A holiday in Raseborg is guaranteed to enchant visitors. Even though Raseborg is a new town, it’s steeped in Finnish history. Among the many attractions in the town is the medieval Raseborg Castle, the centuries-old ironworks, the town's fantastic location on the Gulf of Finland, the pristine natural surroundings and the untouched historic villages, such as Ekenäs Old Town known as Barckens Udde. Parts of the Ekenäs Archipelago National Park are situated in Raseborg, and a perfect way to visit the park is a cruise around the islands on-board the M/S Sunnan II, which use to be a steam ship servicing inland waterways.
The town, now known as Raseborg, was founded in 2009, when the areas of Ekenäs, Karis and Pohja were merged together. The town was named after both Raseborg Castle in Ekenäs and the medieval province of Raseborg owing to the historical significance of the area. Raseborg is situated in Southern Finland in the western part of the region of Uusimaa, with good travel connections to Helsinki situated about 50 miles away and Turku, about 60 miles away. The area is very popular for summer cottage holidays, and about 65% of its inhabitants also speak Swedish.
Holidaymakers are drawn to Raseborg by its historical charm and cultural significance. Raseborg Castle was built in the 14th century in a bend of the River Raseborg to control trade and seafaring on the Gulf of Finland that had experienced a surge in activity after the founding of Tallinn on the opposite shore of the gulf. King Gustav I of Sweden believed that the castle was poorly situated, and it was eventually abandoned in the 1550s after Helsinki and Ekenäs were founded. Today, the castle has been partially restored for prosperity, and the popular Raseborg Summer Theatre is located nearby.
Make sure to make time to visit Fiskars Village, which is open all year round. This strikingly beautiful old industrial area will allow you to learn more about the history of one of Finland's oldest brands, walk along several nature paths, visit exhibitions and purchase products from well-known Finnish manufacturers. Situated in the parish of Pohja, the former ironworks and furniture factory in the lively Billnäs Village is worth seeing with its cultural events and centuries-old factory buildings. While in Billnäs, climb up Lippukallio, also known as Hammarberget, to see beautiful vistas of the entire ironworks area.
Raseborg is full of life all year round. The town's art exhibitions, museums, old churches and mansions are always worth seeing, but the town has activities for all seasons. Held in September, the Ekenäs Autumn Market with its funfairs and stalls is great fun for the whole family. The Ekenäs Summer Concerts, held in Ekenäs Church, offer delightful chamber music to locals and visitors, and in the winter, the Christmas Market will charm and uplift you!
Travel to Raseborg to experience a unique holiday among charming, historical natural landscapes, and close to several major cities.
