the chapel and its surroundings are worth seeing while exploring the Maritime Quarter.
Sjökvarteret is a good place to slow down and experience another part of Mariehamn’s maritime character. After the busy town centre and museums, its workshops, boats and waterfront offer a quieter and more hands-on glimpse into the island’s seafaring traditions.
11. Discover Nabben and Nabben Bathing
If you still have time and energy for a little more walking, continue about 1 km from Sjökvarteret to Nabben. This was one of the unexpected highlights of our walk around Mariehamn and felt much quieter than the main sights in the town.
Nabben is a small waterfront area with charming red boat storage houses, rocky shores and views over the water. When we visited, we hardly saw anyone else there, which made the place feel like a little hidden corner of Mariehamn.
The colourful boat houses and peaceful waterfront make Nabben particularly interesting for photography. It is the kind of place where you can simply wander around, look at the boats and buildings, and enjoy the surroundings without having to follow a particular sightseeing route.
Nearby, you will also find Nabben Bathing, a small swimming beach that is especially suitable for families with children. On a warm summer day, it can be a lovely place to stop for a swim or let the children play by the water.
For me, Nabben was one of those places that made our Mariehamn walk more memorable. It is not about a major attraction or famous landmark—it is simply a peaceful waterfront corner where you can slow down, take some photographs and enjoy a quieter side of the town.
If you enjoy discovering less-visited places, consider adding Nabben to your Mariehamn walking route.
Have you explored Mariehamn? I’d love to hear about your favourite places, hidden gems or experiences in the comments.
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