We offer a lot of different and interesting locations to host your dream wedding, business event or party in Raseborg. Down below are listed some of our brightest pearls.
Svartå, Raseborg
Svartå Manor is a party place with a capital P. They offer you the chance to celebrate your wedding, birthday or other special day in a beautiful and unique setting. The award-winning Slottskrogen restaurant produces high quality, locally produced delicacies served in the newly restored party pavilion or one of the manor’s other venues. If you like the idea of waking up in the same gorgeous surroundings you can stay overnight at the manor’s hotel or stylishly renovated farmhouses.
Snappertuna, Raseborg
The Calliola Conference and Event Centre is located right on the sea in Snappertuna and offers quality facilities and services. The relaxed, but stylish meeting and banquet rooms are complimented by a sauna, terraces, and homely archipelago-style accommodation in beach villas and apartments. Calliola’s kitchen serves wonderful seasonal local produce.
Fiskars, Raseborg
Fiskars is a unique destination where crafts, arts and design meet nature, history and architecture. Here, at the birthplace of the Fiskars company, you will find experiences for all the senses. Hold a celebration, meeting or conference at the village’s beautiful and varied facilities. Combine your event with, for example, an award-winning round of tastings at local breweries and the distillery, or a glass-blowing workshop.
Åminne, Raseborg
The Åminne Gårdrestaurantat Nordcenter Golf & Country Club serves good food in a stately manor house environment. With pleasant views over the golf course and Pojo bay. Nordcenter is a multi-functional leisure centre where you and your guests can combine a meeting or party with outdoor activities including golf, tennis or frisbee golf. Accommodation in the form of a cozy B&B with a sauna and gym is available. If you like, explore local history and take a trip to nearby Billnäs and Fiskars.
Pojo, Raseborg
There are many more event venues in Raseborg. For one who wants to arrange an event with something extra we recommend you to throw a party at Raseborg Castle. Check out Meetings and parties and familiarize yourself with cozy townhouses, attractive hotels and pleasant seaside resorts.
Party or meeting food
When organizing a party or arranging a team building weekend you definitely want to serve something delicious to eat. Raseborg has a wide supply of restaurants, cafés and catering so there’s something for every taste. You can also shop local food like fresh fish, new potatoes and flavorful vegetables, from one of the different market places in the city.
For drinking you can offer something from the local breweries. Fiskarsin Panimo brew tasty beer and from Ekta Bryggeri you get gutsy cider.
Before the party
Would you like to get your nails painted, your hair in a fancy updo or your eyebrows colored? If you’re about to go on a wedding or other fancy party, Raseborg offers a lot of beauty services for you. If you want to cheer up the atmosphere between meetings you can book a sweaty class at one of the gyms or disc golf in the nature. It’s also possible to try lasertag in Raseborg. You can find all options under activites on our website. Enjoy your unforgettable parties and meetings in Raseborg!
Every year several second hand events are arranged in Raseborg. The most popular ones are the annual Antique days in Fiskars and Billnäs. This year, the Antique days will be held from July 4th to July 7th. City flea market in Ekenäs and Bromarfpojkarna’s flea market in Bromarv are also popular. You can also find children’s clothing, toys and other things at the yearly event arranged by Ekorrsvansen. Lions clubs around Raseborg are also arranging flea market events. Check our event calendar for current flea market events in the region. Here are our best tips of flea markets in Raseborg.
Flea Markets in Ekenäs, Raseborg:
Loppis Trollet is one of the most popular flea markets in Ekenäs, Raseborg and it’s open almost every day. The flea market offers clothes, toys, games, furniture and much more.
Fynda- Second hand shop is a charity second hand shop where the workers work without any salary. Finnish Missionary Society and the Assembly assistance workers are equally sharing the profit. The shop is well organized and has a lot to offer.
Emmaus Westervik is also a charity second hand shop that helps them who are in need. Clothes, books, furniture and things like that can be donated here.
Betesda Second Hand Shop is located in the heart of Ekenäs. Their vision is to support domestic and foreign missionary work.
Flea Markets in Karis, Raseborg:
Take the opportunity to go on a thrift store tour in Karis, as the vast majority of flea markets are within walking distance of each other!
Sequel Restyle offers a great variety of nice second hand-clothing for women, men and children on Centralgatan in the centre of Karis.
Sineaaria is a self-service flea market in the center of Karis. Here you can find clothes, books and furniture.
Roomage on Köpmansgatan sells both Scandinavian and international vintage design furniture.
RiMi Kirppis is a flea market situated on Köpmansgatan 3. Here you can find everything from furniture to clothing.
Karis Antiquarian Shop is situated in the center of Karis on Köpmansgatan. The store is filled with books and more in several different languages.
Kaippari Ry‘s flea market is situated next to Bio Pallas. In the same building you´ll find a weaving shop and sewing professional.
Missionstorget is situated next to Kanaltorget and it’s a charity second hand shop held by the Swedish speaking assembly. It’s possible to donate to this flea market.
Pohja, Raseborg:
Postilla is driven by the assembly. From this flea market you can find something for yourself or donate products that you don’t need anymore.
If you travel by bus or train, you can buy a special ticket for your pet. Pets are also allowed in Raseborg’s public transport buses, Bosse. You can also take your pet with you on a taxi, as long as you tell the driver in advance.
Nature trails and luscious parks
In Västerby Outdoor Recreation Center both you and your dog will feel good. You can enjoy ascents and downhills, the lush forest and good running trails. In the winter you can enjoy the snow while skiing and your dog can run beside you in the snow. If you have a puppy or children with you, we recommend the Trollskogsrundan, which is a perfect trail for the small ones.
Another nice outdoor recreation are is Pumpviken in Karis where you can walk around a beautiful lake and enjoy the view of green trees reflected in the water. It’s a very popular park and you will surely bump into other dog friends.
If you’re a fan of both the forest and the sea, we suggest visiting Ramsholmen in Ekenäs. In spring your dog can play in the forest while you pick some flowers for a pretty bouquet. You can keep walking over the bridge to Högholmen to experience steep hills and enjoy a sea view at the same time.
Please note that dogs are not allowed to run free in public places, but should be held in leash.
Dog parks in Raseborg
Ekenäs dog park. Metallduksgatan 1,10600 Raseborg. Pojo dog park. Along the road to Klockarudden in Pojo, 10420 Raseborg. Fiskars Dog Park. Fiskarsvägen, 228, 10470 Fiskars, Raseborg.
Time for a swim?
Is your dog in need of cooling itself down during a hot summer day? Then you can visit the dog’s beach in Ekenäs. If you walk from Stallörsparken along Västvallen you’ll see the little beach and hopefully your dog gets to play and have fun with other dogs in the water. Please remember that dogs aren’t allowed to swim in other public beaches.
When hunger hits
It’s important for both the dog and its owner to eat good food during the day, and in Raseborg many restaurants accept dogs in the venue and on the patio. In Ekenäs you can eat a fresh lunch at Cafferie at the market square, where they offer water to all dogs. You can also enjoy a lovely coffee break at the terrace of Café Schjerfbeck on the other side of the market square.
In the evening you can enjoy a cold drink at Baywatch while your little friend is sleeping in the shadow at the terrace. Afterwards you can have dinner at Albatros and watch the magical sunset. Albatros is a dog-friendly restaurant. The terrace of the summer restaurant Niska is also a good option for you and your dog. If in the middle of your adventures you get a craving for a snack, you can always head to Getnabben Grill in the beautiful seascape of Kopparö. If you’re on a day trip to Karis, you can head to Restaurant KW, which serves food from lunch to dinner. Club 18 in Karjaa also welcomes dogs with open arms, except on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings after 9pm, when the dance floor opens up and it’s time for the furry canines to move outside. Mustion Linna and the Restaurant Linnankrouvi also welcome dogs both inside and outside, depending on availability.
Who doesn’t want to bring their best friend when exploring the best attractions of Raseborg? You can go on an adventure to Raseborg Castle area with your dog, although not inside the castle. Your dog can also join you to Slottknektens Stuga for something to eat. Svartå Manor is another castle that welcomes dogs.
If you want to experience the archipelago it’s a great idea to book a summer cruise to Jussarö. Another way to get to feel the sea breeze is to take the ferry to Skåldö and visit Sommaröstrand. Why not share an ice cream with your dog?
Stay overnight with your dog
As Raseborg is a large area with much to see, it’s an excellent idea to stay with us for a longer time. But where could you stay with your pet friend? Several hotels and B&B:s offer dog services in different villages. In Fiskars Village Fiskars Wärdshus offers one room for people with pets. The Torby in Fiskars also offers a few dog-friendly rooms in a separate building. In Ekenäs Motel Marine and Hotel Sea Front also host dogs, but you should remember to let them know about your friend beforehand. Near Karis the cozy Dönsby B&B offers two rooms for staying with dogs. If you’re considering renting a cottage for your stay, you should ask the owner for their rules on having pets with you.
Before you start to plan your visit to Raseborg without a car, it is important to know that traffic-related digital services do not recognize a stop called Raseborg. When you buy tickets online, you should choose e.g. Karis (Finnish: Karjaa), Raseborgs Castle Ruin, Ekenäs (Finnish: Tammisaari) or Fiskars as a destination. Here follows some examples of how to get to some popular destinations in Raseborg without a car.
At Helsinki central railway station, the train going towards Turku usually leaves from platform 12. Get on the train heading towards Turku at 8:36 am. After about 50 minutes of train ride, get off the train when the train arrives at Karis railway station in Raseborg at 9:31. To get from Karis to Ekenäs, walk past the station building towards track 1, where the small train to Ekenäs departs. The regional train departs at 9:36. Its end destination is Hanko, but it also stops at Ekenäs railway station in Raseborg where you hop off after a 13 minute ride. Now you have arrived in the beautiful Ekenäs!
The bus to Ekenäs departs from Kamppi bus station in Helsinki at 12:40 pm Mondays-Sundays during the summer. There are several bus connections per day, of which this is just one. Get on the Ampers bus heading towards Hanko, which usually departs from platform 16. The bus ride takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, so you’ll arrive in Ekenäs in Raseborg at 14:10. In Ekenäs, the bus stops at Ekenäs bus station, next to the railway station.
You are now in Ekenäs in Raseborg, at Järnvägsgatan. Opposite the railway station and bus station where you arrived, you will see, among other things, an S-Market. If you follow Torngatan that goes past the store, you’ll come to Stationsvägen. If you follow Stationsvägen up the hill you will reach Ekenäs center. The road leads into Ekenäs pedestrian street and to town square. At the town square you can continue down to the harbour, the beach, the park and its restaurants, cafes and more. You can also walk to Ekenäs Old Town and walk through the small streets, see Ekenäs Church and enjoy the small-town idyll. To the west of the town square is Raseborg museum and Raseborg’s tourist info. More tips on what to see and do in Ekenäs during a day visit.
You can also travel from Ekenäs to its neighbouring rural areas of Tenala or Snappertuna, where the mighty Raseborg’s Castle ruins can be visited. A fun way to get to these areas is for instance by bike. Bicycle rental points and more tips on cycling in Raseborg.
Journey home
The regional train or bus from Ekenäs railway station to Karis railway station leaves at 18:02 and arrives in Karis at 18:15. At the train station, the train back towards Helsinki soon departs at 18:28 from track 2.
If you prefer to return by bus, a bus leaves from Ekenäs bus station at for example 15:35 and arrives at Kamppi bus station in Helsinki at 17:05.
2024: Turku-Ekenäs
By train (Monday-Sunday)
From Turku railway station, the train departs to Helsinki at 8:31 am. This train stops at Karis railway station in Raseborg at 9:26. To get from Karis to Ekenäs, walk past the station building towards track 1, where the small regional train to Ekenäs departs. The regional train departs at 9:36. Its end destination is Hanko, but it also stops at Ekenäs railway station in Raseborg where you hop off after a 13 minute ride. Now you have arrived in the beautiful Ekenäs!
Bus routes between Turku and Ekenäs are unfortunately not available.
Read more about activities in Ekenäs and its surrounding areas under “In Ekenäs“.
2024: Helsinki-Fiskars
Helsinki-Fiskars by train + bus, Monday-Sunday
To get to Fiskars in Raseborg from Helsinki, you should get on the train at Helsinki central railway station at 8:36 am. The train usually departs from platform 12. The train heads towards Turku, and stops at Karis railway station in Raseborg after a 55 minute train ride. Get off at Karis railway station, where the train arrives at 9:31 am. Follow the sign in the tunnel towards the city center and the bus station. At the end of the tunnel, you’ll see the bus station in front of you. Hop on Raseborg’s public transport buses Bosse towards Fiskars, departing from Karis Travel Center at 9:40. After travelling for about 30 minutes, the bus arrives at Fiskars Village center at 10:10. You are now at the town square in Fiskars. There are multiple bus departures to Fiskars on both weekends and weekdays. Tickets can be easily purchased by downloading the Waltti mobile application on your phone.
At 13:50 the bus departs back from Fiskars bus stop at the town square to Karis travel center. You’ll be at Karis bus station at 14:20. The train back to Helsinki leaves at 14:28. Make your way back to the travel center by going through the tunnel, and then up to track 2, where the train to Helsinki usually departs. Have a nice travel home, and welcome back!
Fiskars Village is a small but culturally and historically very rich village. Fiskars Village is known as a center of Finnish design and art. More about Fiskars Village and its attractions on Fiskars Village website.
Fiskars is blooming with wonderful, small craft shops, cafes and restaurants. You will find them along Fiskarsvägen next to the river, as well as on the smaller streets next to the town square. At Åkerraden you can visit Fiskars Museum, where you can get acquainted with the village and its history through themed exhibitions, time travel, workshops and events. In addition, we recommend for those interested in art to look into Onoma‘s art exhibition or KWUM ceramics museum.
2024: Turku-Fiskars
By train and bus (Monday-Friday)
The journey from Turku to Fiskars in Raseborg starts at Kupittaa railway station. Hop on the train heading towards Helsinki, which departs at 8:31 am. After approximately 1 hour of train ride, get off the train at Karis railway station in Raseborg, where the train arrives at 9:26. At the platform, go down to the tunnel and follow the signs pointing towards the city center and towards the bus station. At the end of the tunnel, you’ll see the bus station in front of you. Hop on Raseborg’s public transport buses Bosse towards Fiskars, departing from Karis Travel Center at 9:40. After travelling for about 30 minutes, the bus arrives at Fiskars Village center at 10:10. You are now at the town square in Fiskars. There are multiple bus departures to Fiskars on both weekends and weekdays. Tickets can be easily purchased by downloading the Waltti mobile application on your phone.
There will be buses going from Fiskars to Karis for the whole afternoon, but please remember to check if the bus timetables work with the departure time of the train you’re planning top take. A journey home could look for example like this: at 13:50 the bus departs back from Fiskars bus stop at the town square to Karis travel center. You’ll arrive at Karis bus station at 14:20. Go through the tunnel towards the train station and up to track 3, where the Turku trains usually depart. The train arrives at 14:32. Get on the train and have a nice journey home. Welcome back to Raseborg!
City Bikes in Raseborg
City bikes have arrived in Raseborg too! We have bike stations in Karis, Fiskars, Ekenäs and Billnäs. The bikes are a handy and affordable way to get to know the nature and different villages of Raseborg. Why not perhaps take a train to Karis, and after that jump on a bike and pedal along the beautiful Railbank route to see both Billnäs and Fiskars? Learn more about the practicalities of using our city bikes here.
In Raseborg you have all you need for a perfect fishing trip. Whether you’re after a chill boating trip with a few tosses of a fishing rod or weeks living a fisher’s life out in the sea, we’ve got you covered! If you don’t have a boat of your own, you can hire one from a local entrepreneur. Raseborg also offers you several fishing trip organizers, who will tailor you all inclusive fishing trips with the newest equipment for both small and bigger groups.
Tips for a perfect trip
We’re happy you’ve picked Raseborg as your destination! Raseborg arcipelago’s small islands and bays are unique in their beauty – we know you will fall in love with them. From our waters you’ll catch for example pike, pike-perch, burbot and whitefish. Remember to also step ashore! You’ll find hidden treasures you don’t want to miss.
In Raseborg there are several guest harbors that will get you in the real archipelago atmosphere. How about dropping by for a coffee in the beautiful Sommaröstrand or in the archipelago village Bromarv? If you fancy exploring the fascinating, lush archipelago nature, make a stop on the national park’s largest island Älgö. There you’ll find a nature trail, a lookout tower and a charming old fisher’s house. The old mining island Jussarö is also certainly worth a visit – the island has a fascinating history as an army base, but the island also surprises with the beauty of its nature. If you want to see more ascetic archipelago environment, visit the islands of Fladalandet or Mondermagan, the previous one protected as a culturally invaluable landscape.
If you want to go camping in the archipelago, you have numerous options. Further from the mainland, you can camp for example in Fladalandet or Mondermågan. You can also camp in other islands per the everyman’s rights. Remember in all cases to check beforehand where camping is allowed, because in some areas of the national park camping is prohibited. There’s also one camping site with broad services in the archipelago, in Kopparö, and another in Ekenäs.
Are you longing for a fishing trip, but don’t own a boat? We’ve got you covered! You can either rent a boat for yourself, or book a guided fishing trip from a professional fisher. Find out more of the fishing services in Raseborg here.
There are local restrictions and rules for fishing in Ekenäs and Raseborg area. Here you’ll find the map, restrictions and instructions Metsähallitus has made about fishing in Ekenäs archipelago national park (Finnish and Swedish). If you need translation or clarification, contact eraluvat@metsa.fi or call the Metsähallitus service number +358 (0)20 69 2424.
Instructions for fishing
What licences and fees do you need to pay for fishing in Raseborg? The fisheries management fee is required in Finland, if you are between 18-65 years old and will be fishing with lures or traps or crayfishing. The amount of the fee for year 2020 is 45€/ year, 15€ / week and 6€/ day, and it entitles you to fish in nearly the whole country using one rod. In some areas and cases however, anglers will also require the permission of the owner of a given water area. The proceeds from the fisheries management fee are used to manage fishing waters and fish stocks, as well as providing advice to anglers and monitoring fishing activity. For more information, please check eraluvat.fi. You can also email eraluvat@metsa.fi or call the Metsähallitus service number +358 (0)20 69 2424.
You don’t need to pay the fee if you’re only ice fishing, hook and line fishing or fishing with a simple herring rig. However, in some areas fishing with these means can also be prohibited or restricted.
Angling with more than one rod and trap fishing require a fishing permit in addition to paying the fisheries management fee. These permissions are sold by the owner of the water area. There are also restrictions in Raseborg’s archipelago in protected water areas, rapids and running waters with migratory fish stocks, and other special locations. Find out about the restrictions here (Finnish and Swedish) and more information here.
Are you a local and wishing to fish with traps? Find out information about fishing permits in Raseborg’s water areas here (Finnish and Swedish).
Take care of your safety
Remember to mind yours and your crew’s safety! Before heading out to sea, make sure you have the skills and equipment you need. Make sure someone that stays on the shore knows where you’re headed and when you plan to return, and always check the weather forecast beforehand. Find out more about safety and responsibility here.
Remember to consider other boaters and the people living on the shores. Locals thank you for keeping a distance to their cottages and docks! When fishing, remember also to keep at least a 50m distance from marked traps, and take care of the beautiful archipelago nature.
Fishing etiquette
On the water, remember to follow the good fishing etiquette. For example the following is good to keep in mind:
Make sure you have the required permissions. Make sure that when needed, you can show you’ve paid the required fees etc.
Pay attention to other boaters and locals.
Remember that the parking lots and docks are used by everyone.
Fish only as much as you will eat.
Avoid fish planting areas.
Make sure to stun and cool your catch right away.
Take care of the environment, so it’ll always stay as beautiful as it is.
Today there are still many craftsmen in Ekenäs, including shoemakers, watchmakers, furniture upholsterers and restaurateurs, carpenters, seamstresses and a framing shop. Ekenäs’ cosy bakeries and cafés are very popular, as are the market days on Wednesdays and Saturdays, especially in summer.
The streets of the Old Town are still inhabited. You can carefully look over the fences to the gardens as you stroll on the narrow alleys. So called gossip mirrors, decorative gates and window ornaments in different designs are nice details to look at. At Christmas time, those walking around the Old town can see a glimpse of a Christmas tree, an old tiled stove or a beautiful mirror door.
Stroll along the seashore
Basa Square next to Stallörsparken is a suitable starting point for a walk along Västvallen. There you can enjoy the sea views. The old shame pole in Basa Square recalls the days when public punishments were common.
At the beginning of the walk you pass the Old Sauna, a large brick building that was built in 1903. It was built as a bathhouse for the Russian high society. The building was the city’s public sauna until the late 1960s.
During the walk along the beach you can admire the Old town’s wooden houses, small boat harbours and lush parks. At Södra viken is the small, beautiful Våghus Park, with memorial stones to two Knights of the Mannerheim Cross, Tor Lindblad and airman Hans Wind. In Våghus Park you can also see when paddlers steer off to sea. In the Skepparträdgården Garden, which is a short walk away, you can ring the bell that is part of the artist Helene Schjerfbeck’s memorial.
Ekenäs is a seaside town. There are harbours of various kinds, beaches in the center of the town, and rocky beaches on Ramsholmen and Högholmen. In winter, the sea hides under the ice, but the winter bathers continue swimming at the swimming facility at Stallörsparken. About one kilometre from the center is Ramsholmen’s park forest area where both locals and tourists go to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet of nature.
In the middle of Ekenäs city center in Raseborg you can find Ekecenter, a marble and brick building designed by Alvar Aalto for Ekenäs Savings Bank. Aalto got a free rein to design the building and its interiors. The construction work began in the summer of 1967, and the building was completed already that same fall. The bank moved in and the Piazza restaurant, also designed by Aalto, opened in the second floor of the building. The restaurant is open for lunch and it also offers catering services. Inspired by Aalto, the Piazza Restaurant also offers a special Bank Manager’s menu, which includes a brief introduction to the fascinating history of the building.
Villa Skeppet
Alvar Aalto, picture taken by Göran Schildt.
Villa Skeppet is another building representing the characteristic style of Alvar Aalto. The history of the building originates from the friendship of Alvar Aalto and the author Göran Schildt. Aalto and Schildt met for the first time already while studying, but they did not become close friends until many years later. They were both interested in e.g. Mediterranean culture and made several trips together.
When Göran Schildt lost his home, Villa Itaka in Helsinki, the architect friend offered to design a new home for Schildt. Schildt only had to choose a suitable lot. He chose a quiet place close to nature in his wife Christine’s hometown Ekenäs. Aalto designed Villa Skeppet as a gift for the couple. The planning and construction of the villa was done in 1969-70, the building being the last home Aalto designed. After Aalto’s death in 1976, Göran Schildt wrote a multipart biography of his good friend.
In Villa Skeppet Alvar Aalto carried out many of the distinctive ideas and design solutions that he had developed over the years. Aalto was inspired by Göran Schildt’s great passion for sailing and Mediterranean culture and made this part of Villa Skeppet’s design. The most outstanding feature of the building is the sail-like roof, which connects the two different parts of the building. The living room is characterized by large windows overlooking the beautiful garden and the sea, as well as by an open fireplace sculptured by Aalto himself.
In 2018, Villa Skeppet was donated to the Christine and Göran Schildt Foundation. The foundation opened the villa for the public in December 2020.
Visiting the buildings
The Ekenäs Savings Bank building can be viewed at Stationsvägen 6, 10600 Raseborg. The entrance of Restaurant Piazza is located in the passage between Ystadsgatan and Stationsvägen.
Villa Skeppet can be admired from the outside at Snäcksundsvägen 8, 10600 Raseborg. You can visit the house by booking a guided tour here. Please note that it is not allowed to enter the property.
Alvar Aalto Route
The Alvar Aalto Route connects all sites designed by Alvar Aalto’s architectural office into a fascinating cultural travel route across Europe. Together with the Ekenäs Savings Bank building and Villa Skeppet, Raseborg can proudly be part of the route. In addition to destinations in Finland, you can visit Aalto’s masterpieces in countries such as Estonia, Germany, France, and Italy.
The first thing to do when you arrive in Ekenäs is to stop by a local cafe or Raseborg museum just 120 meters from the market square, and grab a map. This way, you will quickly grasp the town’s structure and also find out what’s going on in Ekenäs. From the stairs of the old Town Hall by the market square, you can get a glimpse of the Ekenäs church tower.
If you are in town on a market day, that is Wednesday or Saturday, wander around the market. There you can enjoy the atmosphere and taste local treats. If you want to have a nice cup of coffee and maybe some local pastries, head to one of the cozy cafes by the market place.
The heart of Ekenäs
Follow Stora Kyrkogatan to the church, which is the heart of the Old Town. The construction of the church began already in the early 1650s, and it took another 20 years to finish the building. Damaged by the fire that raged in the Old Town in 1821, the subsequent reparation of the building transformed the church. Step in and let the children meet Siffe the Church Rat.
Outside, the church is surrounded by charming wooden houses and a small park. The trees offer a perfect hiding place from the sun.
Continue from the church park towards Basatorget. In the corner of this old market square, a pillory reminds of public punishments in the old days.
Seaside idyll
After Basatorget, the next stop on our outing is Stallörsparken. There the children play in the town’s most popular playground, the Lion Park. The beach is filled with swimmers and sunbathers and all kinds of events are held.
On summer Tuesdays, the evening market on Strandallén brings together locals and summer guests. Here visitors can hunt bargains or enjoy delicious crêpes in the Finnish way.
On the other side of the beach, at the end of Strandallén, stands one of the town’s most important landmarks, namely restaurant Knipan. It is said that when the restaurant was planned, the restaurant quota of Ekenäs was already filled and therefore the construction of Knipan wasn’t authorized. However, a loophole was found, and that is why Knipan was built on poles in the sea.
The North Harbour is located on the right side of Strandallén, along which there are several terraces and restaurants where you can enjoy the seaside view or follow the incoming summer guests.
From Stallörsparken, we turn left to walk along Västvallen. Take in the sea scenery, spot swan couples and look into the winding roads of the Old Town.
The charming Old Town
Turn to Linvävaregatan and enter the Old Town. Around Christmas time, you can peek into to the windows of the old wooden houses and see how the homes are filled with Christmas lights and decorations. Further down the street, there is a pink wooden house that is considered to be the oldest house in Ekenäs.
If you are feeling thirsty, step into the charming Café Gamla Stan at Bastugatan. Enjoy tasty cakes and a cup of coffee under the apple trees in the garden or in the cozy 18th century cottage. If you happen to visit around Christmas, the café also hosts a Christmas cottage.
From the café, we continue to Fisketorget, where the fishermen used to gather to sell their catch. You can walk along the pier that starts from the old market square and goes around Södra viken. Make a stop in the park and ring the bell of Helene Schjerbeck’s monument.
From the park Skepparträdgården, you can see the tree tops of the over 35 metre high trees of the Forest Park Ramsholmen. In the shadows of the trees, it’s easy to relax while listening to the birdsong. After a walk, what’d be better than to have a little dip in the sea? But that we’ll have to leave to the next time you are visiting Ekenäs!
Now it’s time to return to the town square. If you have some time left, why not go round the boutiques on the oldest pedestrian street in Finland, Kungsgatan, or go back to Stallörsparken, where you can enjoy the view while tasting delicious food and refreshing drinks at the different restaurants and terraces?
Helene Schjerfbeck was very fond of the sea, walks in the Old Town and excursions to the Ramsholmen forest park area. She spent much of her time in Skepparträdgården park painting and watching people. Helene did, in fact, paint a lot of portraits of ordinary people with interesting facial features in Ekenäs. Nowadays the memorial The Finnish Untuned Bell, which children like to ring, is set into the park. It was created as a permanent monument to celebrate the artist’s life’s work.
Ekenäs, the hometown
Helene Schjerfbeck lived in several locations in Finland and abroad. The artist spent the summers 1918-1920 in Ekenäs, and lived permanently in the town during years 1925-1941. She chose to live in Ekenäs because she wanted to live close to the sea. Her first apartment was in the old Juslin house on Långgatan (Raseborgsvägen 2). The house was demolished a long time ago, but there is now a memorial and Helene Schjerfbeck Square. For some time Helene also lived in the yellow house next to the Fish Market in the Ekenäs Old Town as the tenant of Sigfrid Nyberg. This house still stands.
Dramatized walks with Helene Schjerfbeck
Dramatized walks are held in Ekenäs where Helene herself will guide you through the interesting phases of her own life and the history of Ekenäs. She will show you the parks and buildings that she was inspired by and tells about her friends that modelled in her portraits. For bookings, please contact cafeschjerfbeck@gmail.com.
In addition to the dramatized walk, groups can book a guide to the Schjerfbeck exhibition in Raseborg Museum, a letter read, or painting with the artist. The museum’s permanent exhibition presents Helene’s works and items that belonged to her.
Here are our best tips for experiencing history in Raseborg:
Visit the charming seaside town of Ekenäs
Photo: Johan Ljungqvist
Start from the Tourist service point in Raseborgs Museum, and pick up a map and an architectural guide to the Old Town. Make your way to Linen Weaver’s Street (Linvävaregatan), the oldest street in the city. Here, the streets have stayed frozen in time since the 16th century. The street names such as Hatter’s Street (Hattmakaregatan), Linen Weaver’s Street (Linvävaregatan), Cloth Weaver’s Street (Handskmakaregatan), Smith’s Street (Smedsgatan) and Tanner’s Street (Garvaregatan) reveal the skilled artisan tradition of Ekenäs, and describe how the townspeople made a living hundreds of years ago. Peek into the grey stone church, built in the 1680s, and scope out the valuable communion cup from the 1600s. Cross the market square and wander onto Kungsgatan (King’s Street), the oldest pedestrian street in Finland. Turn right about halfway up, and visit Wi-Box café for beautifully crafted pastries and confectionery.
The meticulously restored Svartå Manor with its unique park and White Guide Nordic-listed restaurant is a must-see. Today Svartå Manor functions as a museum, and the interior is restored to its original state with its different tiled stoves, Gustavian furniture and of course the original parquet floors. Book a guided tour to see all the rooms. Or, take a stroll in the beautiful park. It is a true retreat for the soul with its winding paths, romantic bridges, statues, and the unique water lily path over the water. Round out the day with some fine dining in the lovely Slottskrogen restaurant.
Raseborg Castle
Raseborg’s castle, photo Johan Ljungqvist
Turn back time at the stately Raseborg Castle ruins near the historic village of Snappertuna with its beautiful little church. Pop into Slottsknektens stuga, Finland’s first tourist cottage which was built in 1893 right next to the castle, and enjoy some lunch or a cup of coffee. You can then participate in a guided tour, or explore the nooks and crannies of the castle on your own. Or, pack a picnic and relax on the lawn in the shade of the ruins. The castle is usually open from late April until the end of September, when the castle goes to sleep for the winter.
Historical villages of Fiskars and Billnäs
Time stands still at the former ironworks villages of Fiskars and Billnäs. Experience these villages as they once were. The villages offer a cultural landscape with beautiful architecture, historical industrial buildings, rivers and rapids, well-maintained parks and intriguing events.
Fiskars Village, photo Ahmed Alalousi
Upon arrival in Fiskars, you will pass some old houses; among these the Assembly Hall and the hotel and restaurant Fiskars Wärdshus, after which the village road opens up. The buildings connected to the production of iron are lined up along the road: the Granary, The Old Mill, Copper Smithy, Hotel Torby, and the Glass Studio. Participate in a child-friendly DIY workshop, or visit a glassblower and blow your own glass figurine before taking a lunch break in the charming bookstore Café Antique. Try their delicious soup, or the aromatic cinnamon rolls with some coffee.
Billnäs village, photo Ahmed Alalousi
Billnäs village is located in a beautiful area by the Svartå river and the old King’s Road. The fascinating village has, like Fiskars, had a central role in the establishment of Finnish industry, and has been gradually restored. Visit Billnäs Chocolate Factory and taste their delicious hand made chocolate. You can also witness the production processes through glass windows that separate the shop from the factory.
Malmbacka charcoal village
Malmbacka charcoal village is a short drive from the Raseborg Castle Ruins. Here you can learn how charcoal was produced in the 17th and 20th centuries for the use of the ironworks in Western Uusimaa. The area contains three old charcoal hearth bases, one of which has been restored. You can book guided tours and overnight stays in huts or simple log cabins all year round, but in September the kilns are lit again and you can experience the magic of the past. Read more about Malmbacka: malmbacka.fi
