We had the honor of welcoming the influencer Elisa Luomaranta, Elluyellow, to Raseborg to showcase the region’s atmospheric destinations in spring. During her visit, she became acquainted with some of Raseborg’s most well-known places, such as Billnäs Iron Works, Ekenäs, and Svartå Manor.
The eventful history of Billnäs is almost 400 years long. The previously prosperous ironworks has taken a step back and given room for modern industry. Today it has become an idyllic village admired by tourists.
The recreation route called Culture Path offers a wonderful outing opportunity in Billnäs. The path travels from Pumpviken in Karis to the center of Billnäs Village, and along the way there are nine information signs telling about the eventful history and cultural life of the region.
“I immediately fell in love with the village’s atmosphere. In some places it felt like I was walking along streets in Southern Europe (especially near the beautiful Billnäs Gård), and in other places the scenery looked like something straight out of an Astrid Lindgren story.” – Elluyellow
Ekenäs
The history of Ekenäs dates all the way back to the 1500s and to a small fishing village that was granted town privileges by the Swedish king Gustav Vasa in 1546.
Ekenäs is known for its idyllic Old town with narrow alleyways and its proximity to the sea. The colourful wooden houses in the Old town area, the small cafés, and the harbour make the town one of Finland’s most charming coastal destinations. Did you know that Ekenäs is home to Finland’s oldest still-operating cinema, Bio Forum, which has been running since 1912?
Ekenäs’ cultural life is diverse and of high quality. A visit to the award-winning art museum Chappe is highly recommended, as is Raseborgs Museum, where a new exhibition on Helene Schjerfbeck opens on 12 June.
Elluyellow spent an afternoon in the forest park Ramsholmen, which delights visitors year-round. It is especially impressive in spring, when the forest is covered in a sea of wood anemones.
“This place must be wonderful in all seasons, but I dare say I happened to come at the very best time, namely during the wood anemone bloom. I have never seen so many wood anemones in full bloom! A sea of wood anemones stretched as far as the eye could see.” – Elluyellow
Svartå Manor
Svartå manor is one of Finland’s most valuable mansions, with over 200 year-old history. Today the manor serves as a museum and hotel, and its interiors have been restored to their original condition.
The wooden castle is embedded in one of the biggest private historical parks of Finland. The park is a retreat for the soul with its winding paths, romantic bridges, statues, follies and the unique water lily path over the water. In summer, open-air theatre performances are also arranged, and a new feature this year is the ART26 art exhibition in July.
The manor’s restaurant, Slottskrogen, serves varied high-quality dishes based on the season and the availability of ingredients.
Raseborg’s nine districts and villages offer much more to discover. Fiskars Village is known for its idyllic setting, design, and craftsmanship, where old buildings have been given new life as galleries, shops, and restaurants.
Karis, on the other hand, offers a relaxed small-town atmosphere and excellent flea markets – Elluyellow also made some great finds here.
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.
In the spring, the city’s leafy parks, lush streets and lively playgrounds come to life again. Enjoy extended days, a warming sun and a happy mood among residents and visitors. Whether you want to enjoy the tranquility of nature or raise your heart rate on one of the city’s hiking trails, there is something for everyone.
A sure sign of spring in Raseborg, is when the white anemones start to bloom, and transforms the forest and ground at Ramsholmen in Ekenäs into a green-white sea of flowers. At the turn of the month April-May, the forest is filled with a beautiful scenery that few can resist. For the early-morning hiker, the park area’s birds offer the most versatile and richest bird song.
The beautiful ironworks environment in Billnäs Village will be transformed into a beautiful pink sea of flowers in May, when 300 planted ornamental cherry trees will bloom. The robust mix of historic ironworks environment and beautifully blooming pink cherry blossoms is an experience you will not forget.
In the castle park adjacent to Svartå Manor, you can enjoy spring along winding paths, gazebos, romantic bridges and statues. When the water lilies are blooming, a walk along the water lily pad is a beautiful addition you must not miss. The castle park is one of the largest private historical parks in Finland, located next to Finland’s first ironworks.
Celebrate the arrival of spring with a visit to the flower valley Blomdalen on Gullö. Along the 500 m long walking path, almost 35,000 daffodils of about 20 different varieties bloom. They planted the first bulbs in the autumn of 2007. The flower valley is open in spring when the daffodils are in bloom, usually in mid-May. Keep an eye on the situation here.
Markets and local food
Local food and organic products are commonplace in Raseborg and the city’s restaurateurs have understood the importance of local ingredients, which are used in many of the city’s restaurant kitchens. Treat yourself to delicacies in the city’s restaurants and cafés or buy some with you home.
Most of the locally produced food in Raseborg can be bought in the city’s grocery stores, markets or via the producers’ farm shops.
Markets are arranged three days a week, all year round. In both Ekenäs and Karis you can buy directly from the producer on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and in Pojo on Fridays.
Events for everyone
Like nature, our event calendar is filled daily with exciting updates. During spring, you can look forward to Easter egg hunts, hot air balloon rides, captivating theatre performances, and beautiful concerts, to name just a few. Summer events are also already beginning to fill the calendar.
Do not forget to also follow us on Facebook and Instagram for tips, ideas and inspiration.
Every year several second hand events are arranged in Raseborg. The most popular ones are the annual Antique days in Fiskars and Billnäs. The City flea market in Ekenäs and Bromarfpojkarnas flea market in Bromarv are also popular. You can also find children’s clothing, toys and other things at the yearly event arranged by Ekorrsvansen. Lions clubs around Raseborg are also arranging flea market events. Check our event calendar for current flea market events in the region. Here are our best tips of flea markets in Raseborg.
Flea Markets in Ekenäs, Raseborg:
Loppis Trollet is one of the most popular flea markets in Ekenäs, Raseborg and it’s open almost every day. The flea market offers clothes, toys, games, furniture and much more.
Fynda- Second hand shop is a charity second hand shop where the workers work without any salary. Finnish Missionary Society and the Assembly assistance workers are equally sharing the profit. The shop is well organized and has a lot to offer.
Småtting, next to Fynda, sells children’s clothing.
Emmaus Westervik is also a charity second hand shop that helps them who are in need. Clothes, books, furniture and things like that can be donated here.
Betesda Second Hand Shop is located in the heart of Ekenäs. Their vision is to support domestic and foreign missionary work.
There are also lovely vintage shops in Ekenäs. Take a look at Sagoland Vintage and Vitrine Studio by the square. There you’ll find antiques, vintage items, and all things beautiful.
Flea Markets in Karis, Raseborg:
Take the opportunity to go on a thrift store tour in Karis, as the vast majority of flea markets are within walking distance of each other!
Sequel Restyle offers a great variety of nice second hand-clothing for women, men and children on Centralgatan in the centre of Karis.
Sineaaria is a self-service flea market in the center of Karis. Here you can find clothes, books and furniture.
Måll on Köpmansgatan sells both Scandinavian and international vintage design furniture.
RiMi Kirppis is a flea market situated on Köpmansgatan 3. Here you can find everything from furniture to clothing.
Karis Antiquarian Shop is situated in the center of Karis on Köpmansgatan. The store is filled with books and more in several different languages.
Kaippari Ry‘s flea market is situated next to Bio Pallas. In the same building you´ll find a weaving shop and sewing professional.
Missionstorget is situated next to Kanaltorget and it’s a charity second hand shop held by the Swedish speaking assembly. It’s possible to donate to this flea market.
Pohja, Raseborg:
Postilla is driven by the assembly. From this flea market you can find something for yourself or donate products that you don’t need anymore.
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 anne@anneingman.fi.
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.
We offer a lot of different and interesting locations to host your dream wedding, business event or party in Raseborg. Down below are listed some of our brightest pearls.
Svartå, Raseborg
Svartå Manor is a party place with a capital P. They offer you the chance to celebrate your wedding, birthday or other special day in a beautiful and unique setting. The award-winning Slottskrogen restaurant produces high quality, locally produced delicacies served in the newly restored party pavilion or one of the manor’s other venues. If you like the idea of waking up in the same gorgeous surroundings you can stay overnight at the manor’s hotel or stylishly renovated farmhouses.
Snappertuna, Raseborg
The Calliola Conference and Event Centre is located right on the sea in Snappertuna and offers quality facilities and services. The relaxed, but stylish meeting and banquet rooms are complimented by a sauna, terraces, and homely archipelago-style accommodation in beach villas and apartments. Calliola’s kitchen serves wonderful seasonal local produce.
Billnäs, Raseborg
Billnäs Ironworks offers a variety of meeting and event spaces set in a historic ironworks environment dating back to the 17th century. The historic area, its rugged stone buildings, and the riverside landscape create a spectacular and distinctive setting for all kinds of meetings and celebrations. After the meeting, you can round off the day with something special. For example, try a chocolate workshop, go kayaking, or take part in one of the many team-building activities available.
The charming manor house at Billnäs Gård combines historic charm with modern functionality to create the perfect setting for conferences, meetings, and events. In addition, the estate provides a variety of ways to relax and unwind. Guests can enjoy spa treatments, take a dip in the refreshing swimming pool, or join yoga sessions. The property is also home to two friendly donkeys, Lugn & Ro.
Fiskars, Raseborg
Fiskars is a unique destination where crafts, arts and design meet nature, history and architecture. Here, at the birthplace of the Fiskars company, you will find experiences for all the senses. Hold a celebration, meeting or conference at the village’s beautiful and varied facilities. Combine your event with, for example, an award-winning round of tastings at local breweries and the distillery, or a glass-blowing workshop.
Åminne, Raseborg
The Åminne Gårdrestaurantat Nordcenter Golf & Country Club serves good food in a stately manor house environment. With pleasant views over the golf course and Pojo bay. Nordcenter is a multi-functional leisure centre where you and your guests can combine a meeting or party with outdoor activities including golf, tennis or frisbee golf. Accommodation in the form of a cozy B&B with a sauna and gym is available. If you like, explore local history and take a trip to nearby Billnäs and Fiskars.
More venues
There are many more event venues in Raseborg. For one who wants to arrange an event with something extra we recommend you to throw a party at Raseborg Castle. Check out Meetings and parties and familiarize yourself with cozy townhouses, attractive hotels and pleasant seaside resorts.
Party or meeting food
When organizing a party or arranging a team building weekend you definitely want to serve something delicious to eat. Raseborg has a wide supply of restaurants, cafés and catering so there’s something for every taste. You can also shop local food like fresh fish, new potatoes and flavorful vegetables, from one of the different market places in the city.
For drinking you can offer something from the local breweries. Fiskarsin Panimo brew tasty beer and from Ekta Bryggeri you get gutsy cider.
Before the party
Would you like to get your nails painted, your hair in a fancy updo or your eyebrows colored? If you’re about to go on a wedding or other fancy party, Raseborg offers a lot of beauty services for you. If you want to cheer up the atmosphere between meetings you can book a sweaty class at one of the gyms or disc golf in the nature. It’s also possible to try lasertag in Raseborg. You can find all options under activites on our website. Enjoy your unforgettable parties and meetings in Raseborg!
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.
Whether you enjoy outdoors or indoors, the autumn holidays in Raseborg offer something for everyone. The diverse range of nature trails invites you to go and discover the nature and its cones, rocks and trees. Explore the city’s exciting history in the old iron works or Ekenäs old town. Or enjoy a cozy fairy tale in one of the city’s six libraries.
Here are three reasons to visit Raseborg during the autumn holidays.
1. A wide range of activities
As the largest city in Uusimaa province, by area, Raseborg is both diverse and rich in activities. Here you can find for example a wide range of nature trails with the mix of nature, culture and history. Pack a tasty snack and enjoy a break in the middle of nature. In Västerby outdoor recreation area, Kopparö, Gumnäs as well as at some other outdoor destinations, there is the possibility of a barbecue area.
Do not forget geocaching either – Raseborg is an excellent place for this and the search for hiding places makes wandering in nature guaranteed to be more exciting.
On October 18, children aged 5–10 are invited to a Halloween fun and craft session at Ramsholmen (take the first path on the right). From 1–3 PM, they can enjoy nature-based activities and simple crafts. Activities will take place weather permitting.
Curious to see the best view of Ekenäs? Pick up the key to the old water tower from Ekenäs library, climb 164 steps and admire the magical view!
If you enjoy riding a bike, there are several nice bike routes that takes you between villages and historical sites. For the more adventurous, Fiskars Village offers excellent mountain bike routes in beautiful surroundings. The city bikes are also available until the end of the month.
For the smaller ones in the family, there is a wide range of different playgrounds, so go and discover the city’s 36 playgrounds. Among the children’s favourites Fiskars playground and the new adventure course at Pumpviken in Karis. The Lion Park in Ekenäs will be reopening in October after renovations.
When the evening darkness falls and the autumn chill sets in, it’s the perfect time to move your activities indoors. Raseborg has a wide range of activities to choose from – for example, you can visit the public swimming pool, watch a film at one of the two cinemas, try bowling or play padel. Aktia ice hall in Karis also organises public ice skating on Fridays and Saturdays from 3th October!
The public pool in Ekenäs hosts Friday Fun every Friday for children who can swim, from 5 to 7 PM. During these two hours, kids can enjoy the pool’s water toys and other equipment in lanes 4–6. On Thursday, 16 October, there will be games and activities for children aged 6 and older at Ekenäs sports hall, Flemingsgatan 19.
2. Exciting history
Although the city of Raseborg is only 15 years old, its districts and villages hold a much older history than that. In the old iron works in Svartå, Billnäs and Fiskars, you can learn more about the history behind the old iron mills. In order for the old iron mills to once function, coal was produced in the forests of Snappertuna. In the coal village of Malmbacka, you can learn about the history behind coal production. Here you can also relax in a real wood-fired sauna.
In the old town of Ekenäs, you can walk along the narrow streets, admire the old wooden houses and imagine how the life in the city used to be. You get clues from the street names in the old town, which reveals how the townspeople made their living. Here, the streets have existed in the same place since the 16th century. The oldest remaining houses are from the 18th–19th centuries.
Learn more about Raseborg and book a talented guide with you. Choose your field of interest and learn more about the old iron works, the old city of Ekenäs or perhaps one of the beautiful natural areas.
3. Diverse cultural life and locally produced delicacies
Let your imagination and creativity flow during the autumn holidays! Try glassblowing in Fiskars or book a chocolate class in Billnäs. Or immerse yourself in the world of fairy tales in one of the city’s six libraries. The city’s library offers books in at least 28 different languages. For film enthusiasts, there are also two cosy cinemas in Raseborg: Bio Pallas in Karis and Bio Forum in Ekenäs.
Combine history and culture and visit interesting museums. Learn about how the residents of Fiskars lived in the past at Fiskars Museum, or admire the brand-new art exhibition at Chappe Art Museum. Admission to both museums is free for visitors under 18.
Treat yourself with something delicious and fill your stomach with local delicacies! Visit cosy cafes, versatile restaurants and traditional markets during your visit. In Raseborg there is also a dense network of local food lovers, producers and organic farms.
Smaller and larger events are also organized around the city, so take a look at Raseborgs event guide to see what is happening during your visit. The event calendar is continuously updated.
Bonus reasons
• Raseborg is located halfway between Helsinki and Turku, so it is easy to travel to Raseborg by public transport as well as by car.
• Raseborg offers a diverse range of accommodation, from cottages to castles and hotels, so extend your stay and discover all the fun that can be found here.
• Raseborg is a bilingual city, with Swedish as the majority language, so during your visit you can practice both local languages - if you want.
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.
