Ekenäs
Ekenäs Old Town with its wooden houses spreads out to the seashore. The street names tell the story of the life of the townspeople and how they got along hundreds of years ago. Here, the streets have stayed the same since the 16th century. Street names such as the Hatter's Street (Hattmakaregatan), Linen Weaver's Street (Linvävaregatan), Cloth Weaver's Street (Handskmakaregatan), Smith's Street (Smedsgatan) and Tanner's Street (Garvaregatan) reveal that Barcken's peninsula in Ekenäs once was populated by skilful craftsmen.
During Christmas season, the stroller can get a glimpse of a Christmas tree, an old tiled stove or mirror doors through the windows. In the summer, you can peep over the fences to the enclosed courtyards. The small signs with names of fish, as given to the blocks in the 19th century, and the cast-iron lamp posts give the face of the Old Town that little extra. The small street mirrors or “gossip mirrors” in the windows, elegantly crafted garden gates and the intricately decorated window frames are all details worth spending time looking at.
From a tiny fishing village to a vibrant small town
Most of the buildings in the Old Town date from the late 18th and the 19th century, but the area grew out of a 16th century fishing village that the Swedish king Gustav Vasa granted a town charter in 1546 – a few years before Helsinki. The two cities were intended to grow into trade centres and compete with Revel, the modern-day Estonian city of Tallinn.
Today, Ekenäs is a vibrant small town where shops, cafés and restaurants provide personalized service. The best places for shopping can be found on Gustav Wasas gata right by the town square, and on Kungsgatan, the first pedestrian street in Finland. During summer, the terraces in Stallörsparken park and the guest marina swarms with people on holiday enjoying the evening sun and the views of the archipelago.
Pack your picnic basket and take a stroll along the seashore
Basatorget, the old market situated near Stallörsparken park, is a good place to start a walk along the west shore, which opens a nice view over the bay area. The old-style “pranger” (a pillory-style punishment pole), which stands in Basatorget, reminds us of the days when many crimes were punished by public beating and humiliation.
At the start of the walk you’ll pass the old sauna, Gamla Bastun, which is a large three story brick building erected in 1903 as a spa for the wealthy Russians who visited the town. Later it became the town’s public sauna until the end of 1960s.
During the walk on the seashore, you can admire the wooden houses in the Old Town, small marinas and lush green parks. Next to Södra viken bay (southern bay) lies a small and beautiful park called Våghusparken, in which you can find the memorials of the two Ekenäs’ Knights of the Mannerheim Cross; Tor Lindblad and the flying ace Hans Wind. From Våghusparken you can also spot canoeists on their way to the sea. A short walk from here is Skepparträdgården park where you can ring the bell that was set in the park in memory of the artist Helene Schjerfbeck.
The sea and the nature are part of everyday life
Ekenäs is a maritime city. There are various marinas, a beach in the middle of the city and rocky beaches in Ramsholmen. The sea freezes during winter, but the ice swimmers continue with their hobby in the outdoor swimming facilities of Stallörsparken.
Ramsholmen nature park area lies less than a mile from the city centre, and is the place where locals go to relax and enjoy the tranquility of the nature. In the spring, the area turns white when thousands of wood anemones bloom.
Experience Ekenäs in two hours.
Tourist Guides of Raseborg
Get more out of your visit by hiring one of our professional guides!
Ekta Bryggeri & Gastropub
Microbrewery founded in 2016 producing dry apple cider, beer, and seasonal products
Västerby Bouldering Area
New (2019) bouldering area in Västerby outdoor recreation center.
Skogshyddan_air
A relaxed working residence by the sea between Tammisaari and Hanko, in the village of Skogby.
Brinkkala house
All year-round house 140 m2. Located 15 km from Ekenäs. The nearest beach and boat dock 1 km away. Rowboat.
Ekenäs City Hotel
By the sea, near the idyllic Old Town. Comfortable accommodation with good breakfast.
Restaurant Kripa
Authentic Nepalese restaurant serving delicious and carefully selected dishes
Café Schjerfbeck – Station
Cozy café at the Ekenäs Tourism Center/Railway. Also event venue for private occasions such as meetings, cultural events, and celebrations.
Stallet bar & terrace
A relaxed and welcoming atmosphere with an impressive sunny terrace and a cosy inside space, with Live music , DJs and events throughout the summer months
Pine Sands
Pine Sands escape is a wooden chalet set on sandy shores between Tammisaari and Hanko on Finland’s south coast.
Pojo raisable span bridge
Open to traffic throughout the year if ice conditions allow. Opens only by reservation
Sjövik beach
Small beach suitable for children. Changing hut, toilet, dock and a playground
Langansböle beach
A small sand beach suitable for children with changing hut, outdoor WC & a dock
Stallörsparken beach
A long sand beach in good shape, large grass area with volleyball net
Grabbskog beach
Small sand beach suitable for children with changing hut, outdoor WC and dock
Bajon beach
Small beach suitable for children. Swimming lessons are arranged here on occasion
Municipal Supervising Veterinarian
Supervising veterinarian, Sydspetsens miljöhälsa in Ekenäs, during office hours
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
Meetings, sauna & parties Sommaröstrand
Meeting space by the sea, for up to 16 people with modern equipment and sauna
Restaurant 5knivar
The meeting place for Skåldö residents and summer guests with a beautiful view
Villa Kosthåll
À la carte and coffee with freshly baked pastries, close to nature and the sea
Villa Smakhus
Rent the banquet hall for both small and large gatherings. Lunch service Mon-Fri
Restaurant & Pub Santa Fe
A local legend that offers diverse food, troubadours, and disco!
Restaurant Albatros
Summer restaurant since 1988 with a popular À la Carte menu and delicious drinks
Hemma hos Rastachef
Vegetarian/vegan restaurant serving food with inspiration from all over the world
Wi-Box Bakery & Kitchen
A bakery with products of high quality. Lunch and breakfast buffet
Harbour Terrace Baywatch
Café and pizzeria located in the beautiful guest harbour with a lovely sunset
Café Gamla Stan
Family business serving homemade cakes and pies straight from their kitchen
Wi-Box Konditori
A cosy café with joyful service, and a wide selection of high-quality products
Restaurant Bossa Nova
Summer restaurant located beautifully by the seaside next to the camping area
The Gullö Flower Valley
Celebrate the arrival of spring by admiring 35,000 daffodils along a short walk
Ekenäs Tennisklubb
Tennis and padel in the city-center. Book a court through the Playtomic app
Raseborgs Yogaskola
Learn the art of wellness and relaxation through the ancient art of yoga
Helene Schjerfbeck Guided Tour
Walk in the footsteps of the artist Helene Schjerfbeck with a dramatized guide.
Contact: cafeschjerfbeck@gmail.com
Historical King’s Road
Guided tour along the King’s Road, where Swedish kings & Russian tsars traveled
Guided tour in Ekenäs and the Old Town
Enjoy the charms of the old wooden houses during a guided tour in the old town
The Historical People of Ekenäs
The walking route presents 16 historical figures associated with Ekenäs
Lilla Skärgårdsbageriet & Bistro
Various homemade bread and pastries. Minigolf course next to the café
Ratsastuskeskus Fenix
A riding school approved by The Equestrian Federation of Finland. Summercamps
Marinboden Clothing Shop
Clothing, shoes, and accessories for men and women for all occasions
Lindroos Kontors- & Kassamaskiner
Machines, supplies and their maintenance to offices & homes since 1967
EKM Service Ekenäs
We assist in all matters concerning IT – both for households and enterprises
Ekenäs Bildel & Marinboden
Almost everything for the car, boat and caravan and the Marinboden clothing shop
BOKSI Harbour Office
Find all things nice for your summer home or presents for your summer hosts
Kanotklubben Wågen
Join kayaking courses or rent a kayak to explore the surroundings on your own
Haukikoira Fishing Services
Tailored fishing trips, with excellent equipment and knowledge.
Fishing License in Raseborg
Information about fishing permits and to fish with gear in Raseborg’s waters
Fishing Xperience
Tailored and guided fishing trips in the waters of Ekenäs and Snappertuna
Kopparö Guest Harbour
10 guest berths. There is also a restaurant, accommodation and more in the area
Predium Harbour and Summer Restaurant
Scenic guest harbour offers berths for overnight guests
Sommaröstrand
Located at the tip of Skärlandet, offering everything needed in the archipelago
Ekenäs Guest Harbour
An excellent harbour offering all service you may need. 80-100 guest berths
Guide-Matti’s Boat Trips to Ekenäs Archipelago National Park
Guided boat trips to the Ekenäs archipelago for a maximum of 5 people
Skåldö Fish Shed, Sommaröstrand
Shop located at the tip of Skärlandet, selling both food and home supplies
Taxi Boat Myggen III
Cruises according to previous agreement between Hanko, Ekenäs and Inkoo
Archipelago cruise to Jussarö Island with m/s Myggen III
Archipelago cruise to the old mining island Jussarö. Requires booking in advance
Culture House Karelia
Place for theatre, dance and music performances, movies and workshops
Discgolf Ekenäs
A disc golf course with 18 targets, suitable for both beginners and competitors
Discgolf Skogby
Beginner friendly disc golf course with an easy terrain in a beautiful forest
Ekenäs Swimming Hall
Three pools, a hot tub, an exciting waterslide and two saunas for relaxation
Lion Playground
Central playground with swings and climbing structures for children of all ages
Melles Hälsoshop
Organic shop in the centre of Ekenäs. Healthfood, organic food and superfood
Raseborgs Fysioterapi
Physiotherapy, massage, and group exercise with over 20 years of experience
Kronan Hairdresser
A blend of trendy haircuts, beautiful hair colors, and sustainable make-up
Kopparö Recreation Area
Camping in the scenic archipelago. Boat and cottage rentals, sauna & restaurant
Vitsand 406 Cottage
Cottage offering that little extra. 6 beds, sauna, beach & outdoor activities
Villa Långstrand
Two large premium log houses for rent in the idyllic countryside by the sea
Smedsede Farm – Strandede
Two rental cottages, Strandede and Holmen. Nature and tranquility.
Grytskär – Ekenäs Archipelago National Park
Cottage for 4 in the idyllic archipelago. No electricity or water in the cottage
Villa Fager
Apartment with nature views, close to the city center, beaches, and Villa Skeppet
Lingonberry Cottage
Cozy cottage near shops, sandy beaches, restaurants, and Ramsholmen Nature Park
Slottsbädden
A 19th-century building with free parking, kitchens, Wi-Fi, laundry & playground
Motel & Restaurant Marine
Affordable city-center accommodation with a generous breakfast buffet
Hotel Sea Front
Family-owned hotel in a peaceful seaside setting, a short distance from the city center
Knipnäs Wellness Center
A cozy place inviting you to relax in the tranquil marina environment
Mannerheim Memorial Stone
Memorial stone where Mannerheim received troops that recaptured Hanko in 1941.
1918 Graveyard
Around 3,000 Reds from Finland’s Civil War, killed in prison camps, rest here.
Mannerheim Knights Hans Wind and Tor Lindblad
Memorial of the Mannerheim Knights Hans Wind and Tor Lindblad in Våghusparken.
War Memorial Nytt Liv
A bronze statue in memory of soldiers who fell during the war years 1939-1944.
Ekenäs Seminarium Memorial
The school was founded by Uno Cygnaeus in 1871 and functioned between 1871-1974.
The Finnish Untuned Bell
The winning entry in a competition to create an artwork in memory of Schjerfbeck.
Thorvald Strömberg Memorial
The paddler Thorvald Strömberg is Raseborg’s so far only Olympic Gold Medalist.
The Old Fire Tower in Ekenäs
Built in 1875 by architect Constantin Kiseleff. Functioned as a jail until 1898.
The Freedom Well
In memory of the 1905 Great Strike. People protested the Russian Emperor’s autocracy.
Sigfrid Aronus Forsius Memorial
Aronus was Finland’s first scientist. He was born in 1552 and became priest in Ekenäs.
King Gustav Vasa Memorial Stone
King Gustav Vasa founded Ekenäs in 1546. The memorial stone was raised in 1946.
Dagmar’s Spring
Memorial stone from when Alexander III and Danish princess Dagmar visited.
Emma Engdahl’s Childhood Home
Opera and concert singer Emma Engdahl was raised in this house.
Gustaf John Ramstedt memorial
Ramstedt was a Finnish scientist and diplomat born in Ekenäs.
Helene Schjerfbeck memorial
Memorial stone in the park next to the corner of Långgatan and Gustav Wasas gata.
Henrik Otto Donner memorial
The memorial Blue Jazz Glyph is in honor of composer Henrik Otto Donner (1939-2013).
John Österholm
School advisor John Österholm was a state representative, politician and journalist.
Memorial of German soldiers
Memorial to four German soldiers fallen in 1918 in Svedja, Karis.
The Greek Catholic Graveyard
The area was used as a Greek Catholic cemetery from 1841 to 1918.
Master Goldsmith Henrik Wigström
Wigström was Fabergé’s leading Master Goldsmith in St. Petersburg.
Helene Schjerbeck’s home
The plaque commemorates the house where Schjerbeck lived. The house has now been demolished.
Wegelius’ Memorial
Wegelius was the main conductor at the first Finland-Swedish song and music festival.
Bunker Museum
The Irma bunker gives you a good understanding of what life on the front was like during the war.
Larson’s Gallery – Studio
Private art gallery with sales, exhibitions, and workshops. Open on appointment
Villa Skeppet
Christine and Göran Schildt’s home, the last private residence designed by Alvar Aalto
Raseborg Museum
The history of the region and special exhibitions on various topics e.g., Helene Schjerfbeck.
Ekenäs Old Water Tower
164 steps up the old water tower for views of Ekenäs and surrounding waters
Gallery Perspektivet
Handicrafts and the works of pupils as well as professional artists exhibitions
Chappe – An Art House by the Sea
Presents Nordic art, transcends boundaries and offers unforgettable experiences
Laiska Ebba
Children’s clothing prioritizing sustainability and is made from organic materials
W. Werner Ab Tavelinramning och Galleri
Quality frames. Artist of the month in the Gallery
Raseborgs Möbelvård – DesignWest
Versatile upholstery services: upholstery, leatherwork, boat- and decorative cushions
LIIA Jewellery
Jewellery that combines timeless craftsmanship with traditional and modern techniques
Sonjan Herkku
A small delicacy shop offering artisanal food without additives and colorants
Mörby Gård organic farm & shop
Organic farm primarily producing beef, grains, root vegetables, and potatoes
REKO Ekenäs – local food circle
Purchase locally produced food on Facebook with weekly pick up
Market day in Ekenäs
Markets are held every Wednesday and Saturday from 7 am-2 pm at Rådhustorget
Guide-Matti
Boat trips to the archipelago, fishing- and nature trips and guided tours in Raseborg
Kopparö Nature Trail
A stunning 3.2 km nature trail with a suspension bridge and numerous fire pits.
Västerby outdoor recreation centre
Locals’ meeting spot, scenic area with diverse trails and ski tracks
The Dagmar Park
A large nature reserve by the sea, known for its history and popular beach.
Forest park Ramsholmen
Scenic area with rich flora and fauna and beautiful wood anemones during spring
Öudden’s arboretum
Follow the fairy tale path on Fåfängön, discover the hidden pond, and enjoy nature’s beauty.