Mariehamn - Åland

Mariehamn - Åland, Finland

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.

Population:

29 214 (Mariehamn 11 405)

Currency:

Euro 1 € = 100 cent

Emergency Numbers:

112

Opening Hours:

General opening hours are 10-17 weekdays, Saturdays 10-14. Many businesses close on Sundays. During the high season, from mid-June till mid-August, the opening hours are extended, and include Sundays.

Newspapers:

Ålands Tidningen
www.alandstidningen.ax

Nya Åland
www.nyan.ax

The Islands

Åland’s strategic position in the Baltic Sea has always attracted great powers. This has contributed to these islands’ exciting and eventful history, and has led to Åland’s demilitarisation and special political status.

Today, the Åland Islands are referred to as the Islands of Peace. Their residents enjoy a peaceful lifestyle and invite visitors to partake in the wonderful experiences and opportunities offered by the archipelago. Maritime Mariehamn is Åland’s capital and the only town on the islands. Here you will find most of the restaurants, pavement cafes, shops and museums - Mariehamn is certainly worth visiting. Stroll down the lime tree lined streets running through the town from the eastern to the western harbours. Handicrafts of all kinds are on sale, and kites fly above the waves of the Slemmern Bay next to the town centre.

Do & See

There is a surprising variety of visitor pursuits in Åland, both on land and water. Water sports, such as kayaking, kite surfing and paddleboarding, are rather popular, and so are leisurely boat trips. For those interested in diving, Åland is a treasure trove of exciting diving sites containing the remains of eerie sunken ships. There are a few museums, too, and most attractions are designed to accommodate families with children.

Dining

Åland boasts a staggering variety of high-quality local produce. Apart from island-grown vegetables, there are lamb, pork, beef (meats also come in sausage form), and seafood (fish, especially pike, along with staples like smoked salmon and herring), as well as a range of dairy products and free-range eggs. Åland's chefs really have a wealth of prime ingredients to work with, and these are made excellent use of at some of the archipelago's fine restaurants.

Cafes

There are plenty of wonderful spots for a cup of coffee, sandwich, or a casual meal. Take the opportunity to enjoy the Åland pancake, a speciality made with stewed prunes and whipped cream. It is served at most cafes on Åland.