Holidays in Mariehamn. The island capital of Mariehamn What kind of city is it?
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| City | |||
| Swede. Mariehamn Finnish Mariehamina |
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| 60°05′55″ n. w. 19°56′40″ E. d. | |||
| A country | |||
| Lyani | |||
| Provinces | |||
| Mayor | Barbara Heinonen | ||
| History and geography | |||
| Based | 1861 | ||
| Square | 11.79 km² | ||
| Center height | 21 m | ||
| Timezone | UTC+2, in summer UTC+3 | ||
| Population | |||
| Population | 11,186 people (2011) | ||
| Density | 948.77 people/km² | ||
| Official language | Swedish | ||
| mariehamn.ax (Swedish) (Finnish) (English) (French) (German) |
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Mariehamn(Finnish: Maarianhamina), Mariehamn(Swedish Mariehamn) - main city, an autonomous territory within. One of the main ports of the Archipelago Sea.
Founded by Russians in 1861, named after Empress Maria Alexandrovna. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Russian-language sources used the “Swedish” version of the name of the city, Mariehamn; in the second half of the 20th century, the “Finnish” version, Maarianhamina, was approved as the Russian standard spelling.
The city is home to more than half of the total population of the archipelago - 11,186 people (2011). The city, like the entire territory of the autonomy, is completely Swedish-speaking: Swedish is the native language of approximately 91% of the city's population.
Etymology
The name of the city is translated from Swedish and Finnish as “Mary’s Harbor” and comes from the name of the wife of Emperor Alexander II of Russia - Maria Alexandrovna (1824-1880).
Geographical position
The city is located on a peninsula and has two ports - on the western and east coasts. The Western port (Swedish: Västerhamn) is of great international importance, since intensive traffic is carried out through it ferry service on the way to and mainland Finland. The Eastern Port is mainly a yacht harbor, one of the largest on the Baltic Sea.
The city houses the Cabinet of Ministers and the Parliament of the Åland Islands - Lagting.
Both newspapers of the Åland Islands (Ålandstidningen and Nya Åland) are published in the city, several radio stations and a local television channel (TV Åland) operate.
A stamp with a portrait of Empress Maria Alexandrovna, issued by Russian Post for the 150th anniversary of the founding of the city (2011)
Story
Local legend says that the inhabitants who sought to found new port, specifically suggested that Emperor Alexander II give the settlement the name of his wife in order to quickly obtain the highest consent to assign it the status of a city. Official history claims that the port, on the contrary, was founded on the direct orders of Alexander II, and work on its construction under the leadership of the architect Georg Theodor von Schewitz began back in 1859 near two small villages - Evernes (Swedish Övernäs) and, and in In 1861 (February 21), the new settlement received city status and the name Mariehamn. Over time, the city increased significantly in area and included part of the territory of the Yomala community.
Attractions
The Åland Islands have a long history of shipping. Sailing ship museum Pommern anchored in western port. Eastern Harbor is one of the most major ports for yachts in Scandinavia, it also contains a Dutch steamer Jan Nieveen(also called F.P. von Knorring), converted into a restaurant.
In Mariehamn there are several buildings designed by the Finnish architect Lars Sonck and representing the architectural landmark of the Åland Islands: the Church of St. George (1927), the main building of the Åland Maritime College (1927), the city municipality building (1939). The Åland Museum operates.
On November 2, 2011, a monument to Empress Maria Alexandrovna, after whom the city is named, was unveiled in Mariehamn.
IN summer time The city is visited by a significant number of tourists, who are served by several hotels and other accommodation facilities, including a campsite. There is a consulate Russian Federation, consulate-General Sweden, as well as consular offices of some other countries.
Population
Dynamics of city population growth:
Twin Cities
| A country | City | Year | Notes | ||
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| Accessories Denmark | |||||
| Valkeakoski | |||||
Gallery
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West Harbor at night
East Harbor
The port and seaside town of Mariehamn is easy to explore on foot, by bike, or by bus. One port is located ten minutes walk from the other. In the West Harbor, where the ferries arrive, it is worth looking at the Pommern, a four-masted longboat located just below the Ålands sjöfartsmuseum next to the Badhusparken park.
Esplanade
At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, the park housed an elegant spa hotel. The sauna and doctor's house are still preserved, as well as the pavilion near the pier of the Åland Yacht Club. The path leads to Mount Badhusberget, which offers a wonderful view of the city.
The Esplanade linden alley with a pedestrian path in the middle stretches from the Western to the Eastern harbor. Halfway along the route is the Church of St. George (St Göranskyrka), and on the north side are the old villas of the former shipowners. Diagonally opposite the church is the Tourist Information Center.
Around the pedestrian street Torggatan, in the center of Mariehamn, are most of the city's shops, as well as restaurants and cafes. Next to the square is the local government building with the parliament of the Åland Islands and the provincial government, the city municipality and the building of the Finnish administration. In front of the city municipality there is a monument to Empress Maria Alexandrovna, in whose honor the city received its name in 1861.
Exit from East Harbor
The exit from the Eastern Harbor begins at the local government building, built in the style of the 70s of the 20th century, passes the modern hotel "Arkipelag" to the new cultural center and the congress hall “Alandica”, the blue building of the city library, the University of Åland, the educational restaurant “Hjorten” opposite the bathing complex “Mariebad” with a spa center, a water park and private beach at Slemmern Bay.
Below, in the East Harbour, near Slemmern Bay, there is a green area - the Tullarns äng park and the Lillaholmen bathing island, a small craft pier and an MSF guest pier; the steamship pier “Ångbåtsbryggan” with the mini-golf course “Äventyrsgolfen” and floating restaurants, as well as the Maritime Quarter with boat yards and craft workshops.
The exit from the East Harbor leads past the “rökerirondellen”, a traffic circle square from where you can travel further to the city district of Strandnäs and the small industrial area where sports complex Bollhalla and the racecourse in Norrböle, as well as the Åland Central Hospital and all other municipalities of Åland.
Southern part of Mariehamn
Parallel to the Esplanade, from the easily recognizable building of the University of Navigation in the eastern part to the city hall in the eastern part, runs the green Södragatan street, where you will see turn-of-the-century wooden villas designed by the architect Hilda Hongell. Norragatan Street is another cozy street running parallel, where you will see the lyceum building near the Åland Gymnasium.
From the West Harbor exit in the north to Järsövägen in the south, the streets Ålandsvägen and Västernäsvägen run through the entire city, to the riding club “Sleipners ridklubb” and the recreation area in Aspholm. Along the road is the Lerwick Small Craft Marina and Fishing Harbour, which offers a lovely walk along the beach and cliffs back to the West Harbor Ferry Terminal.
Local transport in the northern and southern directions is handled by the Mariehamn Bus Authority. Buses operate all summer and leave every hour. The final stop is at the intersection of Nygatan and Torggatan streets. For 2 euros you will travel throughout the city.
If you would like to go to a real excursion, then in the summer the transport company Röde Orm offers you mini-train tours.
Mariehamn (Swedish) Mariehamn, Mariehamn - Finn. Maarianhamina) is the main city of the Åland Islands - an autonomous territory within Finland and one of the main ports of the Archipelago Sea. The city was founded in 1861 and named after Empress Maria Alexandrovna. More than half of the total population of the archipelago lives in the city - 11 thousand people. Mariehamn, like the entire territory of the autonomy, is a completely Swedish-speaking city (Swedish is the native language for approximately 91% of the city's population).
The city is located on a peninsula and has two ports - on the west and east coasts. The western port (Swedish: Västerhamn) is of great international importance, as it serves as an intensive ferry service on the route to Sweden and mainland Finland.
The Eastern Port is mainly a yacht harbor, one of the largest on the Baltic Sea.
The name of the city is translated from Swedish and Finnish as “Mary’s Harbor” and comes from the name of the wife of Emperor Alexander II of Russia - Maria Alexandrovna. The city and port were founded on the direct orders of Alexander II, and work on its construction under the leadership of the architect Georg Theodor von Schewitz began in 1859 near two small villages - Evernes (Swedish Övernäs) and Yomala, and in 1861 a new settlement received city status and name Mariehamn. The Cabinet of Ministers and the Parliament of the Åland Islands - Lagting - are located in Mariehamn.
The Åland Islands and Mariehamn have a long history of shipping. The museum sailing ship Pommern is anchored in the western port.
Next to it is the magnificent Maritime Museum.
In Mariehamn there are several buildings designed by the Finnish architect Lars Sonck and representing the architectural landmark of the Åland Islands: St. George's Church (1927),
main building of the Åland Maritime College (1927),
city hall building (1939).
The Åland Museum operates.
In 2011, a monument to Empress Maria Alexandrovna was unveiled in Mariehamn, after whom the city is named.
In the summer, the city is visited by a significant number of tourists, who are served by several hotels and other accommodation facilities, including a campsite. There are consulates of the Russian Federation, Sweden, and some other countries.
Beautiful Mariehamn houses.
Mariehamn monuments.
Monument to another of our compatriots, merchant Nikolai Sittkoff.
And the store located next to the monument is called “Gallery Sittkoff”: in the neighboring house, where the editorial office of the newspaper “Tidningen Oland” is now located, the merchant had a store. Sitkov was also considered at one time the largest shipowner of Aland.
City observation tower.
Central shopping street Torggatan.
Preparations for the opening of the Saturday market.
And finally, a few photos of local nature.
It's great here! We'll have to come again!
Mariehamn (Swedish Mariehamn, Mariehamn - Finnish Maarianhamina) is the main city of the Åland Islands, an autonomous territory within Finland. One of the main ports of the Archipelago Sea.
Founded by Russians in 1861, named after Empress Maria Alexandrovna.
The city is home to more than half of the total population of the archipelago - 11,186 people (2011). Mariehamn, like the entire territory of the autonomy, is a completely Swedish-speaking city (Swedish is the native language for approximately 91% of the city's population).
Geographical position
The city is located on a peninsula and has two ports - on the west and east coasts.
The western port (Swedish: Västerhamn) is of great international importance, as it serves as an intensive ferry service on the route to Sweden and mainland Finland.
The Eastern Port is mainly a yacht harbor, one of the largest on the Baltic Sea.
Etymology
The name of the city is translated from Swedish and Finnish as “Mary’s Harbor” and comes from the name of the wife of Emperor Alexander II of Russia - Maria Alexandrovna.
Story
Local legend says that the inhabitants of the Åland Islands, who sought to establish a new port, specifically invited Emperor Alexander II to give the settlement the name of his wife in order to quickly obtain the highest consent to give it the status of a city. Official history claims that the port, on the contrary, was founded on the direct orders of Alexander II, and work on its construction under the leadership of the architect Georg Theodor von Schewitz began back in 1859 near two small villages - Evernes (Swedish: Övernäs) and Yomala, and in 1861 (February 21), the new settlement received city status and the name Mariehamn. Over time, the city increased significantly in area and included part of the territory of the Yomala community.
The Cabinet of Ministers and the Parliament of the Åland Islands - Lagting - are located in Mariehamn.
The Åland Islands and Mariehamn have a long history of shipping. The museum sailing ship Pommern is anchored in the western port. The East Harbor is one of the largest yacht ports in Scandinavia and also houses the Dutch steamship Jan Nieveen (also named F.P. von Knorring), converted into a restaurant.
Both newspapers of the Åland Islands (Ålandstidningen and Nya Åland) are published in the city, several radio stations and a local television channel (TV Åland) operate.
In Mariehamn there are several buildings designed by the Finnish architect Lars Sonck and representing the architectural landmark of the Åland Islands: the Church of St. George (1927), the main building of the Åland Maritime College (1927), the city municipality building (1939). The Åland Museum operates.
On November 2, 2011, a monument to Empress Maria Alexandrovna, after whom the city is named, was unveiled in Mariehamn.
In the summer, the city is visited by a significant number of tourists, who are served by several hotels and other accommodation facilities, including a campsite. There is a consulate of the Russian Federation, a consulate general of Sweden, as well as consular offices of some other countries.
The small town of Mariehamn became the capital of the Åland Islands. Cozy, sunny and very beautiful, it attracts the attention of millions of tourists every year. In the article we will talk about history, architecture, and attractions. Let's discuss how to get there and where to go.
What kind of city
The Åland Islands are a small, autonomous state within Finland. Mariehamn is one of the smallest capitals in the world. Contains the parliament building, the cabinet of ministers, the consulate of Sweden and Russia.
Its area is 12 square kilometers. It became the only large settlement on the archipelago. The rest consists of cozy villages and towns.
Culture local residents differs from the generally accepted one in Suomi. This place carefully preserves its traditions and foundations.
In addition to complete autonomy, Åland also has its own citizenship, as well as passports. Swedish became the main language.
Climate
The temperature in Mariehamn Finland is cold and moderate. average temperature per year is 4.5 degrees Celsius.
The amount of precipitation is significant, even in those months that are considered dry.
January is the coldest, with temperatures never falling below -4.
Summers are moderately warm, with maximum temperatures reaching 22 degrees in July.
History of the settlement
The city of Mariehamn on the Åland Islands has a long history. Translated into Russian it sounds like Mary's Harbor.
Named after its patroness, the Empress Russian Empire Maria Alexandrovna.
According to one version, the population actively sought to create a shipping port. To appease Emperor Alexander II, it was proposed to name the capital in honor of his wife Maria.
Official information refutes this claim. It is believed that the port was created by direct order of the ruler back in 1859. Upon completion of construction, in 1861, part of the Yomala community was attached to the territory of the current city and the name was approved.
Today, the settlement is considered the main port in this territory and ranks third in size in Suomi.
Such a small area has several interesting features.
- After the formation of Finland and its recognition as an independent republic, the Ålands sought to secede and join their homeland - Sweden. The residents failed to achieve this. The country's authorities agreed to autonomy with exclusive rights.
- The zone is completely demilitarized. Residents are not called up to serve in the Suomi army.
- Official language remains Swedish. Finnish is not compulsory to study.
- It ranks second in the list of the most economically prosperous regions.
- Despite the small area, there is a passenger and cargo port here. As well as a dairy plant, service companies ferry crossings, a factory for the production of spare parts and chips.
- 25% of the electricity consumed is produced by wind turbines.
- Ferry travel between the islands is completely free.
- Ostrich farms are very popular in the region. Meat and eggs have become a favorite delicacy of indigenous people and tourists.
- American cars have won special love among the population. Preference is given to older models. You can often see a vintage Buick on the roads.
- You can buy real estate only if you have lived in the territory for at least 5 years.
Philatelists are especially fond of local stamps. They are very beautiful and unusual. You can send such a souvenir to your home address from any post office.
Architecture
The architectural structure of the city is similar to both traditional Finnish and Swedish. Most buildings are two-story. Cottages and houses are spread out in a network, connected by small streets.
Unlike the generally accepted norm in Sweden, there are no fences here. The territory of the plots is either not fenced at all, or consists of green spaces.
Residential buildings are painted red and blue, with white trim on windows and doors.
Population
The bulk of the inhabitants of the sovereign territory live here. The total population of the Åland Islands is 27 thousand people. Twelve thousand of whom live in the capital, Mariehamn.
The population is quite stable, with an annual increase of about 100 people.
Over the past 30 years, the number has grown from 9,966 to 12,018 thousand.
Rules and norms of behavior
The norms of behavior are no different from those generally accepted throughout Republic of Finland.
It is not customary here to impose your opinion, raise your voice or sharply express negative emotions.
It is worth remembering that residents consider themselves Swedes, being calm and reasonable.
A visit must be carefully planned; you cannot come without an invitation and discussion of plans.
Where to stay
Despite the small area, there are many options for accommodation. Several million tourists who come here every year are encouraged to create comfortable accommodations.
Particularly popular are cheap hotels. Travelers choose Cikada because it offers excellent value for money and service.
The Arkipelag complex offers luxury conditions, the prices are much higher, but the service and the magnificent view from the room are worth it.
For a large company or family, it will be cost-effective to rent a villa. Two-story cottages are available for rent everywhere.
Where to eat
The pricing policy here is quite high. This is due to the significant distance from land.
Cafes and restaurants are scattered everywhere. The main cluster is located on Torggatan Street, which is considered the local Arbat.
Particular attention should be paid to the small restaurant Brasserie Angbatsbryggan. It is decorated in an old style. Creates an atmosphere of home comfort and visiting grandma in the village. It is here that tourists will fully feel the spirit of Mariehamn.
You can save on food by buying food at the supermarket. There are three of them in the capital. Interesting feature is a set of products. The products presented on the shelves are rarely found in other stores.
Not far from the center, there is a cozy wooden cafe Sittkoffska Gården. Its feature is considered to be the opening view. Stunning water landscapes with green islands. Located nearby observation tower Having climbed onto it, visitors will see endless open spaces and settlements.
Leisure
In summer, the city literally comes alive. In other months, it is not so easy to meet people on the streets.
Every year, jazz festivals and rock concerts are held here. A tournament is organized in July beach volleyball.
Often people come here who want to get away from the hustle and bustle. The quiet, calm region is ideally suited for this.
Green parks, cozy alleys with many places to relax. attract with their enchanting beauty.
There are wonderful beaches along the entire coastline.
Attractions
The main attractions of Mariehamn are museums.
The most famous place is the sailing ship Pommern. It was built in the early 20th century in Glasgow and now graces the capital's harbour.
Also, there is a museum of navigation, hunting, fishing, art and decorative arts.
A walk around the city will be marked by big amount monuments.
The key ones were:
- monument to Empress Maria Alexandrovna;
- pedestal to Nikolai Sitkov;
- tribute to social reformer France Peter von Knorring.
In addition, there are many other interesting sculptures here. The bell taken from the lighthouse symbolizes democracy. The seagull has become a symbol of shipping safety, and a robot made from scrap metal communicates progress today.
Entertainment
For those who want an active pastime, travel agencies offer canoeing and kayaking. Diving is popular in the summer.
Fans of evening life can visit one of several casinos or nightclubs.
Where to go with children
Mariehamn became ideal place For family vacation.
Children will love a visit to the Marienbad water park. You can spend more active time and interact with animals at the Slipners riding club.
Shopping Features
Most of the shops are located on the central street Torggatan. Shopping mall there's one here, he's called Pak.
In each of the shops you can find truly unique and unusual things. Pak offers handmade souvenirs in Scandinavian style, rare cosmetics brands and branded items to customers.
The book center sells books about navigation and maps of the islands.
In the maritime quarter, tourists will be offered many things related to the sea.
Vintage items are sold at three flea market capital Cities.
Urban transport
Between settlements There is a ferry service. It is completely free for residents and travelers.
You can get around inside the city by regular buses. It is worth inquiring separately about current schedule. It is constantly changing and adjustments are being made.
Also, several car rental points are open.
Due to the small area, the bicycle has become the most popular means of transport.
Where is it and how to get there
Getting to any part of the islands and their capital will not be a problem. From major cities, such as Tallinn, Helsinki, Turku and Stockholm there are ferries and cruise ships. You can speed up the process by using high-speed boats.
Located near Mariehamn international Airport, air service valid all year round.
The Åland Islands are definitely worth a visit. Great combination beautiful scenery, sea expanses and rocks - will not leave anyone indifferent. Mariehamn is a small state consisting of big country.
