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Raseborg’s archipelago is very big, only Ekenäs archipelago consists of 1300 islands – here you can explore the nature on land or enjoy the vast skies out in the sea. The archipelago can be visited both in summer by boat and in winter for example by skiing or skating. A great way to get to know the vivid cultural life of the area is to visit one of our small archipelago villages. For example Sandnäsudd, Bromarv and Sommaröstrand arrange midsummer festivities and summer markets, where you can buy fish and other local products directly from the artisans and producers.

If you wish to really dive into living in Raseborg’s archipelago, consider renting a cottage or a boat for a day or two! Ekenäs archipelago is indeed a very popular summer cottage area – there are over 6000 private cottages on the area. Part of the Raseborg’s archipelago belongs to the Ekenäs Archipelago National park. We have made a separate article about activities on this area – check it out here.

Great destinations by boat

Byxholmen is located in the corner of the national park, right next to the boat lane. There’s a well in the island, as well as a toilet and a few campfire sites. Also a free do-it-yourself sauna is available for visitors on the northern side of the island.

Tallholmen is a completely unbuilt, small and rocky island in Snappertuna, near the boat lane. The island is perfect for hiking and picnics and has amazing views. On the eastern side there are rock beaches, but the western shore is steeper and deeper.

Jussarö is an exotic old mining island in the outer archipelago. With the remains of the old ore mining equipment, it’s fascinating military history and the gorgeous nature path, the island is definitely worth visiting! There’s a café, a camping site, a hostel and cooking shelters available.

Raseborg’s archipelago: Best destinations by car

The Raseborg archipelago is well accessible also without a boat of your own – here are some picks!

Långösund bay is located in Sandnäsudd and is a part of an old seaside farm. The bay is opposite the beautiful Långö island, and you can rent a boat to cross the sound from the nearby Sandis archipelago store. The island is an ideal destination for hiking and perhaps even berry picking. Overall, the view to the sea is amazing and the atmosphere is unique.

Near Bromarv, the old seaside farm Sandviken is a real treasure. There’s recreational area with a beautiful, shallow beach perfect for children and sunbathing. The best part of the area is the amazing view over Bolaxfjärden and the Archipelago Sea, famous for its beauty.

An easy way to get to see the archipelago is to take the Skåldö ferry near Ekenäs to Skåldö and Sommarö. The archipelago life’s minimalistic ambiance can truly be sensed here – the atmosphere is peaceful and the views are amazing. There’s a lovely small guest harbor in Sommaröstrand, where you’ll also find a café and a restaurant. Camping is also possible on the island, on Kopparö Camping, where you also can enjoy the beautiful nature trail.

There are public cruises arranged to Jussarö during summer 2020! The cruises run once a day on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Find out more information about them here.

More information about outdoor recreation areas from Helsinki-Uusimaa outdoor association’s page.

Archipelago-related services

• Visit Saaristo
• Keep The Archipelago Clean Association

• Archipelago
• Boating
• Ekenäs archipelago national park
• Outdoors

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• What’s happening now

Ekenäs Savings Bank

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

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.

You can read more about Alvar Aalto and his work at visit.alvaraalto.fi.

• Alvar Aalto
• Raseborg

• Tips & Ideas

Travel with your dog to Raseborg

If you travel by bus or train, you can buy a special ticket for your pet. You can also take your pet with you on a taxi, as long as you tell the driver in advance.

Nature trails and luscious parks

In Västerby Outdoor Recreation Center both you and your dog will feel good. You can enjoy ascents and downhills, the lush forest and good running trails. In the winter you can enjoy the snow while skiing and your dog can run beside you in the snow. If you have a puppy or children with you, we recommend the Trollskogsrundan, which is a perfect trail for the small ones.

Another nice outdoor recreation are is Pumpviken in Karis where you can walk around a beautiful lake and enjoy the view of green trees reflected in the water. It’s a very popular park and you will surely bump into other dog friends.

If you’re a fan of both the forest and the sea, we suggest visiting Ramsholmen in Ekenäs. In spring your dog can play in the forest while you pick some flowers for a pretty bouquet. You can keep walking over the bridge to Högholmen to experience steep hills and enjoy a sea view at the same time.

Please note that dogs are not allowed to run free in public places, but should be held in leash.

Dog parks in Raseborg

Ekenäs dog park. Metallduksgatan 1,10600 Raseborg.
Karis dog park. Dystängsgatan 16, 10320 Raseborg.
Pojo dog park. Along the road to Klockarudden in Pojo, 10420 Raseborg.
Fiskars Dog Park. Fiskarsvägen, 228, 10470 Fiskars, Raseborg.

Time for a swim?

Is your dog in need of cooling itself down during a hot summer day? Then you can visit the dog’s beach in Ekenäs. If you walk from Stallörsparken along Västvallen you’ll see the little beach and hopefully your dog gets to play and have fun with other dogs in the water. Please remember that dogs aren’t allowed to swim in other public beaches.

When hunger hits

It’s important for both the dog and its owner to eat good food during the day, and in Raseborg many restaurants accept dogs in the venue and on the patio. In Ekenäs you can eat a fresh lunch at Cafferie at the market square, where they offer water to all dogs. You can also enjoy a lovely coffee break at the terrace of Café Schjerfbeck on the other side of the market square.

In the evening you can enjoy a cold drink at Baywatch while your little friend is sleeping in the shadow at the terrace. Afterwards you can have dinner at Albatros and watch the magical sunset. Albatros is a dog-friendly restaurant. The garden terrace of the lovely Bistro, Bar & Garden Höijers is also a good option for you and your dog. If in the middle of your adventures you get a craving for a snack, you can always head to Bar & Grill Kopparö in the beautiful seascape of Kopparö. If you’re on a day trip to Karjaa, you can head to Restaurant KW, which serves food from lunch to dinner. Club 18 in Karjaa also welcomes dogs with open arms, except on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings after 9pm, when the dance floor opens up and it’s time for the furry canines to move outside. Mustion Linna and the restaurant Linnankrouvi also welcome dogs both inside and outside, depending on availability.

Dogs are also welcome in Fiskars at Fiskars Wärdshus and Restaurant Kuparipaja where they can join you inside and outside. . 

Tourist attractions for you and your dog

Who doesn’t want to bring their best friend when exploring the best attractions of Raseborg? You can go on an adventure to Raseborg Castle area with your dog, although not inside the castle. Your dog can also join you to Slottknektens Stuga for something to eat. Svartå Manor is another castle that welcomes dogs.

If you want to experience the archipelago it’s a great idea to book a summer cruise to Jussarö. Another way to get to feel the sea breeze is to take the ferry to Skåldö and visit Sommaröstrand. Why not share an ice cream with your dog?

Stay overnight with your dog

As Raseborg is a large area with much to see, it’s an excellent idea to stay with us for a longer time. But where could you stay with your pet friend? Several hotels and B&B:s offer dog services in different villages. In Fiskars Village both Hotel Tegel and Fiskars Wärdshus offer one room for people with pets. In Ekenäs Motel Marine and Hotel Sea Front also host dogs, but you should remember to let them know about your friend beforehand.

Near Karis the cozy Dönsby B&B offers two rooms for staying with dogs. If you’re considering renting a cottage for your stay, you should ask the owner for their rules on having pets with you.

Read more about services for your pet here.

• Dogs
• Pets
• Raseborg

• Tips & Ideas

In the Raseborg archipelago and Ekenäs Archipelago National Park there are beautiful sea routes and peaceful natural harbors, as well as lively and welcoming guest harbors with summer markets, artisan shops, restaurants, grocery and convenience stores, and fuel stations. The natural harbors of Mondermagan and Fladalandet are especially beautiful and absolutely worth a visit. One of the most exciting ways of exploring Raseborg is by boat.

Where to go with your boat in Raseborg? Take an adventurous daytrip to the exciting former mining island of Jussarö, or to the ancient fishing settlement of Rödjan in Älgö. In the Ekenäs Archipelago National Park, staying overnight in your own boat or tent is possible on Modermagan, Fladalandet, Rödjan on Älgö, and on Jussarö. All the camping sites have campfire sites and dry toilets.

If you want to stay closer to civilization, or need to stock up on fuel or supplies, then there are many pleasant marinas closer to the city that offer a variety of services. Perhaps the most delightful atmosphere can be found in the colorful summer markets of the archipelago towns of Bromarv, Sommaröstrand, Sandnäsudd or Ekenäs.

Where to park your boat? Guest harbours in Raseborg

Ekenäs Guest Harbour: 59 ° 58,7 ’23 ° 25,7′ – www.ekenasport.fi

After a pleasant sail Ekenäs offers boatpeople an excellent mooring in the town centre, protected from winds.
The guest moorings of the North Harbour offer all the services you need.

Jussarö: 59 ° 49,9 ’23 ° 34,4′ – www.jussaro.net

The island, where the compasses are spinning around without showing any actual direction, is the ideal destination for all interested in the Finnish archipelago and its fascinating history.

Sommaröstrand: 59 ° 54,1 ’23 ° 24,5′ – www.sommarostrand.fi

Predium: 59 ° 54,5 ’23 ° 17,8′ – www.premarin.fi

Bromarf: 59 ° 59,3 ’23 ° 01.8′ – www.bromarvhamn.fi

Sandnäsudd: 59 ° 56.5 ’23 ° 43,6′- www.sandisbutik.fi

Archipelago-related web services

www.nationalparks.fi/en/ekenasarchipelagonp
www.visitsaaristo.net/en
https://www.pidasaaristosiistina.fi/

• Culture and Events
• Tips & Ideas
• What’s happening now

Here are our best tips for experiencing history in Raseborg:

Visit the charming seaside town of Ekenäs

Start from the Tourist Information Office, and pick up a map and an architectural guide to the Old Town. Make your way to Linen Weaver’s Street (Linvävaregatan), the oldest street in the city. Here, the streets have stayed frozen in time since the 16th century. The street names such as Hatter’s Street (Hattmakaregatan), Linen Weaver’s Street (Linvävaregatan), Cloth Weaver’s Street (Handskmakaregatan), Smith’s Street (Smedsgatan) and Tanner’s Street (Garvaregatan) reveal the skilled artisan tradition of Ekenäs, and describe how the townspeople made a living hundreds of years ago. Peek into the grey stone church, built in the 1680s, and scope out the valuable communion cup from the 1600s. Cross the market square and wander onto Kungsgatan (King’s Street), the oldest pedestrian street in Finland. Turn right about halfway up, and visit Wi-Box café for beautifully crafted pastries and confectionery.

To immerse yourself in the history of Raseborg, visit Raseborg Museum.

Svartå Manor

The meticulously restored Svartå Manor with its unique park and White Guide Nordic-listed restaurant is a must-see. Today Svartå Manor functions as a museum, and the interior is restored to its original state with its different tiled stoves, Gustavian furniture and of course the original parquet floors. Book a guided tour to see all the rooms. Or, take a stroll in the beautiful park. It is a true retreat for the soul with its winding paths, romantic bridges, statues, and the unique water lily path over the water. Round out the day with some fine dining in the lovely Slottskrogen restaurant.

Raseborg Castle

Turn back time at the stately Raseborg Castle ruins near the historic village of Snappertuna with its beautiful little church. Pop into Slottsknektens stuga, Finland’s first tourist cottage which was built in 1893 right next to the castle, and enjoy some lunch or a cup of coffee. You can then participate in a guided tour, or explore the nooks and crannies of the castle on your own. Or, pack a picnic and relax on the lawn in the shade of the ruins. The castle is usually open from late April until the end of September, when the castle goes to sleep for the winter.

Historical villages of Fiskars and Billnäs

Time stands still at the former ironworks villages of Fiskars and Billnäs. Experience these villages as they once were. The villages offer a cultural landscape with beautiful architecture, historical industrial buildings, rivers and rapids, well-maintained parks and intriguing events.

Upon arrival in Fiskars, you will pass some old houses; among these the Assembly Hall and the hotel and restaurant Fiskars Wärdshus, after which the village road opens up. The buildings connected to the production of iron are lined up along the road: the Granary, The Old Mill, Copper Smithy, Hotel Tegel, and the Glass Studio. Participate in a child-friendly DIY workshop, or visit a glassblower and blow your own glass figurine before taking a lunch break in the charming bookstore Café Antique. Try their delicious soup, or the aromatic cinnamon rolls with some coffee.

Billnäs village is located in a beautiful area by the Svartå river and the old King’s Road. The fascinating village has, like Fiskars, had a central role in the establishment of Finnish industry, and has been gradually restored. Visit Byggnadsapoteket (The Building Pharmacy) and their impressive array of restoration and building supplies. 

Malmbacka charcoal village

Malmbacka charcoal village is a short drive from the Raseborg Castle Ruins. Here you can learn how charcoal was produced in the 17th and 20th centuries for the use of the ironworks in Western Uusimaa. The area contains three old charcoal hearth bases, one of which has been restored. You can book guided tours and overnight stays in huts or simple log cabins all year round, but in September the kilns are lit again and you can experience the magic of the past. Read more about Malmbacka: malmbacka.fi

Are you left wanting to learn more? Visit Raseborgs wonderful museums!

• Tips & Ideas

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.