Mariehamn, Finland – The capital of Åland, Mariehamn is a seafarer’s paradise. The waterside Mariehamn Maritime Quarter has long been a center of boat building. Nowadays, the atmospheric quay has ship-building workshops alongside art galleries, cafes and local boutiques. You can still see boats under construction here!
You can also eat pizza inside a shipping crate. (Pub Niska, in case you are wondering. And yes, the pizza is as good as it looks.)
And at the end of the pier, here is the tiny seafarers’ chapel. Seriously,
Åland is so picturesque it’s ridiculous.
The Mariehamn Museum Quarter is a sort of living museum, but the top maritime attraction is across town at the Åland Maritime Museum. Here, you’ll find a much more impressive selection of preserved boats. In fact the centerpiece is a reproduction of a ship, complete with mast, saloon, galley and cabins. The museum highlight is docked out front: the Museumship Pommern (which was unfortunately under restoration when we visited).