Experience the colourful market atmosphere and wide selection of products at the Ekenäs Autumn Fair on 24–25 September! In addition to a variety of market goods, the traditional amusement park area offers entertainment for the whole family. The traditional autumn fair takes place at marknadsplan (Flemingsgatan 19) in Ekenäs.
The market’s official opening hours are Thursday 24 September from 8:00–21:00 and Friday 25 September from 8:00–20:00. The amusement park is open on Thursday 24 September from 12:00–20:00 and Friday 25 September from 12:00 to 21:00.
An Eventful Autumn
After a summer full of events, there is still plenty of energy left for an eventful autumn in Raseborg. Raseborg hosts a large number of autumn events, from vibrant music festivals to colorful food markets.
Here are a few highlights of the autumn events. Check out Raseborg’s Event Guide for more tips on upcoming activities.
17–23 Aug – Celebrate love and equality at Raseborg Pride.
3–4 Oct – Slow Food Festival held for the first time in Billnäs Village.
23–25 Oct – Spooky and cosy programme during The Dark Weekend spread around the city.
After a day full of fun activities, you can curl up in the comfy chairs of one of our two retro style cinemas, Bio Forum in Ekenäs or Bio Pallas in Karis.
Harvest Season with Local Delicacies
Did you know that Raseborg is a real paradise for lovers of locally produced food? Our city is righteously proud of our large number of fresh and unique local food products and the many skillful entrepreneurs behind them. For a foodie the best time to travel to Raseborg is undoubtedly autumn, when our markets are brimming with wonderful harvest products.
If the local market schedules don’t fit your plans, you can always order products from the local REKO food Facebook groups of either Karis or Ekenäs . Orders are placed in advance on Facebook, and you can pick up your purchases at the joint distribution event on Fridays. Handy, don’t you think?
Raseborg has a broad network of farmers, producers of local food and other entrepreneurs that make unique artisan products. Some producers have authentic farm shops where you can buy their products. Stop by Mörby Farm Shop, Potatisboden in Tenala, or Tallbacka Trädgård’s self-service stand in Bromarv, which stays open until the temperatures drop below freezing.
Additionally, the Slow Food Festival is arranged for the 15th time this year, and for the second time in Billnäs Village. Here you will have the opportunity to discover, taste, and enjoy good, clean, and fairly produced local food!
The summer restaurants in Raseborg are soon winding down for the season, but many restaurants welcome guests throughout the autumn and winter months. Explore Raseborg’s selection of restaurants and cafés here.
Sports and Outdoor Activities
In Raseborg, nature is always close by, and autumn brings out its most beautiful side. You can take a walk in old forests, find your way to the shore of a beautiful lake, and fall in love with the calming nature of the archipelago. On top of the wonderful views, many of the nature trails also have historical value.
If you want to experience the beautiful colours of autumn, Forest Park Ramsholmen and Billnäs Village are two excellent places to visit. In Raseborg, the autumn colours are usually at their best from late September to mid-October.
For hiking enthusiasts, Västerby Outdoor Recreation Centre is a great option. In the area we recommend hiking around the popular Enchanted Forest Path, that offers both old forests and beautiful lake views. Or why not take a ferry trip to admire the wonderful archipelago scenery of Kopparö nature trail on Skåldö? Even in the historical ironworks villages of Billnäs and Fiskars you can hike in the beautiful, historically interesting trails. You can check out all our region’s nature trails here.
For people that feel at home in the saddle of a bike and aren’t afraid of challenges, the mountain biking routes of Fiskars Village Trail Center are the best pick. The center has several routes of different degrees of difficulty, all in magnificent scenery. While biking you get to enjoy the fresh fall air and afterwards you can satisfy your hungry stomach in one of the popular restaurants in Fiskars.
The opportunities for outdoor activities and nature experiences don’t end here. How about going for a horse-riding trip or checking out one of our many disc golf or padel courses? Or how does bouldering in Västerby Outdoor Recreation Centre sound like? For golf enthusiasts Raseborg also offers three excellent golf courses. Check all the alternatives for sporty activities here.
Guided Tours
Thanks to its far-reaching history, Raseborg is filled with exciting stories and funny anecdotes. We have plenty of stories to tell about our region’s interesting people and villages, and the changes they have experienced during the years.
Book a professional guide and time travel in our historical destinations. Contact a guide directly or by filling in the contact form on Raseborg Guides’ website. The association will help tailor a tour to suit your specific wishes.
Is there a better way to spend a day indoors than at a museum? Visit a museum or one of the several art galleries in Raseborg. In Ekenäs, you get to visit both the famous Chappe art museum and the new Helene Schjerfbeck exhibition at Raseborgs Museum, with the same entrance ticket. The museums also regularly organize free guided tours. While you’re at it, you can also check out the neighboring Galleri Elverket, which has free admission. In turn, Fiskars offers the KWUM ceramics museum, the Fiskars Museum about the village’s history, and several smaller exhibitions scattered around the village.
In both Ekenäs and Karis, you have the opportunity to combine beautiful art with a library visit. In Galleri Perspektivet at the Ekenäs library, both school groups and professional artists exhibit their works. During the summer, you can also purchase decommissioned books from the Ekenäs library for a small fee. At the libraries you will definitely find entertaining reading for your visit in Raseborg. In Karis, you will find the culture center Fokus, which has a library, a gallery and a small café. The building also houses the Tryckeriteatern, where you can enjoy theater, concerts and stand-up comedy. In Raseborg, there are libraries in Ekenäs, Karis, Tenala, Pojo, Bromarv and Svartå. See more about the opening hours here.
Activities
For a more active day, you can visit the KEIV climbing gym or theBowling hallin Ekenäs. For sports enthusiasts, there are indoor courts to rent for both tennis and padel at Karis Padel and Ekenäs Tennis Club. Despite the rain you can still play disc golf thanks to Jyms frisbee golf- and ice hockey simulator. For some mental gymnastics you can visit Escape Room Raseborg. End the day by relaxing in a comfy chair in front of an exciting movie at Bio Forum or Bio Pallas.
Don’t let rainy days be bad news; instead, let them create opportunities to collect unforgettable experiences! Book a chocolate class at Billnäs Chocolate Factory. During the class you get to create your own sweet treats and taste several kinds of chocolate. Sounds like a dream, right? In Fiskars, you can try glassblowing, wood carving, candle making and painting classes, among other things. More information about workshops in Fiskars is available on the Fiskars Village website.
For a truly relaxing experience, Raseborg offers a variety of services. Book a soothing massage, a facial treatment, or refresh your hairstyle at one of our many hair salons. See more about the services offered in Raseborg here. Rain is also no obstacle to relaxing in a warm sauna. For example, saunas can be found in most accomodation options; read more about Saunas in Raseborg.
What does Raseborg have to offer?
Bad weather is also an excellent excuse to do some secondhand shopping. Did you know that there are several secondhand stores in Raseborg? Visit the Vintage Centre Måll in Karis and while you are at it, peek into several other flea markets located on the nearby streets Centralgatan and Köpmansgatan. In Ekenäs you can find bargains at Emmaus, Trollet or Sagoland Antiques. You can customize a second hand shopping tour with the help of this list of thrift- and vintage stores in Raseborg. Also, check out our event calendar for flea market and antique events.
Why not taste something new to brighten up the mood on a gray day? Book a table or make a spontaneous visit to one of our fantastic restaurants. Try locally brewed drinks at Ekta, interesting pizza from a menu that changes by the season at YLP!, or an atmospheric dinner at Restaurant Kw. Finer services and tasting experiences can be found at Restaurant Linnankrouvi in Svartå, at Billnäs Bruk and at Fiskars Wärdshus. In Raseborg, there are also several cafés offering a cozy atmosphere where one can either engage in lively discussions or quietly immerse oneself in an exciting book. A list of restaurants and cafés in Raseborg can be found here.
What happens in Raseborg?
Wondering what is happening in town during your stay here? You find most of the organized events in our events calendar. Most events are concentrated to the summer months, May to August, but there are both bigger and smaller events organized all year round. For example, many restaurants often host smaller music-events of which information might only be found at the social media pages of the restaurant in question. Welcome to Raseborg!
Karis is a very central location when travelling in Raseborg. Its architecture, rich cultural offering, and lush nature trails make it an attractive destination. From Karis, you can easily continue to Ekenäs, Fiskars, Billnäs, Svartå, and Bromarv.
You can reach Ekenäsby train from Helsinki or Turku by changing to the H-train in Karis. During the summer, there is also a direct train connection from Riihimäki to Ekenäs.
From Ekenäs, you can continue your journey by bus to destinations such as Snappertuna and Bromarv, or even head to the archipelago by boat.
Billnäs is easily accessible by bus from Karis, (Summer Schedule here). Once you’ve arrived in Karis, make your way to the historic Billnäs Ironworks Village to sample local chocolate, purchase handmade crafts, or visit Billnäs Gård.
Bromarv
The beautiful archipelago landscapes of Bromarv can even be reached directly from Helsinki by bus. You can also hop on a bus in Karis or Ekenäs. Bromarv offers the idyllic Padva Beach, a popular summer market, and several restaurants.
In Snappertuna you can visit the impressive ruins of Raseborg Castle as well as the renowned Raseborg Summer Theatre. Snappertuna can be reached by bus from Ekenäs.
Pojo
Pojo is a historic and nature-rich part of Raseborg where medieval cultural heritage meets a wide range of outdoor activities. The village is easily accessible by bus from Karis, (Summer Schedule here).
The archipelago
Dreaming of the archipelago but don’t have your own boat? In Raseborg, you can still enjoy the islands without a private vessel.
For example, there is a boat connection to the island of Jussarö from Ekenäs Harbour. You can conveniently arrive in Ekenäs by train or bus and continue by boat to this spectacular destination in the Ekenäs Archipelago National Park. Skåldö can be reached by ferry.
Read more about archipelago transport in Raseborg here.
Did you not find a suitable alternative for you or your group?
Journey planners can help you find the most convenient route:
Midsummer is a festival of solstice and light in Finland, celebrated this year on June 19–20 2026.
Traditional Finnish Midsummer festivities feature flowers, dancing, bonfires, and relaxing saunas where people traditionally use birch branches. In Raseborg, raising Midsummer poles and visiting Midsummer markets are also important traditions.
In Finland, Midsummer is a major national holiday that it celebrated throughout the country. The holiday is also associated with magic and various beliefs to try to ensure a good harvest or a good marriage.
What does Midsummer in Raseborg have to offer?
Wednesday June 17
The Old Town Association of Ekenäs (Föreningen Gamla stan i Ekenäs) raises a traditional Midsummer pole in the park Lindan , located by Västvallen in the Old Town. Once the pole has been raised, everyone is welcome to join a community picnic from 17:00–19:00, featuring music, games, and dancing around the Midsummer pole for children.
Midsummer market at Baggö Marina between 15:00–19:00. Pizza, waffles, coffee, tea, soft drinks, ice cream, Midsummer hostess gifts, and much more will be available for purchase.
Friday June 19 (Midsummer Eve)
A Midsummer celebration will be held at Raseborg Castle from 15:00–18:00. The festival is organized by the local village association and is free and open to everyone. Activities include live music, the raising of a traditional Midsummer pole, rodeo riding, and sausage grilling.
In Bromarv, you can buy summer delicacies at the Midsummer market from 8:30–13:00.
On Kopparö, Midsummer is celebrated with a traditional football match, sauna, and live music.
In Sandis café, Nicklas Grönholm takes the stage at 21:00, so dust off your dancing shoes and head to Sandnäsudd for a relaxed and fun midsummer evening.
Raseborg tourist information in Raseborgs Museum is closed June 19–20. We provide service again by telephone and e-mail from Monday June 22. The opening hours of shops, cafés and restaurants may also vary during Midsummer, so it is a good idea to check these in advance.
Take a look in the Raseborg’s event calendar for more information about upcoming events during the summer.
We keep our fingers crossed for beautiful midsummer weather, and we wish you all a happy midsummer!
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.
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.
For the summer, 30 city bikes will arrive in Raseborg and renting a bike is easy: download a mobile app called Donkey Republic from your app store and check the nearest station with bikes available. After choosing your bike, you will unlock the bike via the app and the rental time will begin. After your bike ride you will pay the price according to the length of your rental time. The Donkey Repulic system is being used also for example in Porvoo and Imatra, as well as bigger cities like Berlin and Copenhagen.
You can rent a bike for an hour or for example for the whole day. Fifteen minutes costs a euro and an hour will be two euros. A month-long pass costs nine euros, and with it you can pedal as many max. hour-long journeys as you wish. Users can also book a month-long membership or a pass for the whole season (check the price list below). The pass allows you to use the bikes in Raseborg, but also in other cities using the Donkey Republic system.
During the season bike stations can be found in Ekenäs, Karis, Billnäs Village, Pojo and in Fiskars Village. See a map of the bike stations here.
Prices List
You can rent a bike for fifteen minutes or why not for the whole day. You can also book a pass for a month or even the whole season (May-October). The passes can be used in every city that uses the Donkey Republic city bike system.
15 min – 1.00 € 30 min – 1.50 € 1h – 2.00 € 4h – 5.00 € 1 day – 12.00 €
One-month Pass 9€/month
Unlimited number of rentals up to one hour.
Season Pass 35€/Biking Season
One hour of biking per each rental with unlimited number of rentals! Each season will last at least until the end of October, and with good weather it can also be extended.
Stations
Stations are located at central train stations and other key locations across Raseborg. Find all locations here. Station locations may change during the season.
Contact Information and Support
If you run into a problem, please contact the customer service at +358 44 71 606 44 – the service is open for seven days per week at least at 9:00-21:00.
You can ask for on-site help with bike problems or about anything related to the service by calling the customer service number. In the Donkey Republic app, you can also report an error directly. The service is provided by the company Kaakau oy. You can contact the company via email at info@kaakau.fi.
The Finnish Civil War between the Finnish Whites and the Finnish Reds resulted in tragic losses. Over 37,000 people were killed, and the war left deep wounds that had a strong impact on the history of newly independent Finland. In Raseborg, numerous memorials have been erected in honor of those who lost their lives in the wars.
The prison camp in Dragsvik was put into use by the Finnish Whites in 1918 during the civil war. Approximately 3,000 Finnish Reds who died of hunger and hardship in terrible conditions are buried here. The camp has one of the highest death rates in the country – almost one in three of the prisoners brought to the camp lost their life. In 1951, a memorial made of red granite, created by Uuno F. Inkinen, was raised at the site of the camp. In 2008, the memorial was accompanied by a permanent exhibition with information about the history of the prison camp. On the 100th anniversary in 2018, thousands of people gathered to honor the memory of the deceased.
There are also memorials dedicated to the Reds at the church cemetery in Pojo, at St. Olof’s cemetery in Karis, at the cemetery in Bromarv, and at Tenala cemetery. At the new cemetery in Ekenäs, there is a memorial for the German soldiers who aided the white side in the war and was unveiled in 1922.
The Winter and the Continuation War
The Second World War left its mark on Raseborg. If you’re interested in the life of soldiers on the front lines, you can visit Hanko Front Museum located on the border between the cities of Hanko and Raseborg. The museum tells the story of the Hanko front during the war with its exhibitions, bunkers and trenches. While you’re there, take the opportunity to visit Irma Bunker museum, just 5 km away, which is open in the summer and showcases everyday life in the bunkers. Towards Hanko, you will also find the Mannerheim Memorial Stone, erected in memory of the time when Marshal Mannerheim received the troops that recaptured Hanko from the Soviet Union.
Until 2009, Ekenäs and the city of Ystad in Sweden had a long-standing partnership as twin towns. In Ekenäs, you will find the statue Måsarna(Seagulls), which was erected in memory of the help that Ystad gave to Ekenäs during the war years 1939–1944. The seagulls fly towards Ystad, and the memorial was unveiled in 1963
Ekenäs is also home to Pansarstenen, a tank memorial put up by veterans of Tammidivisionen who fought bravely on the Hanko front. Nearby in Våghusparken, you’ll find the Mannerheim Knights Memorial, honoring double Mannerheim Knight Hans-Henrik Wind and Mannerheim Knight Tor Lindblad.
In the new cemetery in Ekenäs you will find the War Memorial “Nytt liv” – New Life, created by Gunnar Elfgren and B. Mattson (1952). At Snappertuna church you can find more hero graves in memory of those who fought for the freedom of Finland.
Other historic gems
The area of Raseborg has a rich history dating back to the 12th century. In Ekenäs you will find the King Gustav Vasa Memorial Stone. Gustav Vasa founded Ekenäs in 1546 and the statue was erected in honor of the city’s 400th anniversary in 1946. Close by at Basatorget, you will come across a pillory that was used in medieval and Renaissance times as a form of punishment and public humiliation.
Older war history can be found in Karis, for example the Landsbro Monument, commemorating the Battle of Landsbro in 1713 – a battle between Sweden and Russia and was sculpted by Bertel Nilsson in 1934.
Raseborg Castle was built in 1370s on a rock that was surrounded by sea at the time. It was constructed as the administrative centre of Western Uusimaa and was meant to keep watch over the shipping and trade in the Gulf of Finland. The castle was an important military base, and was presumably meant to defend Swedish interests against the successful Hanseatic town Reval (Tallinn, Estonia). The castle was abandoned in 1558 after Helsinki and Ekenäs were granted town charters. It laid deserted for more than 300 years.
Malmbacka in Snappertuna is a culturally and historically significant traditional charcoal village, where you can spend the night. Here you can enjoy our beautiful nature year-round, make hiking and bicycle trips, spend vacation days, and experience countryside peace and quiet at its best. The village consists of charcoal workers’ huts and small timber cottages, without electricity. Every year, Malmbacka hosts the traditional Charcoal Burner’s Weekend, where visitors can experience the magic of historic charcoal production.
If you want to go even further back in history, you can discover the Ramunder Rock in Ekenäs, which is a giant boulder from the Ice Age. According to legend, the stone was hurled at the giants by the mighty Ramunder.
The beautiful old fire tower in Ekenäs was designed by architect Constantin Kiseleff and built in 1875. The tower served as a prison until 1898, when the prison was moved to the basement of the Old Town Hall. Today, the old fire tower is privately owned.
Whether you’re interested in more recent history or ancient artifacts, you will surely find something of interest in Raseborg. Take the opportunity to discover the past of Raseborg, either with one of our professional guides or on your own. A brief summary of interesting monuments and sculptures in Raseborg can be found here.
The word sauna is the most internationally recognized Finnish word. With around 3.2 million saunas in the country, one can say that the sauna is a deeply rooted tradition in Finland. This means that all Finns could bathe in saunas simultaneously if they wished. Impressive, isn’t it?
Sauna bathing is a significant part of Finnish culture and is often something foreign visitors look forward to experiencing when they come to Finland. In Raseborg, there is a wide range of saunas available for private booking, offering visitors an authentic Finnish sauna experience.
Traditional Saunas
Kopparö Recreation Area – Located on the beautiful and tranquil island of Skärlandet in the Raseborg archipelago, Kopparö Recreation Area is easily accessible by ferry from Ekenäs. Here, you can enjoy the sauna all year round, both during public sauna sessions and private bookings. Be sure to explore the scenic trail that winds across the island, with several grill spots where you can stop to enjoy your own packed meal.
Motel Marine – offers affordable and comfortable accommodation right in the heart of Ekenäs. Their popular sauna is open to both overnight guests and outside visitors. The sauna accommodates around 10 people and can be booked at the reception for 8€ per person per hour. Outside visitors also pay a heating fee of 18€. For a touch of extra luxury, you can book the motel’s outdoor hot tub and enjoy the fresh air between sauna sessions.
Malmbacka – Nestled in the beautiful forests of Snappertuna, you’ll find the Malmbacka charcoal cabin. Up to six people can enjoy the wood-fired sauna, Anna. At Malmbacka you’ll get to experience the authentic sauna experience when chopping the firewood and heating up the stove yourself. While cooling off on the sauna steps, you might even catch a glimpse of moose or deer in the surrounding forest.
Raseborg Spa & Resort – Located by Kvarnträsket in Antby, just a few kilometers outside Karis, Raseborg Spa & Resort offers a spacious sauna and a large swimming pool in its spa area. The sauna and pool are available to both hotel guests and non-staying visitors. The sauna and pool area can also be booked for private use, and during private bookings, the bar remains open for an extra enjoyable experience.
Torparrian – In the scenic village of Tenala, Torparrian offers a smoke sauna that’s perfect for those seeking a truly special sauna experience. Unlike the drier heat of a traditional sauna, the warmth of a smoke sauna is softer and more enveloping. Next to the smoke sauna, you’ll also find a so-called wilderness bath, where you can sit back and relax under the open sky in 37-degree water. The smoke sauna can accommodate around 20 bathers.
Billnäs Bruksboden – The former village shop at Billnäs Ironworks, Bruksboden, has been given new life as a sauna and a venue for conferences or private events. The sauna features two changing rooms and can accommodate up to ten people at a time. From the sauna, you can enjoy views of the riverbank landscape along the Svartå River and the historic ironworks.
Ekenäs Public Pool – Here you can combine swimming or water aerobics in the pools with a relaxing visit to the sauna. The facility offers two traditional saunas and two steam saunas, one for men and one for women
Sauna + Cold Swimming
If you want to enjoy sauna bathing and winter swimming like a local, head to Stallörens badinrättning in Ekenäs. Warm up in the sauna and take a refreshing dip while enjoying beautiful views of Knipan Beach. The sauna is open during the winter swimming season (October 1–April 30). By paying a seasonal fee, you’ll have access to the sauna and changing facilities throughout the entire period. The fee is paid in Ekenäs Public Pool.
The meeting and event hotel Calliola offers several unique saunas for different occasions and groups of different sizes. Calliola is located in the stunning archipelago of Snappertuna, where you can enjoy cold-water swimming in winter and cool off in summer. Here, you can relax in the spacious two-storey sauna Merilöyly with a sea terrace, or choose one of the charming retro-style beach saunas, Isolöyly and Pikkulöyly.
For those looking to enjoy a sauna in a historic setting, the grand Svartå Manor is an excellent choice. The Orangery, a former greenhouse, now serves as the sauna building. It features two separate saunas, one for six people and another for twelve. Between sessions, you can relax in the charming lounge area. From the Orangery, it’s just a short walk to the pier, where you can take a refreshing dip in the Svartå River.
Sometimes it feels good to step away from daily life and head out into nature. In Raseborg, there are plenty of ways to do just that. Take a deep breath, set your own pace, and soak in the beauty of the outdoors. Many of our hiking trails are equipped with grilling areas, making it easy to combine your trip with a break by an open fire. Whether you prefer a spot by the water, at the forest’s edge, or near your car, there’s something here for you.
Before lighting up your fire, please check if there are any current wildfire warnings in the area. Open fires, including campfires and disposable grills are strictly prohibited during wildfire warnings, even at designated grilling areas.
Here are a few examples of our favourite grilling areas in Raseborg:
Kopparö
If you’re longing for the archipelago, Kopparö is a great choice. After a short ride on the Skåldö ferry, you reach a 9 km nature trail with three well-equipped grill areas. At the start of the nature trail, you need to cross a bridge that is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
There are plenty of trees and brushwood on the ground around the barbecue areas that can be used to make a fire. Fires are only permitted in the covered barbecue areas at the rest stops. Each barbecue area has tables and outdoor toilets.
Map of the Kopparö nature trail available here. Address: Fåfängövägen 57, 10600 Raseborg
Västerby
The Västerby Outdoor Recreation Centre offers scenic trails, peaceful forest and several grill spots, some with lake views, others nestled among the trees. The area covers 1,500 hectares and serves as a meeting place for exercisers, skiers and nature lovers. You’ll also find shelters and dry toilets. Visiting Västerby is perfect if you want to make your outing a little more special.
The Västerby outdoor recreation area is located on Tenalavägen (road 52), approximately 5 kilometres from the centre of Ekenäs.
Note! The grill hut in Västerby is currently out of use.
A map of Västerby Outdoor Recreation Centre can be found here.
Gumnäs
The Gumnäs outdoor trail in Pojo is 3.8 kilometres long and winds through varied natural surroundings to a barbecue hut at the tip of the peninsula. The new barbecue hut, built by Pojo kyrkoby byförening rf in autumn 2024, provides a pleasant spot to take a break and eat your packed lunch. The location is peaceful and atmospheric, next to a small beach with cliffs where you can sit down and look out over the water. Visitors are kindly asked to bring their own firewood for the grilling hut.
More information and map available here. Address: start next to the Pojo dog park by Gamla Åbovägen, 10420 Pojo
Rissla Forest Trail
The 4 km Rissla forest trail starts at the parking area in Fiskars and winds through quiet woods to a rest area where fires are permitted. Along the nature trail, you will also pass several places of historical interest, such as the Rissla dam and the Rissla hydroelectric power plant. The power plant was built in 1899 due to Fiskars Village’s increased need for electricity. It is a good idea to bring your own firewood to the barbecue area.
More info and a map available here. Address: Långdalsvägen 6, 10470 Raseborg
Korpudden
Along the short nature trail at Korpudden, Svartå, there are two barbecue areas: a covered grill and a simpler fire pit. The trail is 1.5 kilometres long and winds between impressive cliffs and the water to Lojosjön. Along the path, you’ll reach a viewpoint that offers a magnificent view over the lake. The beautiful and peaceful scenery has a calming effect, even on the most restless mind. There is also an outdoor toilet available.
Read more about Korpudden here. Address: Hållsnäsvägen 519
Malmbacka
Malmbacka is a cultural-historical private area located in the countryside in Snappertuna. Here you can barbecue under the open sky or in the barbecue hut Thelma. You take care of the barbecue yourself by chopping wood and lighting the fire. Primitive cooking equipment such as pots, pans, etc. can be borrowed from the barbecue hut. Charcoal can be purchased if needed. Advance booking is required and costs 10€ per adult for two hours.
Address: Norrbyvägen 45, 10600 Snappertuna
Lagmans Beach
Lagmans Beach and Camping is located in Snappertuna and is maintained by the city of Raseborg. On warm summer days, you can take a dip in the sea, and on crisp autumn evenings, sit under the barbecue shelter to enjoy your packed lunch and the peaceful scenery. The barbecue shelter is located right next to the parking lot. Visitors need to bring their own firewood or charcoal. There is also an outdoor toilet on the site.
Address: Våruddsvägen 217, 10710 Raseborg
Please remember to respect nature and fellow visitors by keeping areas clean and tidy. Want more tips on hiking destinations in Raseborg? Check them out here.
