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 pop-up tourist information point located in Arkaden, just about 100 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.
The heart of Ekenäs
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. Step in and let the children meet Siffe the Church Rat.
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.
Seaside idyll
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 summer Tuesdays, the market on Strandallén brings together locals and summer guests. Here visitors can hunt bargains or enjoy delicious crêpes in the Finnish way.
On the other side of the beach, at the end of Strandallén, 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, along which there are several terraces and restaurants where you can enjoy the seaside view or follow the incoming summer guests.
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.
The charming Old Town
Turn to Linvävaregatan and enter the Old Town. Around Christmas time, you can peek into to the windows of the old wooden houses and see how the homes are filled with Christmas lights and decorations. Further down 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 garden or in the cozy 18th century cottage. If you happen to visit around Christmas, the café also hosts a Christmas cottage.
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 over 35 metre high trees of the Forest Park Ramsholmen. In the shadows of the trees, it’s easy to relax while listening to the birdsong. The plant and animal life on Ramsholmen is so unique that you’re unlikely to find anything quite like it anywhere else in mainland Finland. On your way to Ramsholmen, you can also admire Villa Skeppet, the last private residence designed by Alvar Aalto.
As you make your way back to the town center, the award-winning Chappe Art Museum will catch your eye. Known for its playful and captivating exhibits, Chappe invites you to dive into a world of contemporary and modern art. While you’re there, don’t miss the nearby Gallery Elverket, a vibrant part of the same cultural district.
If you have some time left, check out the boutiques on the oldest pedestrian street in Finland, Kungsgatan. You can also go back to Stallörsparken and enjoy the view while tasting delicious food and refreshing drinks at a idyllic terrace!
