Plan a CruiseMariehamn Cruise Port Guide
Mariehamn, the capital of the Åland Islands, offers a welcoming stop in the heart of the Baltic Sea. Åland is an autonomous region of Finland, distinguished by its own flag and unique identity. The Port of Mariehamn features six berths, capable of accommodating ships up to 240 meters in length with a depth of 7.6 meters, or 210 meters with a depth of 8.2 meters, across its two passenger terminals.
The city center is conveniently located just 900 meters from the port. Passengers benefit from new stairs and an elevator at the port, and upon arrival, are greeted by local hosts offering information, often accompanied by a musical welcome from local performers. A complimentary shuttle bus runs every 20 minutes from the port directly into town, making access easy. Mariehamn itself is a youthful town, founded in 1861 and named after Maria, the consort of Tsar Alexander II.
Getting Around from the Port
Mariehamn is a very walkable city, with the city center only 900 meters from the port. You can easily walk from the western to the eastern harbor in about 15 minutes, allowing for exploration of most attractions on foot. For those preferring not to walk, a free shuttle bus operates every 20 minutes from the port directly into town.
Taxis are available by phone or from designated ranks. They accept major international credit cards as well as cash. The basic fare for a taxi ride is €4.50, with the final cost increasing gradually based on distance traveled (metered) and the number of passengers. Car rental is an option in Finland but tends to be expensive, with rates typically upwards of €80 per day.
Attractions and Activities
Mariehamn offers a compact range of attractions perfect for independent exploration during your port call:
- Pommern Museum Ship: Explore this impressive four-masted barque, built in 1903. Once a famous grain carrier for the German shipping company F. Laeisz, it now serves as a fascinating museum ship.
- Åland Maritime Museum: Delve into Åland's rich seafaring history. A notable exhibit is the red-brown captain's saloon, salvaged from the four-masted barque Hertzogen Cecilie after it ran aground in 1936.
- Maritime Quarter (Eastern Harbor): Experience Åland's living boat-building traditions. This area features a boatyard, a smithy, and a boat and shipbuilding museum, showcasing vessels like the galleass Albanus and the schooner Linden.
- Åland Museum: Discover the history of the Åland Islands, from prehistoric times right up to the present day.
- Åland Art Museum: Admire works by both established and emerging Åland artists, providing insight into the region's cultural scene.
- Mariehamn Gallery (Western Harbor): See a detailed model of Mariehamn as it appeared in the 1920s, complete with its distinctive wooden houses.
All these attractions are within easy walking distance or readily accessible via the free port shuttle or a short taxi ride.
Dining & Shopping
For shopping and dining, the main street, Torggatan, is a must-visit. Here you'll find a variety of boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. It's an excellent place to purchase local Åland handicrafts, including glassware, ceramics, wrought iron, and textiles, as well as unique souvenirs. You can also sample delicious Finnish cuisine at the local eateries. A complimentary shuttle service is provided for cruise passengers, making it simple to reach the town's shopping areas.
Safety
Mariehamn is generally a very safe port. The emergency services number for all situations (police, ambulance, fire) is 112.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Euro (EUR). It's important to note that Finland does not use 1 and 2 cent coins; instead, all cash sums are rounded to the nearest 5 cents. Major international credit cards are widely accepted, particularly in taxis and shops.
While Finnish and Swedish are the official languages (90% of Ålanders speak Swedish), English is also widely spoken, especially in tourist areas. Free WiFi hotspots are increasingly common, though cafes with free WiFi might be sparse, public libraries generally offer free internet access.