Mariehamn

some boat trip with couple of my friends ::D

Sailing with Sorlandet, we stopped in Mariehamn in between Kotka and Stockholm during the tall ships races. The archipelago is absolutely incredible, comprising more than 6000 islands. Mariehamn may be a small town but its sailing heritage is second to none, as demonstrated by Pommern in the harbour. This little known area of the Baltic sea definitely deserves way more than the 2 days we spent there and I hope I can visit again.

To keep this within reasonable limits I’ll omit anything here about land as a whole.

Mariehamn is a delightfully fitting capital and travel centre for the province. It is situated on a narrow stretch of hte main island, so that it has a coastal stretch on the west, where the ferries between Sweden and Finland call and where the Pomern is situated [see below] and another on the eastern side, which is rather more resort-like. If you follow this latter coast south you go through a wood and parkland area, with facilities for children – including a very poular ‘pirate ship.’ In May the cowslip, which is the Åland flower was to be seen in profusion.

We were used to friendly and helpful people in Finland but, if there were a prize going for hospitality and friendliness, Mariehamn would take some beating.

Perhaps the sinle specific site of most interest is that of the Pomern. Get a joint ticket for the Maritime Museum that’s well worth seeing and the ship. You can go allover it and find information on each area in English as well as local langages.

There are 5 bus services that start in Mariehamn to various parts of the main island and what were separate islands connected by bridges.