Hafen
Mariehamn

Explore the history, landmarks and flavours of Åland during this scenic, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Mariehamn and Kastelholm Castle
Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute orientation drive through Mariehamn, a charming coastal town and port founded in 1861, when Åland and Finland formed part of the mighty Russian Empire. The streets of Mariehamn are wide and straight. Early housing sites were large, but today have been divided to provide space for several homes. A distinctive feature is the Esplanade, an avenue of lime trees stretching from east-to-west, and harbour-to-harbour. From here, continue on through the countryside en route to the Kastelholm Castle. During your guided tour, learn about the history of the castle, and how its ongoing restoration was performed by prisoners who lived in the prison colony by the castle.

Jan Karlsgården Open-Air Museum
Leaving the castle, proceed on-foot through your picturesque surrounds to the nearby Jan Karlsgården, an open-air museum founded in the 1930s. Built up as a typical Åland farm in the second-half of the 19th century, the museum is comprised of about 20 buildings, which have been moved to this site from different places in Åland. Jan Karlsgården includes a farmhouse (dwelling-house), cottage for summer use, double-sheds, loft-shed, granary on posts, and a yard for the animals, with stables, sheds and houses for storage. Special buildings have been added through the years.

Tasting of Local Spirits and Specialities
Leaving the open-air museum, walk across the street to a restaurant for a tasting of local spirits made from local fruit, among them the renowned apple brandy, Ålvados, and liqueurs, Röd Granit and Appleaud. Your tasting is accompanied by a selection of local island specialities. Afterward, some free time is made available to browse the onsite gift shop for souvenirs. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 40-minute drive back to the pier.

Experience the stunning beauty of the Åland Archipelago in a unique new way during this this invigorating, half-day kayaking excursion.

Mariehamn, Kayaking and Åland Archipelago

Depart the pier for the short drive to the Kayak Centre. After receiving your safety instructions and equipment, kayak and paddles, begin your guided, approximately 6.2-mile (about ten-kilometre) kayaking journey in the beautiful and prestigious Åland Archipelago, located south of Mariehamn.

Old Pilot Stations, Åland Landmarks and Island Stop

Along the way, paddle in an area where the old pilot stations were located, view many interesting landmarks of Åland from the sea and kayak in areas inaccessible by large vessels. A refreshment stop is made on a rocky island, Afterward, kayak back to the starting point at the Kayak Centre. Upon arrival, re-board your coach for the short drive back to the pier.

Discover Mariehamn and the stunning Åland Archipelago via bicycle during this exhilarating, half-day cycling excursion.

Mariehamn and Åland Archipelago

Meet your bicycle guide at the pier, then receive your tour and safety instructions, bicycle and helmet for your active, but not-too-demanding bicycle tour. Your biking route is approximately 15.5 miles-long (about 25 kilometres-long) and requires some physical activity to complete. However, biking is favourable on the island, as there are not many hills to climb and the landscape is flat. Your guided bicycle tour begins with a ride through the city centre of Mariehamn, then out to the countryside of Åland. Along the way, pass by the green meadows of summer and typical homes by the sea in the archipelago.

Järsö Island, Red-Painted Farmhouses and Åland Pancakes

Next, continue over several bridges to the Järsö area, an island south of Mariehamn, which is known for its beautiful archipelago society with red-painted farmhouses. A refreshment stop is made at a local restaurant for coffee or tea, and traditional homemade Åland pancakes with strawberry jam. Afterward, commence the ride back to Mariehamn, stop for water and continue riding around Mariehamn. Your tour concludes at the pier.

Experience the scenic coastal splendour of Getaberget on-foot during this panoramic, half-day hiking excursion.

Mariehamn, Åland, Getaberget and Getabergen Hills

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive north of Åland to Getaberget. En route, pass by large apple orchards and small villages. Upon arrival in Getaberget, proceed to the northernmost part of the main island to Getabergen Hills. Perched approximately 351 feet (about 107 metres) above sea level, Getabergen Hills is barren and rocky with low pine trees, and offers spectacular panoramic views of the open sea that surrounds it. Here, begin your guided, approximately five-mile (about 3.1-kilometre) nature hike.

Guided Nature Hike, Getagrotten and Djupviken Bay

The trail features easy-to-moderate walking, and leads mainly over smooth, flat, red granite rocks and nature paths with low vegetation. The first part of the trail slopes slightly downwards towards the seafront. Along the trail are interesting cave-like rock formations at Getagrottan, which were used as shelter for the locals during the Great Northern War in the 18th century. The trail leads down to the waterfront at Djupviken Bay, then turns back and slightly uphill to the starting point. Throughout your hike, marvel at the expansive panoramic sea views.

Refreshments and Free Time

Upon returning to the starting point, proceed to Cafe Soltuna for Åland pancakes served with coffee or tea. Afterward, some free time is made available to explore and take photos of your surrounds. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier.

A scenic one-hour drive northward takes you to one of Åland’s celebrated apple farms that jointly produce roughly 70% of Finland’s apples. The archipelago’s fertile soil and unique climate are ideal for cultivating the beloved fruit, with long summer days, a mild autumn, and fresh sea breezes that enhance the color, texture, and flavor of the apples.

Apple Farm, Apple Juice Tasting

Your destination is Öfvergårds, a family-run apple farm in the village of Tjudö on the mainland of Åland. Here, you'll meet the owners, Anna and Jan Alm, who will guide you on a stroll through their orchards and share stories of how they became food artisans. Along the way, you’ll learn how they grow, harvest, and process the apples into award-winning juices. Cap off your visit tasting local specialties with a selection of palate-pleasing apple juice varieties.

Medieval Church

Next, reboard your transportation for the short drive to St. Michael’s, a well-preserved, medieval stone church situated in the charming village of Pålsböle. Enjoy about 15 minutes to snap a few photos of this iconic building and savor the serenity of the surrounding countryside.

With a deeper appreciation of the local culture, return by motor coach to the pier and your awaiting ship.

Discover the coastal splendour and legacy of Mariehamn during this panoramic, half-day orientation excursion.

Mariehamn, Övernäs and Esplanade

Depart the pier for the short drive to Mariehamn, a charming coastal town and port founded in 1861, when Åland and Finland formed part of the mighty Russian Empire. The town grew around the farming village of Övernäs, which is situated on a peninsula with harbours built in sheltered bays. The streets of Mariehamn are wide and straight. Early housing sites were large, but today have been divided to provide space for several homes. A distinctive feature is the Esplanade, an avenue of lime trees stretching from east-to-west, and harbour-to-harbour.

Town Centre, Archipelago and Åland Views

Your guided tour of Mariehamn begins in the centre of Mariehamn, home to the most important landmarks of the town. At Badhusberget, see part of the archipelago and splendid panoramic views of Åland. From here, drive along scenic Järsö Road. Along the way, learn about the island's history and take in breath-taking vistas from this beautiful archipelago road.

Make a short stop at Jomala Church for an outside visit and photo opportunity ,before returning to the pier At your leisure , enjoy a non guided visit of the Maritime Museum and the Ship Pommern . The Pommern is the only four-masted merchant sailing ship in the world still in its original state.