On Valentine’s Day, or Friendship Day as we call it in Swedish-speaking Finland, it’s important to show love and consideration to those closest to you. Perhaps you want to take your newfound love out on a date, spoil your partner, or simply show appreciation for friends and family? In Raseborg’s diverse and idyllic small-town setting, you’ll find everything you need to make the day extra special. Here are our top tips!
Stay Overnight
Valentine’s Day falls on a Friday this year – perfect for treating yourself and your partner to a romantic hotel night. Stay in a historic atmosphere at Billnäsin Ruukki Hotel or the unique boutique hotel Billnäs Gård. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the donkeys that live in the hotel’s donkey stable. If you’re in the historic Fiskars Village, you can spend the night at the stylish hotel The Torby, located in the old Finsmedjan where the workers once forged iron.
For an extra touch of luxury, you can book a night at one of Finland’s most treasured manor houses, Svartå Manor. The castle is beautifully nestled in the lush surroundings of the historic Svartå River. Don’t miss the guided tour (in Finnish) on February 15, themed “Romantic Svartå – Love Stories from Svartå Manor.” If you are in Ekenäs, it’s worth staying at one of the charming accommodations like Hotel Sea Front or Motel Marine. At Motel Marine, you can book the sauna for a low price or relax in the outdoor hot tub under the stars.
At all of these hotels, you can also enjoy a rich breakfast – is there a better way to start the day?
Yummy Moments
A restaurant visit is a classic choice for Valentine’s Day – but how do you know where to go? In Raseborg, you’ll find a wide range of restaurants offering something for every taste. Ekta Gastropub in Ekenäs is a new favorite, with a rotating menu and its own brewery producing delicious beer and cider. At the picturesque Ekenäs small boat harbor, Bistro Höijers offers a romantic atmosphere and a menu of modern classics.
For a fine dining experience, book a table at Billnäsin Ruukki Restaurant, located in one of the former industrial buildings on the ironworks site. On February 15, those who want to celebrate a bit more can also join a champagne tasting at the restaurant. Slottskrogen at Svartå Manor offers a specially designed Valentine’s Day menu by candlelight and a crackling fire. Be sure to book a table in advance to guarantee your spot. In Fiskars, Fiskars Wärdshus, inspired by French cuisine, and Kuparipaja are excellent choices. The family-run Restaurant KW in Karis is also a local favorite.
Activities
Raseborg offers a wealth of activities to add a special touch to your Valentine’s Day. Start the day by awakening mind and body with a refreshing winter swim, followed by a visit to the sauna. In Raseborg, you can rent a sauna and enjoy a winter bath at locations like Svartå and the meeting and event hotel Calliola in Snappertuna. If you prefer more relaxed activities, a visit to Finland’s oldest cinema Bio Forum or Bio Pallas could be the perfect way to spend time together.
For those interested in delving into culture and history, there are several exciting options. Explore Chappe, Raseborg’s museum, or take a stroll through the Old Town in Ekenäs. A visit to the historic villages Billnäs and Fiskars is also a must. In Fiskars, you can join a guided tour of the drink production process at the Fiskars Knife Factory. Taste beverages from all the brands produced at their facility: Fiskars Brewery, Ägräs Distillery, Noita Winery, and Suomenlinna Brewery.
Looking for a bit more action? Challenge each other to a game of bowling or test your teamwork in an escape room (in Swedish). For a creative twist to the day, try glassblowing or join a chocolate-making class where you can make delicious treats together.
Don’t miss the stunning nature during your visit to Raseborg. Spend quality time with a refreshing winter walk in areas like Västerby Outdoor Area, Gumnäs Trail, or Forest Trail Rissla. Pack some tasty food to grill at one of the barbecue spots along the trails and finish the day under the starry sky.
We hope our tips have inspired you for an unforgettable Valentine’s Day in our beautiful Raseborg!
Ski trails, skating rinks and Påminne ski center in Raseborg
If you’re lucky enough to get real winter with snow on the ground, it’s lovely to be outdoors and get healthy, rosy cheeks. In Raseborg there is a large selection of winter activities. Påminne, southern Finland’s highest ski center is certainly many people’s favorite. There are various slopes for downhill skiing, as well as a park with rails and jumps for snowboarding.
Ice skating is a very popular winter activity. It’s possible to skate near most schools, but also at the Ekenäs market field (beside the Flemingsgatan -street, by the public indoor pool), and Karis sports field. More information on ice hockey rinks and ice rinks in Raseborg here.
In Aktia Ishallin Karis you can skate indoors free of charge on Fridays and Saturdays! On Fridays between 15:30-17:00 you can skate witha hockey stick, and on Saturdays between 13:30 and 15:30 you can skate without. NOTE! The time tables might change – have a look at the calendar for more information.
Snow-free activities
Even though it is snow-free, there is always something to do in Raseborg. Why not take a winter hiking trip? Enjoy the beautiful nature in Ramsholmen forest park in Ekenäs or the unique nature in the Dagmar Park with its famous spring. If you are looking for a longer walk, we recommend Rissla Forest Trail in Fiskars or The Enchanted Forest Trail in Västerby recreation area (both about 5-6 kilometres). If you prefer to walk in an urban environment, the Old town of Ekenäs and Fiskars Village are excellent destinations. One of Finland’s most valuable manor houses, Mustio Manor, is an impressive attraction. Visitors are always welcome to stroll and enjoy the beautiful castle park, even if the castle happens to be closed.
Indoor activities
In addition to all the great opportunities for outdoor activities, there are also a lot of different types of indoor activities. Ekenäs indoor swimming pool has a large pool, rehabilitation pool, a whirlpool and children’s pool with a slide and of course, saunas. If you like bowling, you can visit Ekenäs Bowling Hall with its eight courses. You can also play tennisindoors in the center of Ekenäs and there’s also indoor Padel courts in Horsbäck and in Karis (▷ Karis Padel).
If you want to do something completely different, we have two, lovely cinema theatres. The latest movies are often shown here. In Karis you will find Bio Pallas and in Ekenäs Bio Forum.
Fiskars Village is also an excellent destination for those who like to stroll around in small shops and go to exhibitions. In Raseborg there are also several flea markets and second hand shops, where you can find affordable, excellent books, furniture, clothing or other useful things.
If you are hungry or otherwise just want to have something tasty, there is a nice selection of cosy cafés, lunch places and restaurants where you can taste local produce. Please always check the winter opening hoursbefore going.
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!
Culture thrives in Raseborg, and the amount of our cultural events rises every year. Here are a few tips on Raseborg’s annual cultural events. Remember to check our events calendar for the most recent and relevant updates on all kinds of cultural events!
Art: crafts, design and exhibitions
Many artists have settled in Raseborg for its inspiring and peaceful environment. Their works and products can be bought in various neighbourhoods and villages, as well as in their own workshops and studios. But be sure to check opening times or call before you visit – the artists sometimes go out in search of inspiration. All sorts of products are available, including fabrics and clothing, jewellery, bags, rugs, scented candles, etc. For more information and contact details, see the crafts -category.
Handicrafts, Finnish design products, quality exhibitions and a wide range of events at Fiskars Village – fiskarsvillage.fi. Fiskars has a number of craft boutiques and is nationally known as a home for craftsmen and artists.
Handicrafts and sewing in Ekenäs e.g. Liia Jewellery and Hennas sewing studio. Tammisaari is home to a number of artists and designers whose products can be bought in Fiskars and in some cases from online shops. On the town’s promenade you can also find, for example, Werner Framing and Gallery, which makes handcrafted picture frames.
Charming retro-style movie theaters Bio Forum in Ekenäs and Bio Pallas in Karis – bioforum.fi, biopallas.net.
Events, festivals and markets
Ekenäs Film Festival in March offers high quality Nordic films at Bio Forum and Culture House Karelia.
The super-popular Antiques Days at both Fiskars and Billnäs ruuks attract thousands of visitors in July. The ruuks are located close to each other, so you can visit both events to make some great finds. See more about Fiskars Antique Days and Billnäs Heritage and Antique Days.
The artist Helene Schjerfbeck’s anniversary will be celebrated with a variety of events: schjerfbecksallskapet.fi/en.
Ekenä’s classical summer concerts have already established a firm place in Raseborg’s summer music programme. The themes of the concerts change every year. The festival’s artistic director Jukka-Pekka Saraste and the Finnish Chamber Orchestra offer an enjoyable musical experience with high-quality concerts.
Open studios throughout Raseborg at Konstrundan: you can visit the artists’ studios and get to know their works and working methods.
The Karis Book Bazaar is an annual literary event. The programme includes pop-up events, poetry, interviews with authors, etc.
Swedish-language literary festival Bokkalaset in Ekenäs: interesting people, interviews, children’s programme, workshops, evenings, etc. The event offers a great language and cultural experience in one package.
The traditionalEkenäs Autumn Market attracts around 25 000 visitors every year, making it one of the largest market events in Finland. The market has been held for over 280 years and offers delicacies, two carnivals, handicrafts and a fun programme for the whole family. The event takes place at the Tammisaari market square, right next to the swimming pool.
For food lovers, ,Raseborg’s second super event, the Slow Food Festival at Fiskars Village, is on the agenda. Launched by the Slowfood Västnyland association, the big event gathers local food lovers for a two-day event every year in early October. The event features a wide range of high-quality local and artisan products and a varied programme.
The extensive outdoor area in Västerby is the city residents’ meeting place for outdoor activities of various kinds. Here, skiers, orienteers, exercisers, mountain bikers, frisbee golfers and nature lovers meet. The approximately 1,500 ha large outdoor recreation center consists of varied terrain with hiking trails, ski trails and picnic areas.
The popular outdoor recreation center has a new and updated map, to make your visit even more enjoyable. In addition to a new map, the outdoor recreation center has also received some news, such as exercise stairs, a roller ski track and a barbecue hut easily accessible with a pram and wheelchair.
The map of the outdoor area can be downloaded from the link below or be picked up from the tourist information service in Ekenäs.
Raseborg is geographically a very wide municipality. Therefore, there is no better way to get acquainted with the area than from the bicycle saddle. Here you will find cycling routes for bothroad and mountain biking, through idyllic landscapes and partly along the old King’s Road. Along the routes you can visit cozy villages and historical sights in Raseborg.
At the Fiskars Village Trail Center, you can cycle along varied and scenic mountain bike trails. If you like long-distance cycling, we recommend the Coastal Route, that connects Raseborg, Hanko, Kimito Island and Salo.
Whether you enjoy outdoors or indoors, the autumn holidays in Raseborg offer something for everyone. The diverse range of nature trails invites you to go and discover the nature and its cones, rocks and trees. Discover what nature has to offer or go on a geocaching or Vevi adventure. Explore the city’s exciting history in the old iron works or Ekenäs old town. Or enjoy a cozy fairy tale in one of the city’s six libraries.
Here are three reasons to visit Raseborg during the autumn holidays.
1. A wide range of activities
As the largest city in Uusimaa province, by area, Raseborg is both diverse and rich in activities. Here you can find for example a wide range of nature trails with the mix of nature, culture and history. Pack a tasty snack and enjoy a break in the middle of nature. In Västerby outdoor recreation area, Kopparö, Gumnäs as well as at some other outdoor destinations, there is the possibility of a barbecue area.
Do not forget geocaching either – Raseborg is an excellent place for this and the search for hiding places makes wandering in nature guaranteed to be more exciting.
Curious to see the best view of Ekenäs? Pick up the key to the old water tower from the RaseborgMuseum, climb 164 steps and admire the magical view!
If you enjoy riding a bike, there are several nice bike routes that takes you between villages and historical sites. For the more adventurous, Fiskars Village offers excellent mountain bike routes in beautiful surroundings. The city bikes are also available until the end of the month.
For the smaller ones in the family, there is a wide range of different playgrounds, so go and discover the city’s 36 playgrounds. Among the children’s favourites are Lejonparken in Ekenäs, Fiskars playground and the new adventure course at Pumpviken in Karis.
When the evening darkness falls and the autumn chill sets in, it’s the perfect time to move your activities indoors. Raseborg has a wide range of activities to choose from – for example, you can visit the public swimming pool, watch a film at one of the two cinemas, try bowling or play padel. Aktia ice hall in Karis also organises public ice skating on Fridays and Saturdays from 4th October!
The public pool in Ekenäs offers Friday Fun on Fridays for children who can swim, from 5 PM to 7 PM. During two hours, children can use the pool’s water toys and other equipment in lanes 4-6. On Fridays from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM, the swimming pool has a Relax session, which means dimmed lighting, a calm atmosphere, and soothing music.
2. Exciting history
Although the city of Raseborg is only 15 years old, its districts and villages hold a much older history than that. In the old iron works in Svartå, Billnäs and Fiskars, you can learn more about the history behind the old iron mills. In order for the old iron mills to once function, coal was produced in the forests of Snappertuna. In the coal village of Malmbacka, you can learn about the history behind coal production.
In the old town of Ekenäs, you can walk along the narrow streets, admire the old wooden houses and imagine how the life in the city used to be. You get clues from the street names in the old town, which reveals how the townspeople made their living. Here, the streets have existed in the same place since the 16th century. The oldest remaining houses are from the 18th–19th centuries.
Learn more about Raseborg and book a talented guide with you. Choose your field of interest and learn more about the old iron works, the old city of Ekenäs or perhaps one of the beautiful natural areas.
3. Diverse cultural life and locally produced delicacies
Let your imagination and creativity flow during the autumn holidays! Try glassblowing in Fiskars or book a chocolate class in Billnäs. Or immerse yourself in the world of fairy tales in one of the city’s six libraries. The city’s library offers books in at least 28 different languages. On Tuesday 15 October, the reading dogs Scooby and Atlas will visit the libraries in Karis and Ekenäs!
Combine history and culture and visit interesting museums. For several of the city’s museums, the Museum Card serves as payment. At Raseborg Museum, you can take part in Helene Schjerfbeck guided tours in Swedish or Finnish. Admission to Fiskars Museum is free during 16th-18th October, where you can solve fun picture puzzles.
Treat yourself with something delicious and fill your stomach with local delicacies! Visit cozy cafes, versatile restaurants and traditional markets during your visit. In Raseborg there is also a dense network of local food lovers, producers and organic farms.
Smaller and larger events are also organized around the city, so take a look at Raseborgs event calendar to see what is happening during your visit. The event calendar is continuously updated.
Bonus reasons
• Raseborg is located halfway between Helsinki and Turku, so it is easy to travel to Raseborg by public transport as well as by car.
• Raseborg offers a diverse range of accommodation, from cottages to castles and hotels, so extend your stay and discover all the fun that can be found here.
• Raseborg is a bilingual city, with Swedish as the majority language, so during your visit you can practice both local languages - if you want.
Raseborg is continuosly developing the public transportation system to make it smoother and more accessible, also for our visitors! During the summer of 2023, the entire ticket and timetable system has been renewed and is now known as Bosse. You can take the train to Karis and then hop on the local Bosse bus to experience the versatile and exciting neighborhoods in Raseborg.
Travel to the peaceful archipelago village of Bromarv and enjoy a delicious meal at a local restaurant or explore Bromarv’s highest mountain (60m), Vaktkojberget, through a digital nature trail. There are also multiple daily bus tours to Ekenäs, where you can stroll among charming red cottages in the idyllic old town. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the newly opened art museum Chappe. Buses also conveniently take you to the historic Billnäs and Fiskars ironworks in Raseborg. Get off the bus at the ironworks to learn more about their fascinating history. Explore workshops, galleries, and historical buildings to gain a deeper insight into their cultural heritage and enjoy everything they have to offer.
All bus timetables and routes in Raseborg can be found in the new travel planner, which is part of Bosse, and you can travel on them using Bosse tickets.
Tickets
All ticket options are conveniently accessible through the Waltti Mobiili app! You can download the app for free from Google Play or the App Store. Alternatively, you can purchase a Bosse travel card, which allows you to load it with credit. These travel cards can be purchased from the Waltti online shop, R-kioski in Ekenäs or Luckan in Karis. The cost of a Bosse travel card is 5 €.
Ticket Options
Single ticket – Suitable for those travelling occasionally in the region. The single ticket is valid for 120 minutes. Single tickets can be purchased:
in Waltti Mobiili – 3,20 €
by obtaining a Bosse travel card and loading it with credit – 3,20 €
from a service point (R-kioski in Ekenäs, Luckan in Karis) – 3,40 €
on the bus with bank- or credit card – 3,40 €
Daily ticket – Suitable for those wanting to travel much under one day. The ticket is valid for 24 hours. Daily tickets cost 8,00 € and can be purchased:
from Waltti Mobiili
by obtaining a Bosse travel card and loading it with credit
from a service point (R-kioski in Ekenäs, Luckan in Karis)
on the bus with a bank- or credit card
30-day ticket – Suitable for those travelling on a regular basis. This ticket offers unlimited travel for the duration of its validity, allowing you to travel as frequently as you desire within that time frame. 30-day tickets cost 60,00 € and can be purchased:
from Waltti Mobiili
by loading the 30-day ticket on your Bosse travel card from the Waltti online shop or from a service point (R-kioski Ekenäs, Luckan Karis)
Value ticket – Suitable for those travelling a few times a week/month. With the Bosse travel card, you can load value that decreases as the card is used. With the value ticket, you can pay for single and day tickets on the bus. Value tickets can be purchased:
by buying a Bosse travel card and loading it with an optional amount in the Waltti online store
by buying a Bosse travel card and loading it with an optional amount in a service point (R-kioski in Ekenäs, Luckan in Karis)
Children aged 0-6 travel for free when accompanied by a paying passenger. Children under 7 travelling on their own need to purchase a child ticket.
PLEASE NOTE! Timetables and tickets for bus transportation going outside Raseborg are available on Matkahuolto’s website. Raseborg’s internal bus transportation is not visible on Matkahuolto.
Take the opportunity to enjoy the scenic surroundings and attractions of Raseborg and travel with Bosse, which will take you wherever you want in a comfortable and more sustainable way. Welcome to explore Raseborg with Bosse as your travel companion!
Luckan Raseborg sells tickets to various events through Netticket, Lippupiste and Ticketmaster Suomi.
The stately Svartå Manor also serves its local customers and can help with booking guided tours, accommodation or perhaps reserving a table to have a good meal at Slottskrogen-restaurant.
The Frimans Diversehandel-shop in Tenala village serves tourists all year round when the village shop is open. Here you’ll find information and some maps and brochures about Raseborg. In the authentic Village Shop you’ll find a bit of everything including a gourmet shop. Restaurant Bakfickan operates in another traditional building connected with the shop. Address: Sockenvägen 19, 10520 Tenala.
This summer, Raseborgs sommarteater presents the well-known adventure story of The Three Musketeers based on Alexandre Dumas’ novel. The family musical follows the eager d’Artagnan and his clever sister Sabine as they become embroiled in controversy, betrayal and romance. From grand Baroque pieces to modern ballads, these young heroes and their comrades – the conquering Athos, the humorous Porthos and the humble Aramis – take us on a musical adventure in 17th-century France. Don’t miss this summer’s musical, guaranteed to lift the spirits, warm the soul and offer a magical view of the castle ruins! The play will be performed between 27 June and 4 August 2024. Tickets can be purchased in advance here.
The play is in Swedish.
SUMMER THEATRE AT SVARTÅ MANOR
Theaters, concerts and stand-up performances are filling the summer stage next to the beautiful castle park at Svartå Manor. Among this summer’s performances you will find e.g., the theatre of the hilarious comedy Vaimoni on toista maata. Read more about the play and other performances here (in Finnish).
All plays and performances are in Finnish.
SUMMER THEATRE IN TENALA
Enjoy a small-scale theatre in the heart of Tenala, when SKOTT r.f. is performing a classic in a new guise on the Museigården stage – Alice i det underliga landet. The play is entertaining for all age groups and will be performed from 3 July to 28 July 2024. Buy tickets here.
The play is in Swedish.
Check out our event calendar for more tips on what’s happening in Raseborg.
