Kaarina: Nature, Art and History

Kaarina brings together routes through varied landscapes, traces of history and a range of artistic experiences. The St. Catherine’s Trails feature rocky slopes, forests and sea views, as well as Bronze Age burial mounds. Other places to visit include Väisälä Space Park and Kuusisto Art Manor. If you’re looking for a holiday apartment in Kaarina, you can choose based on whether you’d like to spend your holiday hiking, discovering culture or combining the two.

Hiking trails through forest, rocks and history

The St. Catherine’s Trails form a hiking trail network in Vaarniemi and Ala-Lemu in southwestern Kaarina. The trails wind through rocky hills and steep slopes, wooded areas and coniferous forests, as well as cultivated land; there are sea views along the way. The rocky area of Vaarniemi is part of the Rauvolanlahti Natura 2000 site. Bronze Age burial mounds lie along the trails. The famous Battle of Lemu took place in the area in 1808. Here, nature and history meet within the same hiking area, without merging into a single attraction.

Littoistenjärvi, on the border between Kaarina and Lieto, offers a different experience of the landscape. Winding nature trails circle the lake. Information boards along the Kappelinmäki Nature Trail offer insights into local nature and cultural sites. Those who enjoy spending time outdoors will find a variety of options: a hiking network with changing landscapes, paths by the lake and a trail whose information boards cover nature and culture.

Historic routes and an old church

The King’s Road runs from west to east through Kaarina. When Finland was part of the Kingdom of Sweden, it connected Stockholm with Vyborg via Turku—today’s Vyborg in Russia. Preserved sections of the old road in Kaarina retain their authentic character. Nature trails and protected areas also lie along the King’s Road. The historic route is therefore not only a long-distance road from the past, but also part of Kaarina’s present-day landscape.

On the banks of the Aurajoki, on Ristimäki Hill in the village of Ravattula in Kaarina, lie the remains of Finland’s oldest known church. Those interested in early church history can include this site in their exploration of the area’s past. With its burial mounds and connection to the Battle of Lemu, the St. Catherine’s Trails offer a different historical focus.

Art and island experiences on Kuusisto

Kuusisto Art Manor is a summer gallery for contemporary art, with curated exhibitions that change every year. Some of the works are displayed in the front garden and orchard and can be viewed there around the clock. The works are installed either for one summer or permanently. For cyclists, the route from the main road to Kuusisto Art Manor along the old country road is about 6 kilometres. Kuusisto also has a deadwood sculpture trail, offering art in the heart of nature year-round. Kuusisto Island can be reached by car or boat.

The ruins of Kuusisto Bishop’s Castle also combine history with a place for visitors: in summer, the visitor centre uses various media to present the history of the castle. The café sells local handicrafts and ceramics. These offerings add insights into the castle’s history and works from the region to a visit to the island.

Space, exhibitions and events

Väisälä Space Park includes a planetarium. Shows offer a virtual journey into space or to places on Earth. A guided observatory tour introduces the history of Tuorla Observatory. The Space Park also offers activities tailored to each group, for visitors ranging from preschool age to seniors. For families, this broad age range can be a useful guide when considering the different interests within their group.

Kaarina-talo hosts exhibitions that change monthly for local residents and visitors. Several permanent works of art are part of its architecture. The building also serves as a venue for concerts, lectures and debates, and has a lunch restaurant. Nature, history, art and events each offer a different perspective on Kaarina. When searching for a holiday apartment, it may therefore be helpful to consider which of these aspects interests you most during your stay.

More places: Lieto, Somerniemi, Laitila, Sauvo, Pöytyä, Uusikaupunki, Yläne, Koski.

For the wider travel overview: Varsinais-Suomi.