Find things to do in Kaarina - 15 tips
Visit Kaarina's manor houses and the ruins of the bishop's castle, enjoy nature trails and the seaside, and discover the local atmosphere in the market square and city centre.
City articles
10.12.2024
Kaarina is a charming town in Southwest Finland, offering a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors. This seaside town attracts tourists all year round with its stunning scenery and relaxed atmosphere. In Kaarina you can enjoy art and nature, while learning about the local culture and history. The city is an ideal destination for both short day trips and longer holidays.
Kaarina offers a wide range of opportunities to enjoy nature and outdoor activities. There are several nature trails, parks and recreational areas suitable for a variety of activities and nature experiences. You can explore groves, open cliffs, the seashore and enjoy beautiful landscapes and a peaceful atmosphere. The proximity of the seashore adds to the outdoor activities, and in autumn nature offers particularly beautiful colours and atmospheres.
Explore with us the best destinations in Kaarina!
Explore Kaarina's charming manors, which offer a historical glimpse into the region's past. Kuusisto Manor is set in beautiful natural surroundings and its historic architecture will charm visitors. During the summer, the manor hosts various events and exhibitions, so you can combine your visit with a cultural experience.
Another place worth a visit is Ala-Lemu Manor, which dates back to the 15th century. The surroundings of the manor provide a wonderful setting for a walk, and you can enjoy both the natural and historical setting. Kuusisto Art Manor is of particular interest to art lovers, with art exhibitions and other cultural events taking place there during the summer.
A visit to Kaarina Manors will allow you to immerse yourself in the local cultural heritage and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Be sure to check opening times in advance, as they may vary depending on the season.
Experience a taste of history at the ruins of Kuusisto Bishop's Castle, an impressive archaeological site in Kaarina. Situated in a beautiful location on the shores of the Gulf of Piikkiön, the ruins are the remains of a medieval bishop's castle that was once the centre of the Bishop of Turku and the Catholic Church in Finland.
The site is open to visitors all year round and access is free of charge. You can take a bike ride to the ruins at Linnanrauniontie 633. There are guided trails connecting the castle ruins to Kuusisto Manor. Also check out the Kuusisto Culture and Nature Trail, which offers information about the history and nature of the area through informative signposts.
In July, you can visit the ruins' summer kiosk, which is open weekdays from 10am to 4pm, but remember that the ruins are a heritage site protected by law. The ruins of Kuusisto Castle are part of a wider cultural complex, and you can combine your visit with a tour of Kuusisto Manor and the Kappelinmäki area.
Visit Kaarina Church, an impressive sight and a fine example of modern Finnish church architecture. The red brick church was built in 1980 and designed by the architectural firm Pitkänen-Laiho-Raunio. The building's clean lines and warm red-brick cladding make it an inviting and interesting place to visit.
Once inside, you will notice the bright and expressive interior of the church. The architects have skilfully combined different wood materials to create a unique atmosphere. The wooden elements of the altar wall, which form the image of the suffering Christ, are particularly noteworthy. Together with the parish centre, the church forms a functional whole that serves the parishioners in a variety of ways.
Kaarina Church is open to visitors, but you should check the opening hours in advance. Remember to respect the sanctity of the place during your visit.
The Kaarina House Library is a versatile cultural centre in the heart of the city and a great place to learn new things or just to spend time. The library offers much more than just books to borrow.
You can use the library's computers, print and copy documents. The library also has a games room and a digitisation room, which offer opportunities for a variety of activities and projects. The library offers a wide range of services: you can borrow books, use the information service and there are targeted activities for music lovers.
Visit Aktivia Arena, Kaarina's versatile event centre. It hosts a variety of sporting events, concerts and fairs throughout the year. You can watch exciting sports competitions or take part in sports activities yourself; the arena regularly hosts matches and tournaments organised by local sports clubs.
As a music lover, you can enjoy a wide range of concerts. Aktivia Arena hosts both local artists and nationally renowned performers. Fairs and exhibitions offer the chance to discover local businesses and products - you can find new hobbies or find inspiration for decorating your home.
Check the Aktivia Arena events calendar when planning your visit to Kaarina. There you will find up-to-date information about upcoming events and ticket prices. By participating in events, you are also supporting local cultural and sporting activities.
Experience Kaarina's diverse art scene by visiting the city's art exhibitions. In Kaarina House, you can visit temporary exhibitions featuring works by local and international artists. The exhibitions offer an opportunity to immerse yourself in different art forms and styles.
Kuusisto Art Manor is another popular exhibition venue. It regularly hosts interesting art events and exhibitions that attract visitors from near and far. In addition to the gallery spaces, Kaarina also has public artworks; you can take a walking tour of the city and admire various sculptures and other artworks in the outdoor spaces.
The Kaarina Events Calendar provides up-to-date information on exhibitions and art events. Many exhibitions are free of charge, making art easily accessible to all. By visiting Kaarina's art exhibitions, you support local cultural life and experience new things.
Kaarina has a diverse cultural offer all year round. You can enjoy a variety of events, many of which are free or low-cost. Kaarina Music Week is one of the highlights of the year, offering concerts and musical performances of various genres. Experience live music performed by local and visiting artists.
For film lovers, there are film screenings; you can enjoy both domestic and international films in a comfortable environment. For literature lovers, there are author visits, which give you the chance to meet your favourite authors and hear their thoughts.
Kaarina's cultural events are easily accessible, and you can find current information in the Kaarina Events Calendar.
Spend a summer evening at the Kaarina Summer Theatre and enjoy the atmosphere of the open-air theatre. Kaarina-Teatteri is an active amateur theatre that produces several premieres every year. During the summer, the theatre's repertoire often moves to the open air, creating a unique theatre experience.
The performances are popular, so it is advisable to book your tickets early. You can check performance times and book your tickets conveniently on the Kaarina Theatre website. Bring a blanket and enjoy the local cultural offer in a relaxed atmosphere.
In addition to the theatre experience, you can explore Kaarina's other attractions and services during the performance. Combine a visit to the theatre with a picnic or a walk in the surrounding area.
Go on a nature trip to Kuusisto Island, which offers a great setting for enjoying nature. Discover the area's rich nature and history by walking the 3.2 km Kuusisto Nature and Culture Trail. Along the trail, signposts provide comprehensive information about the area's past and natural features.
The route is easy to follow and suitable for all types of hikers. You can stop to admire the ruins of Kuusisto Castle, which are the remains of a medieval bishop's castle. There are several landing places in the area, so you can combine a walk with a paddle if you wish. The Kuusisto-Harvaluoto kayaking route circles the island and offers an alternative way to explore the surroundings.
Remember to take a packed lunch and enjoy the peace and quiet of nature. Kuusisto Island is an excellent destination for both a short day trip and a longer nature experience.
Get out on the water and enjoy the archipelago scenery by boating along Kuusisto's beaches. Kuusisto Island and its surrounding waters offer a great setting for boating and canoeing. You can explore the area by boat or hire a canoe or kayak from local service providers.
The Kuusisto-Harvaluoto kayaking route is a popular option, which circles Kuusisto Island and continues to Harvaluoto Island. Along the route there are several landing places where you can take a break and enjoy a snack. The sheltered waters of the Kuusiston Sound are ideal for novice paddlers, while more experienced boaters can head further inland.
Along the way, you can admire historical sights such as the ruins of the Kuusisto Bishop's Castle, which are magnificently visible from the sea. Your boat trip can be short or long, depending on your preferences, and you can even spend a whole day on the water.
Remember to bring appropriate safety equipment and check the weather forecast before setting out on the water. Boating on the shores of Kuusisto is a great way to discover Kaarina's marine nature and enjoy the peace and quiet of the archipelago.
Hop on your bike and enjoy the stunning scenery of Kaarina. The city offers an excellent setting for cycling, and you can enjoy a variety of routes through both rural landscapes and livelier areas.
Cycle through peaceful fields and continue to the livelier parts of town. Explore Kaarina's coastal routes, where you can pedal along the seafront and admire beautiful sea views along the way. In autumn, leafy trees offer a stunning display of russet, and you can cycle through colourful forests and enjoy the autumnal atmosphere.
Visit the St Catherine's Trail network, which is popular with locals and visitors alike. Take a snack and a break in a beautiful place; the nature of Kaarina offers many charming resting places for cyclists.
Remember to take a map or use a mobile app to plan your route. This will help you find the best bike routes and points of interest in Kaarina.
Recharge your batteries by hiking in Kaarina's central sports park, which offers a great opportunity to get fit in the middle of nature. The park has a 1 025-metre long illuminated fitness track, making it suitable for all types of runners. Along the route you can enjoy the beautiful surroundings and fresh outdoor air.
The central gym is popular with locals, so you can meet other exercisers and get motivated to get your workout on. You can also stop along the route to stretch or do other fitness exercises. Hiking on the fitness trail is an easy way to keep fit and enjoy nature; you can adjust the pace to suit your fitness level and do several laps if you want to go for a longer ride.
Bring comfortable outdoor clothing and shoes and a water bottle. The fitness park is open all year round, so you can enjoy hiking in different seasons and experience the changes in nature. In winter, the trail serves as a ski slope, so you can continue your outdoor activities even when it snows.
Experience a high quality golf experience at Aurinko Golf, located in the Ravattula area of Kaarina. This cosy golf centre offers challenge and enjoyment for beginners and more experienced players alike. The course has been carefully designed to take advantage of the area's scenic landscapes and varied terrain.
Sun Golf has an 18-hole course that offers a wide variety of playing possibilities. In addition to the course, there are good practice areas such as a driving range and putting and chipping greens. The golf club also has a restaurant where you can enjoy a meal after your round.
If you are a beginner, Sun Golf offers golf courses and lessons. You can take a beginners course or private lessons with a professional. Be sure to book your tee time in advance either by phone or via the website to ensure a smooth playing experience.
Bring your frisbee golf disc and head to Piikkiö Frisbee Golf Course, located at Hadvalantie 10, Piikkiö. It's a great way to get to know this popular sport. Frisbee golf is a fun and approachable hobby, suitable for all ages and abilities.
The Piikkiö course consists of nine baskets and offers a suitable challenge for beginners and more experienced players alike. On the track you can practice different throwing techniques and learn the rules of the sport in a peaceful environment. Remember to bring your own Frisbee golf disc or get one before you go.
The course is free to use, so you can go and play at a time that suits you. Be aware of other players and the environment when playing. Frisbee golf is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and exercise in Kaarina.
Experience the pleasant shopping environment of Kaarina city centre, which offers a wide variety of purchases. In the downtown area you will find grocery stores, specialty shops and local boutiques. For example, head to Kaarina Ostari, where you'll find clothes, electronics and home accessories - all conveniently under one roof.
Smaller boutiques offer unique gift ideas and local products. These shops often offer personalised service and treasures you can't find elsewhere. If you're looking for fresh food, visit Kaarina Market, where you can buy seasonal vegetables, fruit and other delicacies directly from producers.
