Mariehamn - Åland - Do & See

Boat trips

The best way to enjoy Åland is by boat. Either you take one of the ferries or you make an unforgettable excursion during your stay here. Apart from unspoiled nature you might catch a glance of a curious seal. There are various types of boats for rent. Would you prefer a leisurely trip in a beautiful sailboat or would you rather have more speed and spray in a rigid inflatable boat? If you would like to get really close to the unique archipelago we recommend a kayak trip. You may choose between package tours or your own custom designed excursion.

For more information and reservations contact Destination Åland.

Galeasen Albanus

Lunch or dinner trips out into the archipelago.

For more information and reservations contact Destination Åland.

Aland Boat Charter

Fast cabin cruiser. 3-4 hours excursions including coffee/tea to the Märket lighthouse from Eckerö or to Kobba Klintar from Mariehamn.

For more information and reservations of boat trips contact Destination Åland.

Fast RIB

A speedy way of discovering the archipelago. The RIB slides smoothly across the water and there is no need to be concerned of lack of comfort. Various package tours are available such as the Historical Tour from Mariehamn to the Castle of Kastelholm or Seal Safari further out at sea where the curious seals dwell.

For more information and reservations of boat trips contact Destination Åland.

Kayaking

Our archipelago offers an infinite number of kayaking opportunities. Regardless whether you are a beginner or veteran kayaker, there are suitable routes for you. The archipelago creates excellent conditions, whether you prefer the tranquil bays or rugged skerries near the open sea. Do you want to come close to nature and animal life, spend time on your own in peace and quiet? Or do you prefer kayaking in a group with a guide along a designated itinerary? Some of the most popular places to visit are Kobba Klintar and Kastelholm, as well as the Märket lighthouse for very experienced kayakers.

Base Camp

A relaxed beach café next to the Mariebad aqua park with a pleasant view of the bay and DJs playing lounge music daytime and dance music evenings. Kayak rental and reservations of guided kayaking tours.

Ytspänning (Surface Tension)

Activity centre on the island of Lilla Holmen in Mariehamn. In addition to kayaking and canoeing, parasailing is on offer, as well as kite boarding, climbing and diving. There are skilled instructors, equipment for rent or sale. Courses and excursions are organized as well.

For more information and reservations contact Destination Åland.

World class wreck diving

Åland offers world class wreck diving. More than 500 ships are known to be wrecked due to the difficulties of navigating in the archipelago. Thanks to the unique water climate contributes to the preservation of old wood structures and steel hulls corrode slowly. In the summer of 2010 a fascinating discovery was made in the Åland archipelago: The world’s oldest champagne and beer were found aboard a 200 years old schooner. (More info on the discovery at www.champagne.ax)

Accompany our experienced diving guides and experience our underwater treasures. Every year new shipwrecks are discovered. More information on diving in the Åland archipelago and about guided diving tours is available at www.divealand.com

Fancy taking up diving? Follow a diving course on Åland. Basic and further training is offered within the NAUI training system. Go to www.divealand.com

For more information and reservations contact Destination Åland.

Kite surfing all year round

Åland has a shoreline of incredible 17,000 km. Beaches are in all directions. The mildness of the maritime climate and the variety between calm bays and harder winds and bigger waves outside the islands mean ideal kite surfing conditions. According to the local kite surfing professional, Patrik Larsson, we have at least 150 days of good surfing conditions annually. In the summer in the waves, and in winter in ice and snow or open water further out from the shores.

Kite surfing is popular on Åland. Both beginner courses and courses for experienced kite surfers are offered. Kite on your own or with an experienced guide. Go to www.larssonsvattensport.com

For more information and reservations contact Destination Åland.

Golf

There are two fantastic golf courses on Åland: Åland Golfklubb and Eckerö Golf. Thanks to the favourable climate the season is long: from May to the end of October, some years even into December. Åland golfklubb’s two well-known 18-hole courses are located in the beautiful historical settings of Sund where the courses are surrounded by views of the sea and the castle of Kastelholm.

Go to www.agk.aland.fi and www.eckerogolf.com

For more information and reservations contact Destination Åland.

Museums on Åland

We recommend the museum card which gives access to any four museums on Åland. In Mariehamn there are among others the Ålands museum (history and ethnography) and Ålands konstmuseum (art museum) under the same roof. The permanent culture-historical exhibition gives excellent insight in the history of the province. Åland art is displayed and there are always a few temporary exhibitions. In 2010-11 the champagne discovery is highlighted in the exhibition entitled “Champagnegaleasen”. (The Champagne Schooner).

Ålands museum and Ålands Konstmuseum

Museums on Åland

In Mariehamn there is also the Ålands Sjöfartsmuseum (Maritime Museum) and the Museifartyget Pommern (Museum Ship). The maritime museum is being renovated and expanded presently and is due to reopen in the autumn of 2011 with an improved display of Åland’s maritime history.
The museum ship Pommer is the world’s only four-masted freight sailing ship still in original condition. It reminds of the time when an entire fleet of such ship was based in Mariehamn. Visit the Pommern in the Western Harbour.

Ålands Sjöfartsmuseum (Maritime Museum) and Museifartyget Pommern (Museum Ship)

Wildlife Safari

Get close to wildlife, a great experience for the whole family! Get on the safari carriage on a guided tour of the game grounds with the symbol of the Province of Åland, the red deer, well-known as the model of Disney’s Bambi. Fallow deer, wild boars and ostriches are also living in the grounds. Best time to visit is in the spring when the deer get their spotted calves and the wild boars get their lovely striped piglets.

The castle of Kastelholm

A well-restored castle ruin located in idyllic surroundings. The atmosphere at the castle of Kastelholm, a medieval castle, is magic. During the reign of Gustav Vasa the castle became a royal castle. A visit provides excellent glimpse of the history of the islands and of the castle itself.

The fortress of Bomarsund

In 1832 Russia began the construction of the fortress of Bomarsund. Since Åland constituted the westernmost part of Czarist Russia and since its location is of strategic importance, Russia desired a strong military presence and an impressive fortress here. During the Crimean War, in 1854, an Anglo-French naval force attacked the fortress – the so-called Battle of Bomarsund. The fortress was demolished and today only ruins (ans the Bomarsund Museum) testify of the Russian era and the grandiose plans once wielded for Åland. If you wish to find out more about this part of the power struggle between the great powers during the Crimean War, we recommend a visit to Bomarsund and in addition the film “Bomarsund, vägen till fred” (the road to peace).

For more information on sights and museums on Åland go to www.museum.ax

Buy the museum card online at www.destinationaland.com

Horseback riding

Horses are popular on Åland. There are several establishments offering riding lessons, camps, and guided horseback riding tours. Ride slow or gallop in unspoiled countryside and along the beaches. It is relaxing, refreshing and offered all year round. Tours are offered both for beginners and experienced horsemen and horsewomen.

For more information and reservations contact Destination Åland.

Stall Aftonsol

Midgård Islandsstall

Ålandstravet (Trotting Track)

Visit the Ålandstravet tortting track in Mariehamn. Catch the action at the warming up and feel the excitement at the start of the fast race. Trotting competitions are organized monthly from spring to autumn. In addition there is a large number of jumping, dressage, and Iceland horse competitions on Åland.

Stallhagen Bryggeri (Beer Brerwery)

The award-winning Stallhagen beers are produced on Åland. Familiarise yourselves with the brewery where the beer is produced with great care and professionalism. Each brew is mixed by hand and no unnecessary preservatives are added. Guided tours are organized where you are allowed to take part in the production and taste the Stallhagen beer.