The King’s Road

The King's Road is one of the most beautiful cycling and motoring routes in southern Finland. Medieval churches, magnificent manor houses, picturesque ironworks and charming harbour towns along the road speak of its old history. Come along for a ride!

Raaseporin linnnarauniot, ja Raaseporin joki. Kuva Johan Ljungqvist
Raaseporin linnnarauniot, ja Raaseporin joki. Kuva Johan Ljungqvist

Already in the 14th century, the King’s Road has stretched from Bergen, Norway, following an old postal route going via Oslo to Stockholm, Sweden. From there it runs further to Mariehamn on the Åland islands, in Finland. The route continues through the archipelago to Turku and via coastal areas of Southern Finland finally all the way to Vyborg and St. Petersburg in Russia.
The kings and their couriers, bishops and burgesses, artists and armies have travelled the road, which supposedly was built as a trail for chargers between Turku and Vyborg Castles. Later, the road was used as a postal route. The route went from village to village, and manor houses, farms, guest houses, taverns and inns where travellers were able to stay and dine popped up along the way.
In Raseborg, the King’s Road runs via Tenala towards Pojo parish village when coming from Turku. Pojo was once an important hub with i.a. manor houses, ironworks, inns, harbours, and a lookout hill. From Pojo village the road continues to Fiskars Village, which today is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Raseborg.

After Pojo church, the King’s Road runs through Billnäs Village along the Svartå River. At Karis Kroggård the road branches off to northern and southern parts. The northern King’s Road passes through Svartå to Lohja and further to Siuntio, whereas the southern branch takes you to Ekenäs and Raseborg Castle Ruins, continuing to Fagervik and further to Ingå and Siuntio, where the northern and southern branches are reunited.

Billnäs Village
Billnäs Village.