Keep training on holiday without a gym pass
If you want to keep up your training while visiting Åland, you do not need a gym membership. Mariehamn has several municipal outdoor gyms that are free and open to everyone, whether you live in town or are just passing through. The equipment is sturdy and suitable for different levels, and because the town is small you can reach most of the gyms on foot or by bike within minutes. Here is an overview of the town's outdoor gyms and how to combine them with running, swimming and nature.
The town's outdoor gyms
- Idrottsparken – the largest and best-equipped outdoor gym, with eleven stations. It is near the tennis courts and easiest to find by following the gravel path up from the southern entrance to Idrottsparken. The exercises use your own bodyweight and suit all fitness levels.
- Baltichallen, Ytternäs – a lighter gym focused on mobility and coordination. Equipment includes bike pedals, an arm cycle, a rowing machine and step-up and sit-up stations.
- Backeberg sports field – one of the smaller outdoor gyms, next to the sports field in the northern part of town.
Mariebad – an outdoor gym with sea views
Just north of Lilla Holmen, next to the Mariebad swimming centre, there is another outdoor gym with seven machines. It is slightly more advanced than the others because you can adjust the resistance. It is a good place to finish your session with a swim – indoors at the pool or, in summer, in the sea.
Neighbouring Lilla Holmen is not a gym but a popular recreation area with a child-friendly sandy beach, a climbing boat and animals such as peacocks and rabbits – a perfect spot for the family while someone trains. Read more about swimming spots on Åland.
Running routes and nature nearby
Mariehamn's green main boulevard, the Esplanade, is a popular route for running and walking. Combine a session at Idrottsparken with a loop along the Esplanade and down to the harbour. For more nature underfoot, run or cycle towards the Ramsholmen nature reserve in Jomala, where trails wind through wooded meadows along the water. See also our tips on hiking trails on Åland and cycling routes from Mariehamn.
Tips for your session
- Warm up properly – even in summer the wind can be cold by the water.
- Bring a water bottle, as not every gym has water nearby.
- Read the signs at the stations – they explain the exercises.
- Time it well – early mornings and late evenings are quietest, and the light summer evenings let you train late.
Outdoor training all year round
The outdoor gyms stay open outside the summer season, and training in fresh air is a great way to keep your energy up during the darker months. In autumn and winter, dress in layers, wear gloves for a good grip on cold equipment, and use a reflector or head torch when it is dark. After rain or frost, metal surfaces and steps can be slippery, so take it easy at the start of your session. If you would rather train indoors on a stormy day, the Mariebad swimming centre is a good option – with the outdoor gym right outside for when the weather turns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there a fee to use the outdoor gyms?A: No, the municipal outdoor gyms in Mariehamn are completely free and open around the clock.
Q: Are there instructions at the equipment?A: Yes, the stations at Idrottsparken and Baltichallen have information signs with exercise descriptions and QR codes linking to instruction videos.