Mariehamn

Mariehamn was founded on 21 February 1861 on land that belonged to the village of Övernäs in Jomala. It was named after the Russian empress Maria Alexandrovna (1824–1880), meaning lit. 'Marie's Port'. The town grew from a planned layout that remains largely intact. It later expanded into Jomala. One of the oldest streets is Södragatan, which has preserved 19th-century wooden houses. In the late 19th century, shipping became central to the local economy, and shipowners and shipyards settled in the town. After the First World War, Mariehamn became known for its Grain Fleet. On 8 November 1963, a plane crash in Mariehamn killed 22 of 25 people, Finland’s second-deadliest air accident.

Mariehamn has a transitional climate between an oceanic (Cfb) and a humid continental (Dfb) type, according to the Köppen climate classification. The Baltic Sea moderates temperature extremes, resulting in mild winters and cool summers. Summers are cooler than in most of Sweden and Finland, while winters are milder, similar to those on the Swedish coast. Lowest recorded temperature: −32.9 °C (−27.2 °F) in February 1979 Highest recorded temperature: 31.3 °C (88.3 °F) in July 1941 and 2022 Data from the Finnish Meteorological Institute provide climate averages for 1991–2020 and historical records since 1914.

Mariehamn is the centre of Åland's media. Both local newspapers, Ålandstidningen and Nya Åland, several radio stations, and the television channels TV Åland and Åland24 operate from the city. The first public libraries on Åland opened before 1920, and a printing house was founded in 1891. The municipal library, completed in 1989, is known for its modern architecture. Åland Maritime Museum – maritime history and the ship Pommern Åland Museum – cultural and natural history of Åland Övernässtugan – 18th-century farmhouse Sjökvarteret – boatbuilding and maritime crafts centre