Raseborg offers a wide range of boat rental services, making it easy for both visitors and residents to explore the beautiful archipelago on their own. In Raseborg, boats can be hired from Ekenäs Camping, Gullö Gård, Elimostrand and Hummeldal – perfect for fishing or other boating activities.
This summer the boat rental company Skipperi introduces two new concepts in Raseborg: a pop-up boat rental in Ekenäs, but also a form of AirBnb rental for boats, where both private and professional boat owners can rent out their boats to others. Boat rental has been a great success in recent years and has helped more and more people to realise their dreams of a summer sailing trip or a long voyage in our beautiful archipelago.
Walking along the North Harbour in Ekenäs, you may notice two boats moored outside Hamnterrassen. They belong to the Finnish company Skipperi, founded in 2017, which has developed its concept of making the boating industry more sustainable and accessible to everyone, both in Finland and abroad.
Skipperi offers two different memberships to rent their boats
Skipperi Fleet membership is a monthly membership with three levels, giving access to boats in Ekenäs and over 20 other harbours in Finland, as well as internationally in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, New Zealand and Canada. The boats are available from May to October, depending on the weather.
The second membership is a local membership specifically for the rental boats in Ekenäs. For a one-off fee, the boats can be used during the best boating season 20 June – 11 August. In addition to the one-off fee, you pay a usage fee, which varies depending on the length and timing of the hire. You can find the local offer for Skipperi boats on their website www.skipperi.fi (only in Finnish).
The boats are equipped with everything from life jackets to a modern chart plotter. Skipper Academy training videos and practical training on the water are included, so no previous boating experience is necessary.
Rent out your boat and earn money
The second part of Skipperi’s business is to provide a platform through which both individuals and companies can rent out their own boats and make money from it. This has many advantages and benefits boat owners, renters and the tourism industry of the city. Currently, there are 755 boats available for hire through Skipperi, with a wide range of boats to choose from, both on a daily and weekly basis. Boat owners can choose their own tenants, when the boat is available for hire and what it costs.
For more information on Skipperi’s services and conditions, and detailed instructions on how to rent a boat, please visit the Skipperi website in Finnish, www.skipperi.fi.
Dark Weekend is an event-filled weekend arranged by locals to celebrate our beautiful villages’ and regions’ history and fascinating stories. Arranged in Halloween, the event will offer the Western-Uusimaa hygge in the form of for example storytelling nights, themed meals, night museums and ghost adventures – not to forget the delicious, locally produced foods and drinks!
Due to the pandemic the weekend will be composed of a multitude of smaller events, arranged following the current recommendations. If you have questions about any of the events, please contact the organizer of the specific event.
The Dark Weekend is a themed event arranged together with the cities of Raseborg and Hanko, as well as local organisations, companies and event organizers. All the event organizers can freely announce their events in the cities’ event calendars, where the public will easily find all information regarding the event.
With the summer bus you can effortlessly visit Hanko’s and Raseborg’s greatest destinations! Stop for a seaside coffee in Ekenäs or visit idyllic Billnäs Village’s brand new terrace! The bus route has been made possible through a collaboration between the city of Raseborg and Hanko.
Summer bus timetable 17.6-14.8.2021 (changes possible)
Thursday-Saturday from Hanko to Fiskars Hanko at 9:30 a.m. Ekenäs at 10:00 a.m. Karis at 10:20-10:35 a.m. Billnäs at 10:42 a.m. Pojo at 10:50 a.m. Fiskars at 10:55 a.m. Antskog at 11:00 a.m. (if needed)
Thursday-Saturday from Fiskars to Hanko Antskog at 14:55 p.m. (if needed) Fiskars at 15:00 p.m. Pojo at 15:05 p.m. Billnäs at 15:12 p.m. Karis at 15:20-15:35 p.m. Ekenäs at 15:55 p.m. Hanko at 16:25 p.m.
Before you start to plan your visit to Raseborg without a car, it is important to know that traffic-related digital services do not recognize a stop called Raseborg. When you buy tickets online, you should choose e.g. Karis (Finnish: Karjaa), Raseborgs Castle Ruin, Ekenäs (Finnish: Tammisaari) or Fiskars as a destination. Here follows some examples of how to get to some popular destinations in Raseborg without a car.
Note! Remember to check train schedules on VR’s website or mobile app. Timetables and routes may vary due to track work.
At Helsinki central railway station, the train going towards Turku usually leaves from platform 12. Get on the train heading towards Turku at 8:35 am. After an hour of train ride, get off the train when the train arrives at Karis railway station in Raseborg at 9:35. To get from Karis to Ekenäs, walk past the station building towards track 1, where the small train to Ekenäs departs. The regional train departs at 9:49. Its end destination is Hanko, but it also stops at Ekenäs railway station in Raseborg where you hop off after a 11 minute ride. Now you have arrived in the beautiful Ekenäs!
The bus to Ekenäs departs from Kamppi bus station in Helsinki at 12:40 pm Mondays-Sundays during the summer. There are several bus connections per day, of which this is just one. Get on the Ampers bus heading towards Hanko, which usually departs from platform 10. The bus ride takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, so you’ll arrive in Ekenäs in Raseborg at 14:10. In Ekenäs, the bus stops at Ekenäs bus station, next to the railway station.
You are now in Ekenäs in Raseborg, at Järnvägsgatan. Opposite the railway station and bus station where you arrived, you will see, among other things, an S-Market. If you follow Torngatan that goes past the store, you’ll come to Stationsvägen. If you follow Stationsvägen up the hill you will reach Ekenäs center. The road leads into Ekenäs pedestrian street and to town square. At the town square you can continue down to the harbour, the beach, the park and its restaurants, cafes and more. You can also walk to Ekenäs Old Town and walk through the small streets, see Ekenäs Church and enjoy the small-town idyll. To the west of the town square is Raseborg museum and Raseborg’s tourist info. More tips on what to see and do in Ekenäs during a day visit.
You can also travel from Ekenäs to its neighbouring rural areas of Tenala or Snappertuna, where the mighty Raseborg’s Castle ruins can be visited. A fun way to get to these areas is for instance by bike. Bicycle rental points and more tips on cycling in Raseborg.
Journey home
The regional train or bus from Ekenäs railway station to Karis railway station leaves at 18:07 and arrives in Karis at 18:20. At the train station, the train back towards Helsinki soon departs at 18:36 from track 2.
If you prefer to return by bus, a bus leaves from Ekenäs bus station at for example 15:35 and arrives at Kamppi bus station in Helsinki at 17:05.
2025: Turku-Ekenäs
By train (Monday-Sunday)
From Turku railway station, the train departs to Helsinki at 8:33 am. This train stops at Karis railway station in Raseborg at 9:27. To get from Karis to Ekenäs, walk past the station building towards track 1, where the small regional train to Ekenäs departs. The regional train departs at 9:49. Its end destination is Hanko, but it also stops at Ekenäs railway station in Raseborg where you hop off after a 11 minute ride. Now you have arrived in the beautiful Ekenäs!
Bus routes between Turku and Ekenäs are unfortunately not available.
Read more about activities in Ekenäs and its surrounding areas under “In Ekenäs“.
2025: Helsinki-Fiskars
Helsinki-Fiskars by train + bus
To get to Fiskars in Raseborg from Helsinki, you should get on the train at Helsinki central railway station at 11:35 am. The train usually departs from platform 12. The train heads towards Turku, and stops at Karis railway station in Raseborg after an hour long train ride. Get off at Karis railway station, where the train arrives at 12:35 am. Follow the sign in the tunnel towards the city center and the bus station. At the end of the tunnel, you’ll see the bus station in front of you. Hop on Raseborg’s public transport buses Bosse towards Fiskars, departing from Karis Travel Center at 12:45. After travelling for about 30 minutes, the bus arrives at Fiskars Village center at 13:12. You are now at the town square in Fiskars.
There are multiple bus departures to Fiskars on both weekends and weekdays. Tickets can be easily purchased by downloading the Waltti mobile application on your phone. Please remember to check the weekend bus schedules in advance in Bosse’s route planner.
On weekdays at 17:05 the bus departs back from Fiskars bus stop near the parking lot to Karis travel center. You’ll be at Karis bus station at 17:30. The train back to Helsinki leaves at 17:36. Make your way back to the travel center by going through the tunnel, and then up to track 2, where the train to Helsinki usually departs. Have a nice travel home, and welcome back!
Fiskars Village is a small but culturally and historically very rich village. Fiskars Village is known as a center of Finnish design and art. More about Fiskars Village and its attractions on Fiskars Village website.
Fiskars is blooming with wonderful, small craft shops, cafes and restaurants. You will find them along Fiskarsvägen next to the river, as well as on the smaller streets next to the town square. At Åkerraden you can visit Fiskars Museum, where you can get acquainted with the village and its history through themed exhibitions, time travel, workshops and events. In addition, we recommend for those interested in art to look into Onoma‘s art exhibition or KWUM ceramics museum.
2025: Turku-Fiskars
By train and bus
The journey from Turku to Fiskars in Raseborg starts at Turku railway station (Logomo). Hop on the train heading towards Helsinki, which departs at 11:34 am. After approximately 1 hour of train ride, get off the train at Karis railway station in Raseborg, where the train arrives at 12:34. At the platform, go down to the tunnel and follow the signs pointing towards the city center and towards the bus station. At the end of the tunnel, you’ll see the bus station in front of you. Hop on Raseborg’s public transport buses Bosse towards Fiskars, departing on weekdays from Karis Travel Center at 12:45. After travelling for about 30 minutes, the bus arrives at Fiskars Village center at 13:12. You are now at the town square in Fiskars.
There are multiple bus departures to Fiskars on both weekends and weekdays. Tickets can be easily purchased by downloading the Waltti mobile application on your phone. Please remember to check the weekend bus schedules in advance in Bosse’s route planner.
There will be buses going from Fiskars to Karis for the whole afternoon, but please remember to check if the bus timetables work with the departure time of the train you’re planning top take. A journey home on a weekday could look for example like this: at 17:05 the bus departs back from Fiskars bus stop near the parking lot to Karis travel center. You’ll arrive at Karis bus station at 17:30. Go through the tunnel towards the train station and up to track 3, where the Turku trains usually depart. The train arrives at 17:37. Get on the train and have a nice journey home. Welcome back to Raseborg!
City Bikes in Raseborg
City bikes have arrived in Raseborg too! We have bike stations in Karis, Fiskars, Ekenäs and Billnäs. The bikes are a handy and affordable way to get to know the nature and different villages of Raseborg. Why not perhaps take a train to Karis, and after that jump on a bike and pedal along the beautiful Railbank route to see both Billnäs and Fiskars? Learn more about the practicalities of using our city bikes here.
In Raseborg you have all you need for a perfect fishing trip. Whether you’re after a chill boating trip with a few tosses of a fishing rod or weeks living a fisher’s life out in the sea, we’ve got you covered! If you don’t have a boat of your own, you can hire one from a local entrepreneur. Raseborg also offers you several fishing trip organizers, who will tailor you all inclusive fishing trips with the newest equipment for both small and bigger groups.
Tips for a perfect trip
We’re happy you’ve picked Raseborg as your destination! Raseborg arcipelago’s small islands and bays are unique in their beauty – we know you will fall in love with them. From our waters you’ll catch for example pike, pike-perch, burbot and whitefish. Remember to also step ashore! You’ll find hidden treasures you don’t want to miss.
In Raseborg there are several guest harbors that will get you in the real archipelago atmosphere. How about dropping by for a coffee in the beautiful Sommaröstrand or in the archipelago village Bromarv? If you fancy exploring the fascinating, lush archipelago nature, make a stop on the national park’s largest island Älgö. There you’ll find a nature trail, a lookout tower and a charming old fisher’s house. The old mining island Jussarö is also certainly worth a visit – the island has a fascinating history as an army base, but the island also surprises with the beauty of its nature. If you want to see more ascetic archipelago environment, visit the islands of Fladalandet or Mondermagan, the previous one protected as a culturally invaluable landscape.
If you want to go camping in the archipelago, you have numerous options. Further from the mainland, you can camp for example in Fladalandet or Mondermågan. You can also camp in other islands per the everyman’s rights. Remember in all cases to check beforehand where camping is allowed, because in some areas of the national park camping is prohibited. There’s also one camping site with broad services in the archipelago, in Kopparö, and another in Ekenäs.
Are you longing for a fishing trip, but don’t own a boat? We’ve got you covered! You can either rent a boat for yourself, or book a guided fishing trip from a professional fisher. Find out more of the fishing services in Raseborg here.
There are local restrictions and rules for fishing in Ekenäs and Raseborg area. Here you’ll find the map, restrictions and instructions Metsähallitus has made about fishing in Ekenäs archipelago national park (Finnish and Swedish). If you need translation or clarification, contact eraluvat@metsa.fi or call the Metsähallitus service number +358 (0)20 69 2424.
Instructions for fishing
What licences and fees do you need to pay for fishing in Raseborg? The fisheries management fee is required in Finland, if you are between 18-65 years old and will be fishing with lures or traps or crayfishing. The amount of the fee for year 2020 is 45€/ year, 15€ / week and 6€/ day, and it entitles you to fish in nearly the whole country using one rod. In some areas and cases however, anglers will also require the permission of the owner of a given water area. The proceeds from the fisheries management fee are used to manage fishing waters and fish stocks, as well as providing advice to anglers and monitoring fishing activity. For more information, please check eraluvat.fi. You can also email eraluvat@metsa.fi or call the Metsähallitus service number +358 (0)20 69 2424.
You don’t need to pay the fee if you’re only ice fishing, hook and line fishing or fishing with a simple herring rig. However, in some areas fishing with these means can also be prohibited or restricted.
Angling with more than one rod and trap fishing require a fishing permit in addition to paying the fisheries management fee. These permissions are sold by the owner of the water area. There are also restrictions in Raseborg’s archipelago in protected water areas, rapids and running waters with migratory fish stocks, and other special locations. Find out about the restrictions here (Finnish and Swedish) and more information here.
Are you a local and wishing to fish with traps? Find out information about fishing permits in Raseborg’s water areas here (Finnish and Swedish).
Take care of your safety
Remember to mind yours and your crew’s safety! Before heading out to sea, make sure you have the skills and equipment you need. Make sure someone that stays on the shore knows where you’re headed and when you plan to return, and always check the weather forecast beforehand. Find out more about safety and responsibility here.
Remember to consider other boaters and the people living on the shores. Locals thank you for keeping a distance to their cottages and docks! When fishing, remember also to keep at least a 50m distance from marked traps, and take care of the beautiful archipelago nature.
Fishing etiquette
On the water, remember to follow the good fishing etiquette. For example the following is good to keep in mind:
Make sure you have the required permissions. Make sure that when needed, you can show you’ve paid the required fees etc.
Pay attention to other boaters and locals.
Remember that the parking lots and docks are used by everyone.
Fish only as much as you will eat.
Avoid fish planting areas.
Make sure to stun and cool your catch right away.
Take care of the environment, so it’ll always stay as beautiful as it is.
Today there are still many craftsmen in Ekenäs, including shoemakers, watchmakers, furniture upholsterers and restaurateurs, carpenters, seamstresses and a framing shop. Ekenäs’ cosy bakeries and cafés are very popular, as are the market days on Wednesdays and Saturdays, especially in summer.
The streets of the Old Town are still inhabited. You can carefully look over the fences to the gardens as you stroll on the narrow alleys. So called gossip mirrors, decorative gates and window ornaments in different designs are nice details to look at. At Christmas time, those walking around the Old town can see a glimpse of a Christmas tree, an old tiled stove or a beautiful mirror door.
Stroll along the seashore
Basa Square next to Stallörsparken is a suitable starting point for a walk along Västvallen. There you can enjoy the sea views. The old shame pole in Basa Square recalls the days when public punishments were common.
At the beginning of the walk you pass the Old Sauna, a large brick building that was built in 1903. It was built as a bathhouse for the Russian high society. The building was the city’s public sauna until the late 1960s.
During the walk along the beach you can admire the Old town’s wooden houses, small boat harbours and lush parks. At Södra viken is the small, beautiful Våghus Park, with memorial stones to two Knights of the Mannerheim Cross, Tor Lindblad and airman Hans Wind. In Våghus Park you can also see when paddlers steer off to sea. In the Skepparträdgården Garden, which is a short walk away, you can ring the bell that is part of the artist Helene Schjerfbeck’s memorial.
Ekenäs is a seaside town. There are harbours of various kinds, beaches in the center of the town, and rocky beaches on Ramsholmen and Högholmen. In winter, the sea hides under the ice, but the winter bathers continue swimming at the swimming facility at Stallörsparken. About one kilometre from the center is Ramsholmen’s park forest area where both locals and tourists go to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet of nature.
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.
Already in the 14th century, the King’s Road has stretched from Bergen, Norway. Then following an old postal route going via Oslo to Stockholm, Sweden. From there it runs further to Mariehamn on the Åland islands, in Finland. The route continues through the archipelago to Turku and via coastal areas of Southern Finland. Finally all the way to Vyborg and St. Petersburg in Russia.
The kings and their couriers, bishops and burgesses, artists and armies have traveled the road. The road supposedly was built as a trail for chargers between Turku and Vyborg Castles. Later, the road was used as a postal route. The route went from village to village. Manor houses, farms, guest houses, taverns and inns where travelers were able to stay and dine popped up along the way.
In Raseborg, the King’s Road runs via Tenala towards Pojo parish village when coming from Turku. Pojo was once an important hub with i.a. manor houses, ironworks, inns, harbours, and a lookout hill. From Pojo village the road continues to Fiskars Village. Which today is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Raseborg.
After Pojo church, the King’s Road runs through Billnäs Village along the Svartå River. At Karis Kroggård the road branches off to northern and southern parts. The northern King’s Road passes through Svartå to Lohja and further to Siuntio. There the southern branch takes you to Ekenäs and Raseborg Castle Ruins. Then continuing to Fagervik and further to Ingå and Siuntio. There the northern and southern branches are reunited.
