Uusikaupunki: Wooden Town, Maritime History and Nature

Uusikaupunki has several sides to it: pastel-coloured wooden houses shape the townscape in the centre, while maritime names and information boards along Kaupunginlahti Bay tell the story of the town. There are also museums, a cultural history trail and natural attractions nearby. When planning your holiday, you can choose between local history, automotive themes and nature experiences.

Wooden-house district and maritime history

The wooden-house district in the centre comprises more than 40 blocks of wooden houses and over 600 pastel-coloured wooden houses. It is considered one of Finland’s best-preserved Empire-style wooden towns. The size of the district and its distinctive architecture give the townscape a unique character. Those interested in architecture and historic townscapes will find a different focus here than in the automotive exhibitions or along the waterfront.

Kaupunginlahti Bay reaches into the centre of Uusikaupunki. The old waterfront warehouses house various restaurants and terraces. Along the waterfront promenade, maritime terms and ship names illustrate the history of seafaring. Ten smaller information boards supplement them with photos and entertaining stories. You can encounter the town’s maritime past through both the terms and names and the illustrated stories.

Museums and cultural history trail

The Uusikaupunki Automobile Museum presents a wide selection of classic cars in three exhibition halls. There are also other exhibits relating to motoring and motor sports. The Bonk Museum offers a different focus: at its Innovatorium, children can design and build their own Bonk machines. If you are travelling with children and looking for a creative activity, you could include this museum visit in your plans. Exhibitions at the Runonkulman Gallery change monthly, offering another way to explore art, with something new to see each time.

The cultural history trail is about four kilometres long and can be explored on foot or by bicycle. There are 34 different marked stops along the route. The accompanying brochure is available in Finnish, German and Russian. The approximate distance and the option to walk or cycle the trail are useful points of reference when planning your day. The trail makes a good focus for anyone who wants to explore Uusikaupunki’s cultural history along the way.

Nature and other nearby attractions

Nearby, the accessible nature trail at Kasarminlahti leads through the forest and to the water in safe surroundings. The area is rich in birdlife and serves as a resting place for migratory birds. Hiunjärvi, a regionally significant bird lake, is also nearby. It has a marked nature trail, a shelter and a birdwatching tower. Two route options are available on the nature trail: a longer loop of about 3.8 kilometres and a shorter one of about 3.2 kilometres. When planning your day, you can choose between the two stated distances.

Art House Pilvilinna also brings art and a garden together: it has an art trail through the forest, and its garden features a rose garden with hundreds of roses. Another destination for an outing is the fortress island of Katanpää in Kustavi. It is part of the Bothnian Sea National Park. Its fortress buildings, including the cobblestone street and wooden water tower, are protected under the Antiquities Act.

More destinations

You can also explore these destinations: Harjattula, Dragsfjärd, Raisio, Marttila, Kaarina, Kustavi, Mynämäki and Naantali.

For the overview of the wider region, see: Varsinais-Suomi.