Billnäs
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 past is, however, very much present in Billnäs: the oldest residential and commercial buildings in the village are from the 1700s, and the old craftsmanship still thrives. Several entrepreneurs representing different industries serve the residents and tourists in the village.
Billnäs village offers inspirational environment for meetings, events and special celebrations.
The Artisan Chocolate Factory and Store, Billnäs Chocolate Factory, is a must-visit. All products are handmade from high-quality fair trade chocolate. You can watch the chocolate being made through the glass. Ratiashop has the most conclusive selection of Ristomatti Ratia’s products. The selection includes clothes, accessories and interior design. On top of shopping opportunities, Billnäs offers accommodation in the Billnäs Village Hotel and Bed & Breakfast Eden Billnäs.
Billnäs has an active village association that organizes events throughout the year in the village. Every year in July, the Billnäs Antique Days attract thousands of visitors from all over Finland to the charming ironworks milieu. During the Christmas season it’s worth paying a visit to Christmas in Billnäs Village -event, when program and bazaars are organized around the village.
The village has two restaurants, Billnäs Village Restaurant as well as the new terrace Scarlett O’Karis, that is open during summer. The restaurant’s menu is inspired by the southern states of the U.S., and it has been very popular already during its first summer in operation. The terrace is located right next to the Svartån river in the center of the historical village, so the views are spectacular.
Activities in the Village
A new recreation route called Culture Path opened in 2021 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. The route ends at the new floating bridge crossing the Svartån river. From the bridge you can admire the village in all its beauty, and perhaps even spot some fish traveling up the new fishway in the dam!
In Billnäs you can also rent e-fatbikes and kayaks. Paddling on the beautiful Svartå river or biking through wonderful landscapes is a memorable experience. There’s also a city bike station in Billnäs, so the village works well as a resting point when for example traveling along the Railbank route.
Carl Billsten – Finland’s first ironmaster
Carl Billsten (1605-1673), originally from Stockholm, founded Billnäs ironworks in 1641 by Svartå rapid. He built a blast furnace and two trip hammers. The hammers were powered by the rapid with a drop of six metres within a short distance. Coal was made out of the trees in the nearby forest. Pig iron was produced in Billnäs until 1904.
In the 18th century, the ownership of the ironworks was transferred to the Swedish Hisinger family. The Hisingers strived to improve the conditions of the ironworkers and started a primary school in Billnäs. The primary school was among the first in Finland. In addition, a brewery was founded in the ironworks, as well as greenhouses, in which foreign plant species such as oranges and grapes were grown.
During the Hisinger era, the production of the ironworks was renewed and diversified. A factory that produced a variety of hardware tools such as shovels, hammers and axes, was established Billnäs. A traditional forge was, however, active alongside other production. In the late 19th century, a new workshop was built to the ironworks almost every year. These workshops included i.a. a cutlery mill, a sawmill and a carpentry workshop, in which the famous Billnäs office furniture were later produced.
The time of Fiskars Corporation
Having a factory owner was becoming old-fashioned, so the ironworks was turned into a limited company called Billnäs Bruks Aktiebolag. The majority of the shares remained within the Hisinger family until 1920, when the majority of the shares were transferred to the current Fiskars Corporation and Billnäs became its subsidiary. In 1957, Fiskars received full ownership of the factories, and in 1970 the subsidiary was entirely merged to the parent company Fiskars. At the same time, the furniture factory was closed.
Industrial activity still continues in Billnäs, where the world famous Fiskars’ orange-handled scissors are being made. In 2008, the former production facilities of the old ironworks were transferred to the ownership of Olli Muurainen.
Tourist Guides of Raseborg
Get more out of your visit by hiring one of our professional guides!
Billnäs Bruk conferences and corporate events
An inspiring environment for teleworking, meetings, events, and unique celebrations
Billnäs Gård
Beautiful & intimate manor transforms celebrations into unforgettable memories
Billnäs Ruukki, Hotel and Apartments
22 spacious and comfortable rooms in the former main office of the ironworks
Billnäsin Ruukki Restaurant
Restaurant with menus that respect locality and classic instructions
Billnäs Chocolate Factory
Delicious handmade chocolate crafted on-site and sold in the store
Municipal Jour
The municipal jour for small animals is managed by Sjundeå Veterinärer in Tenala
Veterinary for horses, Tiina Eklund
Specialist veterinarian in horse diseases. Stable visits in Raseborg and Hanko
Billnäs Lokalen
Large banquet hall for all events, delicious food, and friendly customer service.
Rilax manor – Billnäs – Fiskars Village – in a day
Guided tours in Rilax Manor and the ironworks villages of Billnäs and Fiskars
Historical King’s Road
Guided tour along the King’s Road, where Swedish kings & Russian tsars traveled
Industrial Walk Fiskars-Billnäs
Take a guided walk from Fiskars Ironworks to Billnäs Ironworks
Kayak- and Electric Bike Rentals in Billnäs
All you need for a fun day outdoors – rent an e-fatbike or kayak!
Fishing License in Raseborg
Information about fishing permits and to fish with gear in Raseborg’s waters
The Building Pharmacy
Products for building preservation, traditional construction, and interior design
Ruukkikylän Herkut
Homemade delicacies such as marinated garlic and olives, mustard, jelly, and mayonnaise
Guide-Matti
Boat trips to the archipelago, fishing- and nature trips and guided tours in Raseborg
