Discover Kaarina: Nature, History and Culture

If you’re looking for a hotel in Kaarina, you can start by planning your trip around your interests: nature trails, historical sites, contemporary art or astronomy each offer a different focus. The city’s sights and trails provide concrete ideas to help you plan.

Historic Routes and Archaeological Traces

On the banks of the Aurajoki River, on Ristimäki Hill in the village of Ravattula, lie the remains of Finland’s oldest known church. The site connects Kaarina with an early chapter in Finnish church history.

The King’s Road also shapes the historical perspective on Kaarina. It runs from west to east through the city, and its surviving sections retain an authentic character. When Finland was part of the Kingdom of Sweden, the road connected Stockholm with Vyborg via Turku; Vyborg is now in Russia. Nature trails and protected areas are also found along the route through Kaarina. The Sea Route of St. Olav continues through Kaarina into the archipelago.

The St. Catherine’s Trails are a network of hiking routes in Vaarniemi and Ala-Lemu in southwestern Kaarina. Historical traces along the trails include Bronze Age burial mounds. The Battle of Lemu took place in the area in 1808. This makes it possible to explore the trail landscape through specific archaeological and historical themes.

Nature Trails and Views

Along the St. Catherine’s Trails, rocky hills and steep slopes alternate with groves, coniferous forests and farmland, with sea views along the way. The rocky area of Vaarniemi is part of the Rauvolanlahti Natura 2000 protected area. Those who want to take in both the landscape and its natural and cultural features during an outing will find a variety of points of interest along this trail network.

The Kappelinmäki Nature Trail has information boards about local nature and cultural sites. Littoistenjärvi, on the border between Kaarina and Lieto, offers a different landscape, with winding nature trails around the lake. The area also has birdwatching towers overlooking the Järvelä wetlands, known for their diverse birdlife.

Kuusisto: Art, Castle and Island Nature

Kuusisto Island is accessible by car or boat. In summer, the history of the castle takes centre stage in the multimedia presentation at the visitor centre of the ruins of the Bishop’s Castle. There is also a café that sells local handicrafts and ceramics. If you’re planning a summer visit, check the latest visitor information.

Kuusisto Art Manor is a summer gallery for contemporary art, with curated exhibitions that change annually. Some works are displayed in the front garden and orchard and can be viewed there around the clock. These works are installed either for one summer or permanently. The cycling route from the main road to the Art Manor follows the old country road and is about 6 kilometres long; check conditions locally. Kuusisto also offers art in nature year-round along its deadwood sculpture trail.

Planetarium and Culture at Kaarina-talo

Väisälä Space Park includes a planetarium. Its shows offer a virtual journey into space or to places on Earth. A guided observatory tour introduces the history of Tuorla Observatory. Activities are tailored to each group, and the programme is suitable for visitors from preschool age through to senior citizens.

Kaarina-talo hosts exhibitions that change monthly for local residents and visitors. Several permanent artworks are part of the building’s architecture. The venue hosts concerts, lectures and debates. There is also a lunch restaurant; check whether it is open before you arrive.

Discover more destinations: Turku, Marttila, Salo, Somerniemi, Korppoo, Laitila, Västanfjärd, Pöytyä.

See the regional travel overview: Varsinais-Suomi.