Mariehamn is the administrative capital, chief seaport, and only town of the Åland Islands. The islands are located just east of Sweden and are an archipelago of Finland.
From the seaport where Viking Ocean Cruises ship Jupiter is docked, a pathway lined with trees leads to the center of the city’s commercial area. A beautiful street lined with shops, restaurants, flowers, and smiling faces awaits.
Near the ship is the Åland Maritime Museum. It is the most important museum on the islands and a monument to the history of Åland as holder of the world’s largest fleet of wooden sailing ships. A central exhibit is a four-masted ship Pommern, built in Glasgow in 1903. It is anchored behind the museum.
My time in Mariehamn was a pleasant experience after touring the islands. Like all Viking Cruise excursions, the Åland Islands is a beautiful and exciting destination. More information on Viking’s river, ocean and expedition cruises is on their website.
