Coastal Route

Enjoy the stunning archipelago and cultural landscapes by bike – take the beautiful and versatile Coastal Route! The 150 km long cycle route connects Hanko in Uusimaa with Kimito Islands in Southwest Finland thanks to a new boat connection. The route runs through four ironwork villages and connects treasures of Southern Finland's most beautiful forest, lake and archipelago landscapes.

Are you dreaming of an active cycling holiday in magnificent scenery? Try the wonderful Coastal Route along the Finnish south coast! The route is about 150–200 kilometres long, and ties together the municipalities of Raseborg, Hanko, Kimito Islands and Salo. During your journey you get to enjoy historical surroundings, wonderful archipelago views, amazing nature and comfy accommodation.
Please note that some parts of the route are heavily trafficked, for example the short bit on road 52. We encourage all cyclists to be extra cautious while travelling on these particular passages.

Start your cycling adventure in Ekenäs

The picturesque coastal town of Ekenäs in Raseborg is an excellent place to start the Coastal Route. In Karis, trains stop from both Helsinki and Turku. You can also easily buy a train ticket that entitles you to take your bike on the train. From Karis it’s a 18km journey to Ekenäs. In case of bad weather, you can also take your bike on the local train between Karis and Hanko.

In the historical Ekenäs there is a great variety of beautiful places to experience, the lovely Old Town, the pretty beaches, parks and outdoor areas. Take a walk on the beautiful Ramsholmen, swim in the sea or enjoy the evening on a restaurant terrace. More tips about Ekenäs’ attractions can be found here. Sleep well in a hotel, Ekenäs camping or a cozy B&B. Accommodation options are many, but remember to book in time, especially for the summer’s busiest months! The following morning you can eat well and begin your journey towards Hanko via the beautiful Dagmar’s park in Leksvall.

Stop by Dagmar’s park

Dagmar’s park, also known by the name Källviken, is a wonderful forest area by the sea. It covers an approximately 40 hectare nature conservation area. In the middle of the park there is a natural spring, which, like the whole park, is named after Danish-born Princess Dagmar. The princess’s life became part of Finnish history when she became Empress Maria Fjodorovna of Russia. Dagmar’s spring is bursting into the sea at Källviken, near the beach, where there is also a memorial that tells of the emperor couple’s visits to the site. Fill your drinking bottle with the crystal clear water, which is said to make you eternally young.

Continue your journey through the former mill and saw village of Skogby, where you can, among other things, get acquainted with the wartime bunker Irma that belongs to the sights of Hanko front museum. You can also take a well-deserved break at the cozy Villa Kosthåll.

More routes with lovely landscapes

After Skogby, the journey continues via Lappvik and Tvärminne towards Hanko, where you can enjoy the beautiful archipelago scenery and open horizons. The following day you will cycle aboard the boat to Kasnäs (or to Bengtskär by another boat and then on to Kasnäs). Read more tips for your time in Hanko – the local tourist information’s list is full of great ideas.

From Kasnäs you can head for example to the beautiful Kimito Islands, or pedal towards Salo region and the village of Mathildedal and Teijo National Park.

Alternatively you can cycle back from Hanko towards Raseborg, and make a quick visit to the village of Tenala. There you can for example visit the beautiful church and try the local cheese at Frimans Diversehandel. If you’re heading back towards the train in Karis, make sure to drop by the idyllic ironworks villages of Fiskars and Billnäs!

Whichever route you choose, you’ll undoubtedly realize how much Southern Finland has yet to offer – and that biking is the perfect way to get the most out of it. To make other cyclists curious, please tag #visitraseborg and #coastalroutefinland to your social media posts – thank you!

Read more about the route and the boat communications at kustrutten.fi.