Day trip to Ekenäs
Are you planning a day trip to Ekenäs but not sure what to do or where to start? We’ve gathered the best tips so you can enjoy the town’s idyllic atmosphere. Thanks to the H local train line, you can now travel directly from Riihimäki to Ekenäs. During a six-hour day trip, you’ll have time to see and experience a lot!
This summer you can once again travel directly from Riihimäki to Ekenäs without changing trains. The regional rail service between Riihimäki and Ekenäs, which launched last summer, proved to be a great success. From 22 June to 26 July 2026, a direct connection to the unique town of Ekenäs will run every day of the week. All aboard the summer train!
Delicacies in Ekenäs
When you arrive in Ekenäs feeling hungry, your may want to head straight to one of the town’s many cozy lunch spots, all just a short walk from the train station. On your way to the town center, you’ll pass Lunch Restaurant Piazza, designed by Alvar Aalto himself, as well as the French-inspired restaurant Ribs and the local favorite, Santa Fé.
After lunch, it’s a good idea to pick up a city map to help you get around more easily. You can find one at the tourist information point located in Raseborgs museum, just about 150 meters from Ekenäs market square. This way, you will quickly grasp the town’s structure and also find out what’s going on in Ekenäs. Maps can also be downloaded from this page.
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, it’s worth stopping by the square to browse the stalls and enjoy the goods offered by local vendors.
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.
Seaside Idyll
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.
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. After Basatorget, the next stop 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 the other side of the beach 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. Enjoy the seaside view or follow the incoming boats from the terraces and restaurants by the harbour.
The Charming Old Town
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. Turn to Linvävaregatan and enter the Old Town. Further up 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 cosy garden.
From the café, we continue to Fisktorget, 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 Forest Park Ramsholmen. In the shadows of the trees, it’s easy to relax while listening to the birdsong. On your way to Ramsholmen, you can also admire Villa Skeppet, the last private residence designed by Alvar Aalto.
As you walk back toward the city center, you will soon see the award-winning art museum Chappe. By showing your train ticket, you will receive a sleep mask for free with your ticket purchase. The offer is valid while supplies last.
At the nearby Raseborg Museum, a new Helene Schjerfbeck exhibition opens on June 12. The artist lived in Ekenäs from 1925 to 1941, and the town served as an important source of inspiration for her work.
If you still have time, you can stroll through the charming small shops along Finland’s oldest pedestrian street, Kungsgatan. Head also back toward the beach and enjoy the selection of outdoor cafés and terraces.
Want to get even more out of your visit to Ekenäs? Book a guided tour or take part in an event!