On Valentine’s Day, or Friendship Day as we call it in Swedish-speaking Finland, it’s important to show love and consideration to those closest to you. Perhaps you want to take your newfound love out on a date, spoil your partner, or simply show appreciation for friends and family? In Raseborg’s diverse and idyllic small-town setting, you’ll find everything you need to make the day extra special. Here are our top tips!
Stay Overnight
Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday this year – perfect for treating yourself and your partner to a romantic hotel night. Stay in a historic atmosphere at Billnäsin Ruukki Hotel or the unique boutique hotel Billnäs Gård. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the donkeys that live in the hotel’s donkey stable. If you’re in the historic Fiskars Village, you can spend the night at the stylish hotel The Torby, located in the old Finsmedjan where the workers once forged iron.
For an extra touch of luxury, you can book a night at one of Finland’s most treasured manor houses, Svartå Manor. The castle is beautifully nestled in the lush surroundings of the historic Svartå River. Don’t miss the guided tour (in Finnish) on February 14, themed “Romantic Svartå – Love Stories from Svartå Manor.” If you are in Ekenäs, it’s worth staying at one of the charming accommodations like Hotel Sea Front or Motel Marine. At Motel Marine, you can book the sauna for a low price or relax in the outdoor hot tub under the stars.
At all of these hotels, you can also enjoy a rich breakfast – is there a better way to start the day?
Yummy Moments
A restaurant visit is a classic choice for Valentine’s Day, but where should you go? In Raseborg, you’ll find a wide range of restaurants with something for every taste. Ekta Gastropub in Ekenäs offers a varied menu and even has its own brewery, serving delicious beer and cider. For a meal by the sea, head to the newly opened restaurant Fyren at Ekenäs’ picturesque harbour, where you can enjoy classic à la carte dishes. If you’re looking for something cosy and intimate, the small family-run restaurant Ribs offers a warm atmosphere and delicious food prepared using traditional French techniques. And for a more laid-back evening, Pub Santa Fe is a great choice, with Tex-Mex and grilled dishes and great drinks.
Brunch or fine dining? At Billnäs Bruk Restaurant, you can celebrate Valentine’s Day with a delicious brunch or a romantic dinner in a unique and historic setting. Slottskrogen at Svartå Manor offers a specially designed Valentine’s Day menu by candlelight and a crackling fire. Be sure to book a table in advance to guarantee your spot. In Fiskars, Kuparipaja is an excellent choice, and in Karis there is the family-run Restaurant KW , a local favorite.
Activities
Raseborg offers a wealth of activities to add a special touch to your Valentine’s Day. Start the day by awakening mind and body with a refreshing winter swim, followed by a visit to the sauna. In Raseborg, you can rent a sauna and enjoy a winter bath at locations like Svartå and the meeting and event hotel Calliola in Snappertuna. If you prefer more relaxed activities, a visit to Finland’s oldest cinema Bio Forum or Bio Pallas could be the perfect way to spend time together.
For those interested in delving into culture and history, there are several exciting options. Explore Chappe, Raseborg’s museum, or take a stroll through the Old Town in Ekenäs. A visit to the historic villages Billnäs and Fiskars is also a must. In Fiskars, you can join a guided tour of the drink production process at the Fiskars Knife Factory. Taste beverages from all the brands produced at their facility: Fiskars Brewery, Ägräs Distillery, Noita Winery, and Suomenlinna Brewery. Fiskars Village also hosts a Friendship Weekend with a varied programme, including workshops, an open house at the fire station where you can see the Stutz fire truck, and film screenings.
Looking for a bit more action? Challenge each other to a game of bowling or test your teamwork in an escape room (in Swedish). For a creative twist to the day, try glassblowing or join a chocolate-making class where you can make delicious treats together.
Don’t miss the stunning nature during your visit to Raseborg. Spend quality time with a refreshing winter walk in areas like Västerby Outdoor Area, Gumnäs Trail, or Forest Trail Rissla. Pack some tasty food to grill at one of the barbecue spots along the trails and finish the day under the starry sky.
We hope our tips have inspired you for an unforgettable Valentine’s Day in our beautiful Raseborg!
Helene Schjerfbeck was very fond of the sea, walks in the Old Town and excursions to the Ramsholmen forest park area. She spent much of her time in Skepparträdgården park painting and watching people. Helene did, in fact, paint a lot of portraits of ordinary people with interesting facial features in Ekenäs. Nowadays the memorial The Finnish Untuned Bell, which children like to ring, is set into the park. It was created as a permanent monument to celebrate the artist’s life’s work.
Ekenäs, the hometown
Helene Schjerfbeck lived in several locations in Finland and abroad. The artist spent the summers 1918-1920 in Ekenäs, and lived permanently in the town during years 1925-1941. She chose to live in Ekenäs because she wanted to live close to the sea. Her first apartment was in the old Juslin house on Långgatan (Raseborgsvägen 2). The house was demolished a long time ago, but there is now a memorial and Helene Schjerfbeck Square. For some time Helene also lived in the yellow house next to the Fish Market in the Ekenäs Old Town as the tenant of Sigfrid Nyberg. This house still stands.
Dramatized walks with Helene Schjerfbeck
Dramatized walks are held in Ekenäs where Helene herself will guide you through the interesting phases of her own life and the history of Ekenäs. She will show you the parks and buildings that she was inspired by and tells about her friends that modelled in her portraits. For bookings, please contact cafeschjerfbeck@gmail.com.
In addition to the dramatized walk, groups can book a guide to the Schjerfbeck exhibition in Raseborg Museum, a letter read, or painting with the artist. The museum’s permanent exhibition presents Helene’s works and items that belonged to her.
Culture thrives in Raseborg, and the amount of our cultural events rises every year. Here are a few tips on Raseborg’s annual cultural events. Remember to check our events calendar for the most recent and relevant updates on all kinds of cultural events!
Art: crafts, design and exhibitions
Many artists have settled in Raseborg for its inspiring and peaceful environment. Their works and products can be bought in various neighbourhoods and villages, as well as in their own workshops and studios. But be sure to check opening times or call before you visit – the artists sometimes go out in search of inspiration. All sorts of products are available, including fabrics and clothing, jewellery, bags, rugs, scented candles, etc. For more information and contact details, see the crafts -category.
Handicrafts, Finnish design products, quality exhibitions and a wide range of events at Fiskars Village – fiskarsvillage.fi. Fiskars has a number of craft boutiques and is nationally known as a home for craftsmen and artists.
Handicrafts and sewing in Ekenäs e.g. Liia Jewellery and Hennas sewing studio. Tammisaari is home to a number of artists and designers whose products can be bought in Fiskars and in some cases from online shops. On the town’s promenade you can also find, for example, Werner Framing and Gallery, which makes handcrafted picture frames.
Charming retro-style movie theaters Bio Forum in Ekenäs and Bio Pallas in Karis – bioforum.fi, biopallas.com.
Events, festivals and markets
Ekenäs Film Festival in March offers high quality Nordic films at Bio Forum and Culture House Karelia.
The super-popular Antiques Days at both Fiskars and Billnäs ruuks attract thousands of visitors in July. The ruuks are located close to each other, so you can visit both events to make some great finds. See more about Fiskars Antique Days and Billnäs Heritage and Antique Days.
The artist Helene Schjerfbeck’s anniversary will be celebrated with a variety of events: schjerfbecksallskapet.fi/en.
Ekenä’s classical summer concerts have already established a firm place in Raseborg’s summer music programme. The themes of the concerts change every year. The festival’s artistic director Jukka-Pekka Saraste and the Finnish Chamber Orchestra offer an enjoyable musical experience with high-quality concerts.
Open studios throughout Raseborg at Konstrundan: you can visit the artists’ studios and get to know their works and working methods.
The Karis Book Bazaar is an annual literary event. The programme includes pop-up events, poetry, interviews with authors, etc.
Swedish-language literary festival Bokkalaset in Ekenäs: interesting people, interviews, children’s programme, workshops, evenings, etc. The event offers a great language and cultural experience in one package.
The traditionalEkenäs Autumn Market attracts around 25 000 visitors every year, making it one of the largest market events in Finland. The market has been held for over 280 years and offers delicacies, two carnivals, handicrafts and a fun programme for the whole family. The event takes place at the Tammisaari market square, right next to the swimming pool.
For food lovers, ,Raseborg’s second super event, the Slow Food Festival at Fiskars Village, is on the agenda. Launched by the Slowfood Västnyland association, the big event gathers local food lovers for a two-day event every year in early October. The event features a wide range of high-quality local and artisan products and a varied programme.
