Weekend trip in Mariehamn from Stockholm
Plan the perfect getaway in Åland!
Looking for a destination for a relaxing weekend starting from Stockholm? Only a few hours away, the peaceful Mariehamn in the Åland archipelago is a great option. With stunning coastal landscapes, unique architecture, beautiful sights, and a great food scene, it is the place to leave everything behind for 48 hours!
Wondering what to do in Mariehamn? We have come up with several ideas and a 2-day plan for your trip. Find the crossing that suits you best and book ferry tickets on Ferryhopper in just a few steps!
The verdant town of Mariehamn on a sunny day
1. Ferry trip from Stockholm to Mariehamn
To travel from Stockholm to Mariehamn for the weekend, you have several options. However, if you want to make the best out of your getaway and spend more time in Åland, it’s best to choose between these 3 ferry crossings:
- The Saturday morning crossing operated by Viking Line’s Viking Grace, departing at 07:45 and reaching Mariehamn at around 14:00: with a duration of less than 5.5 hours, this is actually the fastest crossing to Mariehamn. It’s also the cheapest one, as ferry tickets start at just €15.
- The overnight Friday ferry departing at 17:00 and reaching Mariehamn at about 06:20 the next morning: this Viking Line crossing lasts over 12 hours, but is your best option if you want to take full advantage of your first day in Mariehamn. And, if you book a cabin for a good night’s sleep on the ferry, you will just wake in Åland fresh and ready to start an exciting adventure!
- The overnight Friday ferry leaving at 20:00 and reaching Åland at 14:10 the next afternoon: this is a rather long ride of 17 hours, however it’s a good option if you don’t finish work early enough to catch the 17:00 ferry. Moreover, the Viking Glory cruise ferry has amazing facilities, such as restaurants, saunas, spas and shops, so it’s unlikely you will get bored on board.
Note: you can transfer your vehicle on all Stockholm - Mariehamn ferries. We recommend bringing your car or motorcycle if you wish to explore more of the Mariehamn area and the Åland Islands on your weekend trip.
Spa and wellness room on board the “Viking Grace”
Ferry shopping time
When you arrive in Mariehamn, don’t rush to leave the ferry: there’s some shopping to do!
Did you know that, thanks to Åland's tax privileges, you can get duty-free products from the shops when your cruise ferry reaches the archipelago? Take advantage of this opportunity and buy designer clothing and footwear, perfumes, accessories, alcoholic beverages, sweets, and many more at prices up to 40% cheaper than onshore.
2. Mariehamn day 1
Here are some suggestions on how to spend your Saturday in Mariehamn:
Walk around town
Once you leave the ferry and leave your bags at the hotel, the first thing we recommend you do is to explore the town on foot. Enjoy the beautiful nordic architecture, the streets lined with linden trees and the calm small-town vibe.
Right in the middle of the town, you will find the red-brick St. George church (Sankt Göran Kyrka), one of the most important sights in Mariehamn. It is definitely worth exploring its amazing interior art and decor!
Visit the Åland Maritime Museum
One of the best reasons to visit Mariehamn is to spend some time by the sea. Head to the western part of the town and its promenade (Sjöpromenaden) to enjoy the peace and the breeze. There, you can find the Åland Maritime Museum, where you can learn about Åland’s history as holder of the world's largest fleet of wooden sailing ships and explore masts, steam engines and docks.
Right next to the museum, you can also visit the Pommern floating museum, a preserved merchant sailing ship built in 1903 that is open to the public.
After your museum visit, it’s probably time to enjoy a good lunch. If you are interested in a place with a local vibe and traditional dishes, you can try the Nautical, just a few steps from the museum.
Quaint seafarers’ chapel in Mariehamn
It’s pool and spa time
Want to treat yourself after a long day of walking and exploring? Finish it in the most relaxing way: hit the spa and the pool! We recommend you visit the great Mariebad swimming pools and spa center. This place has everything: a large indoor pool, adventure sections with bubbles, waterfalls and sliding tubes, an outdoor pool, and a spa! Naturally, it’s a great option for the whole family.
If you prefer to just chill in a spa salon and get a refreshing massage, there are many awesome places around town, such as Mjuk & Len and Team MassageNu.
3. Mariehamn day 2
Here are some ideas on how to spend your second day in Mariehamn:
Go to the beach
Start your second day in Mariehamn in the east part of town. There, you will find the Lilla holmen islet, and spend some time at its wonderful sandy beach. Its green recreation park is perfect for a walk, and you can find many animals, such as birds, peacocks and rabbits. This place is ideal for families with kids, as well as couples.
And, if the weather allows it, why not take an invigorating swim?
Beautiful swans hanging out at Mariehamn’s waterfront
Visit the Sjökvarteret ship-building site
From Lilla holmen, walk up Mariehamn’s eastern promenade and you will reach Sjökvarteret in just 15 minutes. This lively area has a wonderful small fishing-village vibe. In Sjökvarteret, you can observe a traditional ship-construction site in a museum-like spot, visit restaurants, cafés and artisanal shops, and witness the town’s vibrant community life.
Don’t miss a stop at the Salt shop, to collect your gift and souvenirs!
Explore the Mariehamn food scene
Close to Sjökvarteret, in the Vreten and Österhamn areas, you can find the majority of Mariehamn’s best restaurants and cafés. The town’s food scene is very dynamic and diverse and focuses on organic food, so prepare to have a hard time picking just one place for lunch among so many great options: from regional dishes to Italian, sushi, Thai, and fancy eateries.
Tip: if you come across the AX label on a restaurant menu, this indicates that the dish is made from local Åland ingredients, such as fish, meat and apples from a local farm.
4. Heading back to Stockholm
Now that you have enjoyed nature, the sea breeze and a nice meal, it’s time to continue the fun on the ferry. Catch the last ship to Stockholm 14:25 from the port and you will be back in Sweden in about 5.5 hours. Tickets start at just €18!
The breathtaking seascape of the Åland archipelago
When you need a pause from the everyday rush, the peace and beauty of Åland are there to welcome you! Find the right dates, and plan an invigorating weekend in Mariehamn. And don’t forget: on Ferryhopper you can book your Stockholm - Mariehamn ferry tickets with no hidden fees!
