Discover Raseborg: Ironworks history, crafts and nature

Raseborg’s attractions range from ironworks history and design to nature trails and birdwatching. The destinations mentioned are located in different parts of the municipality, including Fiskars, Billnäs, Karis and Ekenäs.

Fiskars and Billnäs: ironworks, design and crafts

Fiskars Ironworks was founded in 1649, when Dutch businessman Peter Thorwöste was granted the privilege of building a blast furnace and a hammer mill on the Fiskars River. The “Life at Fiskars Ironworks” exhibition at Hammarbacken in Fiskars shows the lives of ironworkers from the 17th century to the present day. Fiskars Village is now considered a centre of Finnish art and design, with workshops, events and shops throughout the year. Visitors can take part in a metalworking workshop at the foundry during the season.

Billnäs also offers ways to combine industrial history with visitor activities. The ironworks developed into a centre of modern industry; Billnäs is now a village. At the Billnäs Chocolate Factory, visitors can watch chocolate being made through windows. Confectionery can be sampled in the shop, and more than 100 different chocolates and pralines are available to buy at the chocolate shop. Courses and demonstrations on chocolate-making round out the offering. Check that your chosen activity is available before travelling.

At the old knife factory Veitsitehdas, a guided product tasting is available at the end of a guided tour. As bookings and availability may vary, it is advisable to check with the provider about the tour in advance.

Architecture, exhibitions and visitor information

The Ekecenter is located in central Ekenäs. Alvar Aalto designed the marble and brick building for the Ekenäs Savings Bank. Architecture enthusiasts will find a different focus here than in Fiskars’ exhibitions and workshops. At Chappe, the exhibitions span three floors, all accessible by elevator. Check directly with the venue for current visitor guidelines.

At Raseborg Castle in Snappertuna, note the different information about the grounds: the ruins have steep stairs and uneven terrain; the castle and Lovers’ Path are unsuitable for people with disabilities. The area around the castle and the paths provide easy access. Villa Skeppet at Snäcksundsvägen 8 can be viewed from outside. A house tour is available by booking, but the grounds themselves may not be entered. Check tour availability before visiting.

Nature trails and birdwatching

The Billnäs Nature and Culture Trail is suitable for hiking and cycling and passes through the landscape from Pumpviken to Billnäs. At Lake Läppträsket in Karis, the Culture and Environment Trail is about 2.3 kilometres long; old remains and natural attractions lie along the route. There are also two birdwatching towers by the lake, where you can observe birds. Ramsholmen in Ekenäs is a protected forest area. These different nature destinations offer varied reasons to spend time outdoors, without implying that one trail is the same as another.

Getting there and choosing a specific location

Raseborg can be reached by car, bus, train or boat. A regional train runs between Karis and Ekenäs within the municipality. Selected bus routes include the connection from Karis to Fiskars Village, partly via Pojo. There is no bus or railway station named Raseborg. For timetable information and navigation, enter a specific place such as Karis, Ekenäs or Fiskars, and check the timetable for the route in question. When planning your stay, it is helpful to choose your destinations by their actual place names.

Discover more destinations: Savijoki, Svartå, Vantaa, Tuusula, Lapinjärvi, Helsinki, Hermala, Pernå

For the overview of the wider region: Uusimaa.