Cruise port Mariehamn (Åland Islands)

The cruise port of Mariehamn, the charming capital of the Åland Islands, is a picturesque destination in the Baltic Sea and is easily accessible for travelers via a relaxing ferry crossing or by plane. The terminal in the Western Harbor (Västerhamn) is centrally located and, thanks to its proximity to the city center, allows for convenient exploration on foot.

Ferry

Traveling by ferry is the most popular and direct way to reach Mariehamn. Numerous ferry connections operated by Viking Line and Tallink Silja run daily from Swedish cities such as Stockholm or Kapellskär, as well as from Finnish ports like Turku and Helsinki. The crossing from Stockholm, for example, takes between 5.5 and 8 hours, while you can arrive in Mariehamn from Turku in approximately 4 to 5.5 hours. On overnight crossings, ferries may call at the port of Långnäs, located about 30 kilometers from Mariehamn; from there, convenient shuttle services or taxis are available to take you to the center of Mariehamn. For a smooth embarkation, it is recommended to be at the terminal at least 30 minutes before departure for foot passengers and 45-60 minutes for passengers with vehicles.

Airplane

For a quick arrival, the small, local Mariehamn Airport (MHQ) is available, located in neighboring Jomala and only about 3 to 5 kilometers northwest of the city center. The airport offers connections to major hubs such as Stockholm, Turku, and Helsinki. From the airport, you can easily reach the port: direct bus connections are available and take about 8 to 13 minutes to the city center or the port. Alternatively, taxis provide a swift transfer taking only around 9 minutes. Booking a pre-cruise hotel in Mariehamn can ensure a relaxed start to your trip in case of late arrivals or early departures.

Car & Parking

If you are arriving by car, your journey will first take you to one of the large ferry ports on the Finnish or Swedish mainland (e.g., Turku or Stockholm), from where you take a ferry to Mariehamn. It is advisable to book ferry spaces for vehicles early, especially during high season. In Mariehamn itself, parking is generally free, but many areas have time limits ranging from 30 minutes to 4 hours, which require the use of a parking disc. For longer parking durations, you can find suitable spaces near the harbor and at locations such as Rönnbergs torg or the beaches Lilla holmen and Nabben. The port in Västerhamn is well-signposted and easily accessible via Hamngatan.

Check-in & Embarkation

Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the shipping company and destination area - is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.

The following also applies during the trip: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.