There is five ironworks villages in Raseborg - Antskog, Billnäs, Fiskars, Svartå and Åminnefors. The oldest is Svartå Ironworks, which was founded in 1560. During the following century, three more ironworks followed: Antskog in 1630, Billnäs in 1641 and Fiskars in 1649. The Åminnefors ironworks was established as recently as 1875.

The iron foundry work has long since stopped, and has been replaced by new activities and events which have thankfully enabled the milieu of the ironworks to remain alive. The names of the buildings still reflect the spirit of a bygone era of iron smelting and production: Copper Smithy, Kardusen, Old Plough Factory and a former iron foundry are found in Fiskars, and the aptly-named Big Smithy and Tool Storehouse in Billnäs.

A visit to one of the ironworks communities is rewarding both for the environment and the events held there. Fiskars, for example, is rich in museums, exhibitions and craft of world famous designers, Billnäs for its long series of summer events. In Svartå you can find one of the most important manor houses in the country. It is still the largest habitable wooden building in Finland (not including churches). The manor house is situated in beautiful parkland, and includes a fine restaurant. You can enjoy a guided tour of the manor, and you may even encounter a ghost...

www.antskog.fi / www.billnas.fi / www.billnas.net / www.probillnas.fi / www.fiskarsvillage.fi / www.mustionlinna.fi