The Raseborg area in western Uusimaa is a treasure trove of history and enchanting historical sites. Among its most captivating aspects are the old ironworks villages, which present a postcard-perfect vision to contemporary Finnish eyes. Perhaps the most renowned of these is Fiskars Village, a hive of activity in the summer months. However, on a serene winter weekend, we found ourselves amidst its hushed beauty, nearly alone against the backdrop of winter’s frost.
On that chilly Sunday, with temperatures hovering around -15°C, my husband and I set out for Fiskars, eager to embark on a small ironworks tour. The region is adorned with several charming ironworks villages, including Antskog, Billnäs, and a little further east, Mustio—also known by its Swedish name, Svartå. Our journey began in Antskog, where we paused to capture a striking photograph of the icy riverbank.
A quick drive from Antskog brought us to Fiskars. Upon our arrival, the expansive parking area—affectionately termed Field row 1—hosted just a single car, its surface glistening with frost. With no one in sight, the atmosphere felt almost private, allowing us to experience this enchanting winter village as if it were our own.
The name Fiskars might resonate with you, and rightly so: the village is synonymous with Fiskars products like scissors, axes, and a host of other tools. Founded in 1649, the Fiskars Ironworks has a rich history, which I explored more thoroughly in my autumn piece.
Conveniently located near the heart of the village and adjacent to the winding Fiskars River, the parking area set the stage for our exploration. We ventured upstream along the river, heading towards Lake Degersjön. The shoreline revealed a quaint, snow-covered jetty, perfectly framed by sunlight filtering through the trees on the opposite bank.
However, it soon became apparent that the cold was no mere chill. The moisture rising from the river made it feel significantly colder than the thermometer indicated. After just a few steps, we found ourselves yearning for warmth, prompting a swift change of course to ensure we could enjoy the village center without turning into ice figures.
In the village’s central area, numerous bridges arch gracefully over the river. We meandered along, crossing bridge after bridge, each offering a fresh perspective of this winter wonderland. We paused at each one to appreciate the captivating views, where winter ducks paddled languidly in the river.
The playground lay quiet under a blanket of ice, yet some village amenities still welcomed visitors even during this brisk season. Fiskars boasts charming hotels, inviting restaurants, intriguing exhibitions, and, of course, the famous Fiskars factory outlet.
The beautifully restored mill building was a true visual delight, enticing us to linger a moment as we listened to the soothing sounds of rushing water nearby.
As we approached the imposing headquarters of the Fiskars Group, we reluctantly acknowledged that it was time to retrace our steps if we hoped to reach the car before succumbing to the cold. A winter visit to Fiskars promises an array of breathtaking sights—just be sure to dress in layers, for you’ll want to be adequately prepared against the winter’s chill.
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