Mariehamn – the heart of the Baltic Sea
The Åland Islands are situated in the very heart of the Baltic Sea. Åland is an autonomous region in Finland, with its own flag, stamps and license plates, with a harbor near Stockholm, Helsinki, Tallinn and St. Petersburg.
On the 6,500 islands that make up the Åland Islands, you’ll find a mix of Swedish, Finnish and Russian culture. Mariehamn is the capital of the Åland Islands.
The Åland Islands are situated in the very heart of the Baltic Sea. Åland is an autonomous region in Finland, with its own flag, stamps and license plates. Mariehamn is a welcoming port near Stockholm, Helsinki, Tallinn and St.. Petersburg. On the 6,500 islands that make up the Åland Islands, you’ll find an exciting mix of Swedish, Finnish and Russian culture. The shipping tradition of today is just as strong as it was when the Åland Islands, in the beginning of the 1900’s, featured the largest sailing-ship fleet in the world. Visitors are immediately reminded of this fact when they arrive at the port of Mariehamn, where the majestic Museum Ship Pommern is moored – the world’s only four masted bark still in its original condition. The ship gives insight into how the seamen’s life was aboard the ship during the Australia-England sailings, a common route for these ships in the early 1900’s.
For visitors, Mariehamn is the perfect antidote to a hectic, big city life style. It’s the capital for Åland’s 6,500 islands and is at the same time, with its 11,000 inhabitants, a picturesque and friendly town where you can enjoy the light Nordic summer evenings when the sun barely sets. Because of Mariehamn’s small size, it’s possible to walk from the western harbour to the eastern harbour in less than 20 minutes. Especially appreciated are the Åland handicrafts; glassware, ceramics, wrought iron and textiles. Everything is located within a convenient distance.
The fortress of Bomarsund is an exciting destination for an excursion. It was built in 1832 by the Russian army and the work continued until the fortress was overthrown during the Crimean War in 1854 when it was surrounded by 12,000 French soldiers and some 40 British war ships. You can also take a tour to the castle of Kastelholm that was built in the 1300’s. The Swedish king Gustav Vasa and his sons have all spent time at the castle.
Åland has for a long time had a gourmet tradition when it comes to strong drinks. Visit Tjudö Vineyard and enjoy not only the locally produced wine, but also study the process of making a local variant of calvados – the highly regarded Ålvados. If you’re interested in beer, the brewery Stallhagen is a given destination.
Link to Åland Official Tourist Gateway for cruise.
Avid Cruiser Posts, Photographs and Videos Featuring Mariehamn & the Aland Islands.
