Discover Mariehamn by Hire Car
Mariehamn is a town on the Aland Islands, part of Finland.It is the only urban settlement on these islands and also the main town.
Founded by the Russian Tsar in 1861, it is now a very popular holiday resort and is easily accessible from several ports.
Arrival and sights in Mariehamn
There are ferry connections from Turku, Helsinki, Stockholm and the Estonian port of Tallinn. Mariehamn was long owned by Sweden, like the rest of the Aland Islands.
In 1809 the archipelago, along with the rest of Finland, became part of Russia, and in 1917 the islands became part of the newly formed Finnish state.
Despite this, a Swedish dialect has survived as the lingua franca to this day. The main attraction of Mariehamn is the beach, which allows for lively swimming.
Numerous holiday homes line the islands’ beaches.
Exploring the surroundings of Mariehamn
On the same island of Fasta Aland lies the village of Eckerö, which with its buildings, some of which date back to the Middle Ages, makes a visit to the island a cultural diversion.
The beautiful wooden church in Lumparland is also worth a visit.
Near the village of Jomala is Ramsholmen Nature Park, which is home to a variety of rare animals and plants. In spring, a variety of spring flowers turn the ground of the park into a beautiful sea of blossoms. At the beginning of July, Jomala hosts the Peasant Wedding, in which the villagers dressed in traditional 19th-century garb hold a parade through the village.
The best way to see Fasta Aland is by hire car, which can be hired in Mariehamn for good rates.