Lilla holmen

Imagine a quiet oasis located just steps away from the bustling center of Mariehamn. This is Lilla Holmen—a picturesque island in the Åland Islands connected to the shore by a light footbridge. This place has long been a favorite leisure spot for both locals and visitors, drawn by its unique blend of a seaside coast and a cozy park.

It is home to one of the oldest sandy beaches in Finland. Thanks to the shallow waters, the sea warms up quickly, making it an ideal spot for families with children. But the main "highlight" of the island is its unusual inhabitants: peacocks stroll importantly along the paths, while fluffy rabbits and chickens live in special enclosures, creating a rustic idyll in the middle of the city.

The island is surrounded by well-kept walking trails and green areas where you can have a picnic or simply enjoy the view of the guest harbor. Its cleanliness, fresh sea breeze, and peaceful atmosphere make Lilla Holmen a must-visit for any tourist seeking tranquility on the shores of the Baltic Sea.

For more details before your visit, you can check the Åland Islands information portals. Direct contact details for the beach administration are usually not published, as it is a public city recreation area.

At Lilla Holmen, everyone will find something to enjoy. Water enthusiasts can go swimming at the shallow sandy beach or sunbathe while watching yachts sail by. For active recreation, there is a volleyball court and a long pier stretching far into the sea, which is perfect for morning jogs or evening strolls to the sound of the waves.

Little visitors will be delighted by the local playground, themed like a pirate ship, and the opportunity to watch the animals. The island features a small animal corner where you can see rabbits and colorful birds. Encountering a peacock with its tail fanned out right on a park path is a common sight in this wonderful place.

If you prefer a more relaxing holiday, take the Mariehamn Runt walking route, which passes through the island and leads to the picturesque Tullarns Äng meadows. There you can find a mysterious Trojan labyrinth or simply have a picnic in the shade of ancient trees. Mini-golf courses are also available within a few minutes' walk, making it easy to plan a full day of outdoor fun.

Reaching this little piece of paradise is incredibly easy, as it is located almost in the very center of Mariehamn. If you are on the main pedestrian street, Torggatan, the walk to the east coast will take only a few minutes. Simply head to the Österleden waterfront and cross the charming bridge that connects the "mainland" part of the city with the island.

For those arriving from further away, a taxi or city bus ride will take no more than 5–10 minutes. If you are traveling by car, there are parking spaces near the MSF guest harbor, from where the beach is just a couple of minutes' walk away.

Travelers arriving in Mariehamn by ferry or plane often choose bicycles—the most popular and eco-friendly way to get around Åland. The journey from the ferry terminal to the island takes about 15 minutes along picturesque streets lined with old linden trees.

The history of Lilla Holmen is inextricably linked with the development of the city itself, which was founded in 1861 and named after Empress Maria Alexandrovna. From its very beginning, this area was intended as a recreation zone for citizens, harmoniously complementing the structured layout of the city blocks.

In the early 20th century, the site was already a popular destination for excursions. Surprisingly, in the 1930s, the quiet beach sat next to an actual airfield: seaplanes would land directly on the calm waters of the bay, and passengers would come ashore via a long wooden pier that still stands today, having become a favorite spot for walking.

The atmosphere of an old-fashioned resort can still be felt around the island. Nearby, you can see historical buildings such as the ÅSS pavilion and old wooden villas, which serve as reminders of the "golden age" of the Åland Islands as a key maritime hub and tourist center.

To simply walk around the island and greet the local inhabitants, 1 hour will be enough. However, if you plan a full relaxation experience with swimming in the sea and a picnic on the grass, it is better to set aside about 3 hours or even half a day for Lilla Holmen.

Families with children often need more time, as the playgrounds and watching the peacocks and rabbits always delight young travelers. This is the perfect place to slow down and simply enjoy the moment surrounded by nature.

Access to Lilla Holmen island is open to everyone 24/7. As a natural area and public park, it welcomes guests at any time of year, whether it's a hot summer afternoon or a quiet winter evening.

Despite free access to the territory, we recommend checking the city's official tourism portals before your trip to find out about seasonal events or temporary restrictions in the recreation areas.

Its central location makes visiting this spot an excellent starting point for further exploration of Mariehamn. A walk through the surrounding area will allow you to see both modern art objects and monuments that preserve the memory of the region's maritime glory.

Below are some interesting sites located within walking distance that will help make your itinerary more complete: