Raseborg and Hanko’s joint celebration of the embracing darkness, The Dark Weekend – Experiences in a New Light, takes place on 23–25 October 2026. Say goodbye to October with spooky, cosy and uplifting experiences, and see some of our most charming and historic places in a whole new light.
Even after the official dates, the magical atmosphere lingers on. In several places, especially in Fiskars, lights, decorations and atmospheric experiences continue to brighten up the darkness long afterwards.
Raseborg, Hanko, as well as local associations, organisations, businesses and other event organisers all take part in The Dark Weekend.
Programme
Here’s a selection of Dark Weekend events taking place in Raseborg. More information about the events can be found in the event calendar. Events taking place in Hanko can be found here. The event list is regularlyupdated.
At Fiskars Museum, the autumn holiday gets a traditional twist with a celebration of Kekri! Once celebrated on farms across Finland, Kekri was a harvest festival marking the end of the harvest season and the start of a new year. The museum offers fun activities for the whole family while learning more about this old Finnish tradition. Try your hand at solving tricky riddles about different objects or have a go at the intriguing fortune-telling game.
If you’re interested in art, head to the art house Chappe in Ekenäs, where new thought-provoking exhibitions open on 2 October. You can also explore the works, objects and photographs of Helene Schjerfbeck at Raseborgs Museum, or learn more about the fascinating history of the magnificent Svartå Manor.
2. Plenty of indoor fun
The autumn weather can be wonderfully unpredictable, but luckily there are plenty of fun indoor activities to enjoy in Raseborg. Challenge the family to a game of bowling, try indoor climbing at Keiv or play a game of padel at one of our fantastic padel centres.
In Karis, you can lace up your skates and enjoy some public ice skating, while the library in Ekenäs has autumn holiday crafts for creative minds of all ages.
For something a little more relaxed, Raseborg also has two retro cinemas in Ekenäs and Karis, where you can sit back and enjoy a film together. On Sunday 11 October, Bio Pallas will host a cultural event for children, featuring Grammy-nominated children’s musician Brady Rymer and magician Professor Bluffo.
3. Walk among trees and trolls
There are dozens of nature trails and hiking routes to explore in Raseborg. The approximately two-kilometre-long Tree Species Path in Fiskars is perfect for children who enjoy spending time outdoors. Along the trail, you’ll come across 25 different tree species, including an oak that is as old as the ironworks itself. Why not see who in the family can recognise the most trees?
Older children can take on the approximately five-kilometre Troll Forest Trail in Ekenäs. Keep your eyes peeled. Could there be a troll hiding among the trees? Pack a tasty snack and take a break at the shelter along the way.
Although the city of Raseborg is only 16 years old, the history of its districts and villages goes back much further. In the historic ironworks villages of Svartå, Billnäs and Fiskars, you can learn more about the ironworks and their importance to the history of Raseborg.
Deep in the forests of Snappertuna, charcoal was once produced to fuel iron production. At The Charchoal Village Malmbacka, you can learn more about the traditional charcoal-making process through an exhibition or guided tour. Afterwards, unwind in the wood-fired sauna.
In Ekenäs Old Town, wander along the charming streets, admire the old wooden houses and imagine what life in the town was like in the past. The street names offer clues, telling stories of everyday life and how the townspeople made their living.
Want to dive even deeper into Raseborg’s history? Book a guided tour and let a knowledgeable guide bring the people, places and events that have shaped the region to life.
5. Fill your belly with local flavours
In Raseborg, we value clean, fair and locally produced food. Local chefs know the importance of using ingredients from the area, and you’ll find local produce on the menus of many restaurants. Enjoy a delicious lunch or take a refreshing coffee break in a historic setting or with a sea view.
Experience the colourful market atmosphere and wide selection of products at the Ekenäs Autumn Fair on 24–25 September! In addition to a variety of market goods, the traditional amusement park area offers entertainment for the whole family. The traditional autumn fair takes place at marknadsplan (Flemingsgatan 19) in Ekenäs.
The market’s official opening hours are Thursday 24 September from 8:00–21:00 and Friday 25 September from 8:00–20:00. The amusement park is open on Thursday 24 September from 12:00–20:00 and Friday 25 September from 12:00 to 21:00.
An Eventful Autumn
After a summer full of events, there is still plenty of energy left for an eventful autumn in Raseborg. Raseborg hosts a large number of autumn events, from vibrant music festivals to colorful food markets.
Here are a few highlights of the autumn events. Check out Raseborg’s Event Guide for more tips on upcoming activities.
After a day full of fun activities, you can curl up in the comfy chairs of one of our two retro style cinemas, Bio Forum in Ekenäs or Bio Pallas in Karis.
Harvest Season with Local Delicacies
Did you know that Raseborg is a real paradise for lovers of locally produced food? Our city is righteously proud of our large number of fresh and unique local food products and the many skillful entrepreneurs behind them. For a foodie the best time to travel to Raseborg is undoubtedly autumn, when our markets are brimming with wonderful harvest products.
If the local market schedules don’t fit your plans, you can always order products from the local REKO food Facebook groups of either Karis or Ekenäs . Orders are placed in advance on Facebook, and you can pick up your purchases at the joint distribution event on Fridays. Handy, don’t you think?
Raseborg has a broad network of farmers, producers of local food and other entrepreneurs that make unique artisan products. Some producers have authentic farm shops where you can buy their products. Stop by Mörby Farm Shop, Potatisboden in Tenala, or Tallbacka Trädgård’s self-service stand in Bromarv, which stays open until the temperatures drop below freezing.
Additionally, the Slow Food Festival is arranged for the 15th time this year, and for the second time in Billnäs Village. Here you will have the opportunity to discover, taste, and enjoy good, clean, and fairly produced local food!
The summer restaurants in Raseborg are soon winding down for the season, but many restaurants welcome guests throughout the autumn and winter months. Explore Raseborg’s selection of restaurants and cafés here.
Sports and Outdoor Activities
In Raseborg, nature is always close by, and autumn brings out its most beautiful side. You can take a walk in old forests, find your way to the shore of a beautiful lake, and fall in love with the calming nature of the archipelago. On top of the wonderful views, many of the nature trails also have historical value.
If you want to experience the beautiful colours of autumn, Forest Park Ramsholmen and Billnäs Village are two excellent places to visit. In Raseborg, the autumn colours are usually at their best from late September to mid-October.
For hiking enthusiasts, Västerby Outdoor Recreation Centre is a great option. In the area we recommend hiking around the popular Enchanted Forest Path, that offers both old forests and beautiful lake views. Or why not take a ferry trip to admire the wonderful archipelago scenery of Kopparö nature trail on Skåldö? Even in the historical ironworks villages of Billnäs and Fiskars you can hike in the beautiful, historically interesting trails. You can check out all our region’s nature trails here.
For people that feel at home in the saddle of a bike and aren’t afraid of challenges, the mountain biking routes of Fiskars Village Trail Center are the best pick. The center has several routes of different degrees of difficulty, all in magnificent scenery. While biking you get to enjoy the fresh fall air and afterwards you can satisfy your hungry stomach in one of the popular restaurants in Fiskars.
The opportunities for outdoor activities and nature experiences don’t end here. How about going for a horse-riding trip or checking out one of our many disc golf or padel courses? Or how does bouldering in Västerby Outdoor Recreation Centre sound like? For golf enthusiasts Raseborg also offers three excellent golf courses. Check all the alternatives for sporty activities here.
Guided Tours
Thanks to its far-reaching history, Raseborg is filled with exciting stories and funny anecdotes. We have plenty of stories to tell about our region’s interesting people and villages, and the changes they have experienced during the years.
Book a professional guide and time travel in our historical destinations. Contact a guide directly or by filling in the contact form on Raseborg Guides’ website. The association will help tailor a tour to suit your specific wishes.
Is there a better way to spend a day indoors than at a museum? Visit a museum or one of the several art galleries in Raseborg. In Ekenäs, you get to visit both the famous Chappe art museum and the new Helene Schjerfbeck exhibition at Raseborgs Museum, with the same entrance ticket. The museums also regularly organize free guided tours. While you’re at it, you can also check out the neighboring Galleri Elverket, which has free admission. In turn, Fiskars offers the KWUM ceramics museum, the Fiskars Museum about the village’s history, and several smaller exhibitions scattered around the village.
In both Ekenäs and Karis, you have the opportunity to combine beautiful art with a library visit. In Galleri Perspektivet at the Ekenäs library, both school groups and professional artists exhibit their works. During the summer, you can also purchase decommissioned books from the Ekenäs library for a small fee. At the libraries you will definitely find entertaining reading for your visit in Raseborg. In Karis, you will find the culture center Fokus, which has a library, a gallery and a small café. The building also houses the Tryckeriteatern, where you can enjoy theater, concerts and stand-up comedy. In Raseborg, there are libraries in Ekenäs, Karis, Tenala, Pojo, Bromarv and Svartå. See more about the opening hours here.
Activities
For a more active day, you can visit the KEIV climbing gym or theBowling hallin Ekenäs. For sports enthusiasts, there are indoor courts to rent for both tennis and padel at Karis Padel and Ekenäs Tennis Club. Despite the rain you can still play disc golf thanks to Jyms frisbee golf- and ice hockey simulator. For some mental gymnastics you can visit Escape Room Raseborg. End the day by relaxing in a comfy chair in front of an exciting movie at Bio Forum or Bio Pallas.
Don’t let rainy days be bad news; instead, let them create opportunities to collect unforgettable experiences! Book a chocolate class at Billnäs Chocolate Factory. During the class you get to create your own sweet treats and taste several kinds of chocolate. Sounds like a dream, right? In Fiskars, you can try glassblowing, wood carving, candle making and painting classes, among other things. More information about workshops in Fiskars is available on the Fiskars Village website.
For a truly relaxing experience, Raseborg offers a variety of services. Book a soothing massage, a facial treatment, or refresh your hairstyle at one of our many hair salons. See more about the services offered in Raseborg here. Rain is also no obstacle to relaxing in a warm sauna. For example, saunas can be found in most accomodation options; read more about Saunas in Raseborg.
What does Raseborg have to offer?
Bad weather is also an excellent excuse to do some secondhand shopping. Did you know that there are several secondhand stores in Raseborg? Visit the Vintage Centre Måll in Karis and while you are at it, peek into several other flea markets located on the nearby streets Centralgatan and Köpmansgatan. In Ekenäs you can find bargains at Emmaus, Trollet or Sagoland Antiques. You can customize a second hand shopping tour with the help of this list of thrift- and vintage stores in Raseborg. Also, check out our event calendar for flea market and antique events.
Why not taste something new to brighten up the mood on a gray day? Book a table or make a spontaneous visit to one of our fantastic restaurants. Try locally brewed drinks at Ekta, interesting pizza from a menu that changes by the season at YLP!, or an atmospheric dinner at Restaurant Kw. Finer services and tasting experiences can be found at Restaurant Linnankrouvi in Svartå, at Billnäs Bruk and at Fiskars Wärdshus. In Raseborg, there are also several cafés offering a cozy atmosphere where one can either engage in lively discussions or quietly immerse oneself in an exciting book. A list of restaurants and cafés in Raseborg can be found here.
What happens in Raseborg?
Wondering what is happening in town during your stay here? You find most of the organized events in our events calendar. Most events are concentrated to the summer months, May to August, but there are both bigger and smaller events organized all year round. For example, many restaurants often host smaller music-events of which information might only be found at the social media pages of the restaurant in question. Welcome to Raseborg!
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 Antiques 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.
Karis is a very central location when travelling in Raseborg. Its architecture, rich cultural offering, and lush nature trails make it an attractive destination. From Karis, you can easily continue to Ekenäs, Fiskars, Billnäs, Svartå, and Bromarv.
You can reach Ekenäsby train from Helsinki or Turku by changing to the H-train in Karis. During the summer, there is also a direct train connection from Riihimäki to Ekenäs.
From Ekenäs, you can continue your journey by bus to destinations such as Snappertuna and Bromarv, or even head to the archipelago by boat.
Billnäs is easily accessible by bus from Karis, (Summer Schedule here). Once you’ve arrived in Karis, make your way to the historic Billnäs Ironworks Village to sample local chocolate, purchase handmade crafts, or visit Billnäs Gård.
Bromarv
The beautiful archipelago landscapes of Bromarv can even be reached directly from Helsinki by bus. You can also hop on a bus in Karis or Ekenäs. Bromarv offers the idyllic Padva Beach, a popular summer market, and several restaurants.
In Snappertuna you can visit the impressive ruins of Raseborg Castle as well as the renowned Raseborg Summer Theatre. Snappertuna can be reached by bus from Ekenäs.
Pojo
Pojo is a historic and nature-rich part of Raseborg where medieval cultural heritage meets a wide range of outdoor activities. The village is easily accessible by bus from Karis, (Summer Schedule here).
The archipelago
Dreaming of the archipelago but don’t have your own boat? In Raseborg, you can still enjoy the islands without a private vessel.
For example, there is a boat connection to the island of Jussarö from Ekenäs Harbour. You can conveniently arrive in Ekenäs by train or bus and continue by boat to this spectacular destination in the Ekenäs Archipelago National Park. Skåldö can be reached by ferry.
Read more about archipelago transport in Raseborg here.
Did you not find a suitable alternative for you or your group?
Journey planners can help you find the most convenient route:
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.
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.
The tourism information service point is located at Raseborg Museum, where you can pick up travel brochures and maps of the Raseborg region year-round. Brochures and maps can also be downloaded here or picked up at most shops, cafés, and restaurants. Address: Museigatan 8, 10600 Ekenäs.
Luckan Raseborg in Karis is open during the whole year. Luckan Raseborg sells tickets to various events through Netticket. Address: Dalgatan 4 (Kulturhuset Fokus), 10300 Karis.
The stately Svartå Manor also serves its local customers and can help with booking guided tours, accommodation or perhaps reserving a table to have a good meal at Slottskrogen-restaurant. Address: Hållsnäsvägen 89, 10360 Svartå.
The Frimans Diversehandel-shop in Tenala village serves tourists all year round when the village shop is open. Here you’ll find information and some maps and brochures about Raseborg. In the authentic Village Shop you’ll find a bit of everything including a gourmet shop. Restaurant Bakfickan operates in another traditional building connected with the shop. Address: Sockenvägen 19, 10520 Tenala.
Raseborg Tourism Services
Raseborg tourism services are available both online and by phone on Mon-Fri from 9:00–12:00 We provide tips and recommendations on accommodation, restaurants, activities, and events in the Raseborg area.
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.
