Ever since Mariehamn was founded in 1861, green areas for rest and relaxation have played an important role in the town's character. From the lindentree-lined Esplanade to Tullarns äng nature area and the popular Lilla Holmen recreation spot, nature is always close by.
The Town of Mariehamn is actively working to reduce its environmental impact on beaches, sea and waterways. As part of this work, two nature-based methods are used to purify water: wetlands and ponds. The town's organisation is also environmentally certified to ISO 14001.
Multifunctional wetlands
Mariehamn's multifunctional wetlands filter rainwater before it flows into the sea, capture nutrients, and support biodiversity. They are also inviting spaces for visitors, with footpaths, wooden walkways, benches, and viewpoints, as well as signs describing the rich animal and plant life. Visitors can both read about the ecosystems and experience them up close.
The Nabben wetland is located at the far end of the bay on the eastern side of Mariehamn. The town has planted meadow flowers on the banks to attract butterflies and bumblebees, put up birdhouses and planted out pike fry. The Apalängen wetland, at the far end of the bay on the west side of the town, has a bird tower and a shallow pond where pike spawn in spring.
Green oasis in the TOWN centre
To purify the stormwater before it reaches the sea, Mariehamn has created a sedimentation pond in the park below the Åland Museum of Cultural History. The pond is also a beautiful place for recreation, with several seating areas and an illuminated artwork in the centre.
From the pond, you can walk westwards under the canopy of linden tree in Esplanade or stroll southwards through the biodiverse of Tullarns äng wooded meadow.
Family-friendly beach idyll
Another popular green oasis is Lilla holmen, a recreational area that has been part of the everyday life of the town-dwellers for over 150 years. The family-friendly sandy beach is as popular with sunbathers and swimmers on hot summer days as it is with brave winter swimmers. What's more, the beach is accessible with a ramp into the water, a spacious changing cabin and the possibility to borrow a beach wheelchair from June to August.
For visitors who want to be active, there are balance beams, obstacle courses, climbing frames, swings, a beach volleyball court and various games to borrow. You can also visit Lilla holmen's chickens and rabbits.
