Pastel, Peaceful and Beautiful: A Day in Tammisaari

Earlier this week we told you about the wonderful summer town of Hanko, located at the tip of the Hanko Peninsula far out in the embrace of the Baltic Sea, about a two-hour drive or train ride from Helsinki. When you travel to Hanko, make sure you set aside time to stop for a good while in Tammisaari as well — a predominantly Swedish-speaking town known by its Swedish name Ekenäs. The train to Hanko also stops in Tammisaari, and if you’re driving, Tammisaari falls right along the route.

Tammisaari is part of the municipality of Raasepori and has a wonderful old town where pastel-coloured wooden houses charm visitors in every season. The sea laps just nearby, and along many a narrow lane you may catch a glimpse of it at the far end of the street, peeking out between the old timber buildings. The ancient streets and alleyways of Tammisaari are wonderfully quiet, and it’s a delight to wander through them at a leisurely pace, admiring everything around you. With cafés and restaurants to take advantage of, there’s no shortage of good food either.

Tammisaari has a lovely beach at Stallörsparken, conveniently located right in the heart of the old town. A beautiful sandy beach can also be found at the scenic Ramsholmen area — a paradise of spring and summer flowers with its hazel groves. The distances are short and very walkable: from Tammisaari’s market square it’s just a 5-minute walk to Stallörsparken beach, and Ramsholmen’s sandy beach is a 20-minute walk away. On the way to Ramsholmen, you’ll already be treated to a fine taste of the area’s lush, flower-filled nature.

Despite its small size, Tammisaari has a grand history. The town was founded in 1546, and the beautiful stone church that dominates the townscape dates back to the 17th century. Among those who have lived or studied here are Elias Lönnrot, the compiler of the Kalevala; the painter Helene Schjerfbeck; and a designer whose work may be very familiar to you even if you’ve never visited Finland — Olof Bäckström designed the first prototype of the ergonomic scissor handle in the 1960s, and Fiskars still manufactures these scissors to this day.

I visit Tammisaari many times a year myself, and I enjoy going in every season, not just in summer. In autumn the fall colours are wonderful here, and in spring there are beautiful early flowers. In summer the yards and gardens are lush and green, and together with the old houses the views are like something out of a fairy tale, lane after lane. Tammisaari is beautiful on a bright, crisp winter’s day too — especially when there’s snow.

My Top Tips for Tammisaari:

1. Walk the Ramsholmen nature trail and soak up the atmosphere of forests and shorelines.
2. Enjoy a peaceful coffee break at Café Schjerfbeck on the edge of the market square.
3. Hunt for treasures at the local second-hand shops, you’ll find Betesda right next to the old town.
4. For good vegetarian and vegan food, try Kripa on the corner of the market square and Rastachef by the library.
5. The contemporary art museum Chappe is a local gem, see it for yourself!

Read next:

The paradise of Ramsholmen

Ekenäs’ serenity and autumn colours are fit for a postcard – only one hour from Helsinki

Ekenäs Archipelago National Park is a summer paradise on the southern coast of Finland – here are its most delightful parts

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