During perhaps the most colorful holiday of the year, Raseborg comes alive with festivities for all ages. Visit the town’s lively markets, enjoy delicious treats at local restaurants and cafés, browse the charming boutiques, or go on a thrift-hunting tour through our many second-hand shops. For the youngest members of the family, exciting Easter egg hunts are organized in Billnäs Ironworks and in the Old Town of Ekenäs.
Tips for a Lovely Easter Weekend
28 March–8 April – Easter Trail in the Charcoal Burners’ Forest, Snappertuna Follow a beautifully decorated Easter-themed trail at Malmbacka, Charcoal Burners’ Forest in Snappertuna. Along the path, you’ll find red markings with fun and tricky challenges to solve.
28–29 March – Fiskars Spring Market Food and Crafts Fair, Fiskars At the food and craft market at Kopparsmedjan in Fiskars you’ll find a wide selection of delicious treats perfect for the Easter table and spring celebrations.
3–5 April – Easter at Hammarbacken, Fiskars Museum. The museum is open during Easter from 11:00 to 16:00. On Saturday, 4 April, a special Easter workshop will be held where visitors can create their own sparkling Easter eggs.
3–6 April – The Colorful Easter Eggs in the Old Town of Ekenäs The Easter Bunny has hidden eight Easter eggs around the Old Town of Ekenäs and needs help finding them! The hunt starts at Basatorget square in the Old Town, by the red mailbox.
4 April – Easter Egg Hunt at Billnäs Ironworks Children aged 1–12 are invited to search for hundreds of hidden chocolate eggs. If you’re lucky, you might even find a golden ticket that can be exchanged for a large chocolate egg at Billnäs Chocolate Factory! Pre-registration required.
4 April – Easter Marketin Karis The big Easter market in Karis takes place from 10:00 to 16:00 on Centralgatan street.
4 April – Easter programme in Ekenäs The Easter Bunny will be hopping around Katarina’s Garden, handing out Easter candy to children!
6-12 April – Fiskars Easter Sessions Enjoy classical music in a historic setting at Fiskars Easter Sessions. Four chamber music concerts will be held in Fiskars in collaboration with LEAD! Foundation and the Finnish String Academy.
In Fiskars, you can enjoy Easter in a historic setting with great food, live music, exhibitions, and comfortable accommodation. Follow the Easter trail that leads you around the village and admire beautifully decorated Easter trees. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite one!
Raseborg also offers many exhibitions and museums to explore. Discover everyday life and celebrations in the ironworks community from the 1600s to the present day at Fiskars Museum. At Gallery Elverket in Ekenäs, you can admire art collector Lassi Löylypoika Auterinen’s collection. The art museum Chappe in Ekenäs will reopen with new exhibitions on March 27th. You can find more current exhibitions in the event guide.
Restaurants and Cafés
Whether you visit Raseborg for the day or stay for a few nights, you’ll find restaurants and cafés ready to treat your taste buds to delicious local delicacies. Enjoy your meal on the spot or take home local ingredients from the town’s markets and squares.
Several restaurants also offer special Easter-themed dining experiences. At the elegant Billnäs Gård, for example, you can book a table for both Easter lunch and dinner.
Easter Programme in our Churches
During Easter, the town’s churches and parishes offer a variety of activites for both children and adults. You can read more about Raseborg’s seven churches on our website, and find the full Easter weekend programme on the individual parish websites.
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.
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.
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, dry toilets, and a grill hut with dry firewood. 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.
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.
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.
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.
