2 Best Sights in Mariehamn and the Åland Islands, Finland

Pommern Museum Ship and Åland Maritime Museum

Fodor's choice

The Pommern is one of the last existing grain ships in the world and the only four-masted steel barque remaining anywhere. Once owned by the sailing fleet of the Mariehamn shipping magnate Gustaf Erikson, the ship carried wheat between Australia and England from 1923 to 1939. The ship has reopened after extensive restoration work at a new, more accessible dock just below the Åland Maritime Museum, where you'll find a fascinating collection of seafaring items and a great children's section. The Pommern includes interactive aspects that describe the hardships of life onboard the ship as well as an audio tale for children by Karin Erlandsson called Ruby's Voyage.

Bomarsund Fortress

About 8 km (5 miles) from the village of Kastelholm in Sund are the scattered ruins of a huge naval fortress, which was built by the Russians in the early 19th century. It was only half-finished when it was destroyed by Anglo-French forces during the Crimean War. The fortress is open for touring at all times and has explanatory signs. For more information, you'll want to pick up a pamphlet from the small visitor center if it's open.

Ålands skärgård, Åland Islands
018-25730
sights Details
Rate Includes: Visitor center: June and Aug., weekdays 10–4; July, daily 10–4; call ahead, as times can vary, Free