Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Getting Around
BICYCLE
Ro-No Rent
has bicycles available at Mariehamn and Eckerö harbours. Many camp-
grounds and guest harbours also have bike hire.
Green-and-white signs trace cycling routes through the islands. Bicycle routes generally
follow smaller, less busy roads; dedicated bicycle paths run parallel to some main roads.
BOAT
Three kinds of interisland ferry serve the islands. For short trips, free vehicle ferries sail
nonstop. There are also two private summer bicycle ferries, Hammarland-Geta and
Vårdö-Saltvik. For longer routes, ferries run to a schedule, taking cars, bicycles and foot
passengers.
Timetables are available at Mariehamn's tourist office and
online
( 018-525-100;
BUS
Five main bus lines depart from Mariehamn's regional bus station on Styrmansgatan, in
front of the police station. Route 1 goes to Hammarland and Eckerö; route 2 to Godby and
Geta; route 3 to Godby and Saltvik; route 4 to Godby, Sund and Vårdö (Hummelvik); and
route 5 to Lemland and Lumparland (Långnäs). Tickets from Mariehamn to the ferry ports
cost around €4.50. Bicycles can be carried (space permitting) for €8.
MARIEHAMN
018 / Pop 11,400
Two out of every five Ålanders live in the village-like capital Mariehamn and the
lagting
(parliament) and
landskapsstyrelse
(Åland's government) are located here. The town was
christened by Alexander II after the Empress Maria, and its broad streets lined with linden
trees recall its Russian heritage.
Mariehamn's ports welcome crowds of summer visitors arriving on ferries from Finland
and Sweden, but outside high season you may have the place to yourself.
