Åland's own capital

Mariehamn is Åland's only city and home to approximately 12,000 residents. The city is governed by an elected council and a city organisation that works closely with residents to continue developing Mariehamn as a place to live, work, and thrive.

Terese Flöjt explains that work to strengthen the city's appeal for current and new residents is constantly ongoing. Partly within the organisation, and partly in close collaboration with the business community and organisations such as Visit Åland and Åland Living.

– Together, we want to attract more people to discover Mariehamn as a place to live and work, and of course also as a tourist destination.

Career opportunities that surprise

Åland offers a broad labour market with international connections. Many people discover that moving to Mariehamn doesn't mean slowing down at all. On the contrary, it can open new opportunities.

– There are employers here who operate both locally and globally, and career paths can often be short, says Terese Flöjt, who herself had the opportunity to represent Åland in one of the Nordic Council of Ministers' working groups as early as age 30.

The private business sector offers many exciting companies and workplaces. In addition, the need for various professional competencies is also great within the city's own operations.

A small town to thrive in

Mariehamn is a small town that attracts with the offerings of a big city. Here you'll find everything from cafés, bars, and fine restaurants to sports facilities, events, and a vibrant summer life. At the same time, the city is as leafy and green as it is calm and safe.

– What other city with 12,000 residents has so many shops, restaurants, cultural offerings, activities, and sports facilities? Community life is both rich and varied, filling Mariehamn with activity year-round. The city is often an active partner in both cultural and sporting events.

For many newcomers, Mariehamn becomes their first home on Åland. The range of housing is extensive, and even newcomers without residency rights can purchase their own home immediately.

There are ten daycare centres and three schools with small children's groups and classes. The city is small in area, making it easy to get around even without a car. This means a smooth everyday life for people in the middle of life who seek balance between family, work, and a rewarding leisure time.

The vision: quality of life for everyone

The City of Mariehamn has a clear vision for the future and how it wants to continue developing Mariehamn. In Vision 2040, sustainability, equality, and local democracy are at the forefront. These are values that already today permeate the long-term work to create a vibrant city where people want to live, settle, and stay.

Citizen dialogue is also constantly evolving, not least through elderly councils, youth councils, and new initiatives such as the citizen panel. Already, surveys show that the residents of Mariehamn are satisfied with their city and the quality of life here. As a newcomer, you are met with a welcoming atmosphere and the opportunity to take part in shaping its development.

– The goal is to continue with what we do well; to be a safe home port and create quality of life in the big small town, says Terese Flöjt.