Local travel in Kaarina
Järvelä wetlands
This fine birdwatching spot is located on the border of the towns of Kaarina and Lieto, north of Lake Littoistenjärvi. The wetlands are a nesting place for many bird species that you can observe from the birdwatching tower, among other places.
Bus lines: 2B, 2C
Nearest stop: Ukonkatu
Read more about the Järvelä wetlands. (Opens in a new tab)
Space Park Väisälä
The Tuorla Observatory was founded 70 years ago by Yrjö Väisälä, who was possibly Finland's most successful scientist. Space Park Väisälä maintains science education respecting the work of Väisälä and his successors at the Tuorla Observatory, offering an opportunity to explore the rich history of the observatory and contemporary astronomy.
Bus lines: 700–708
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Tuorla
In the historical Tuorla area, you can enjoy the sights of the beautiful manor and its garden. The centuries-old King’s Road from Stockholm to Vyborg passes the Manor. You can also visit the Tuorla Observatory during events such as open days.
Bus lines: 700–707
Nearest stop: Tuorla I
Read more about Tuorla (in Finnish). (Opens in a new tab)
Kaarina´s churches and pilgrimage routes
There are three churches in Kaarina: the Piikkiö stone church built in 1755 and designed by architect Samuel Berner, the wooden Kuusisto archipelago church built in 1792 and the parish centre church in the centre of Kaarina built in 1980. There are several pilgrimage routes today and the Pyhä Olavi sea route runs through Kaarina to the archipelago.
Kaarina Church
Voudinkatu 1, 20780 Kaarina
Lines: 801, 221, 7, K1, K2
Piikkiö Church
Hadvalantie 5, 21500 Piikkiö
Lines: 700, 701, 703–709, K4, K5, K6
Kuusisto Church
Linnanrauniointie 159, 21620 Kuusisto
Lines: K2
(from 24 April to 2 June, and from 10 August to 24 September)
Koristo stables
The Koristo stables are located in the centre of Kaarina and the premises are maintained by Kaarina-Seura association. The purpose of the association is the comprehensive development of the home region based on its local special characteristics, improving the quality of the living environment increasing people's comfort, raising awareness of the home region, fostering and promoting culture, and maintaining the regions own spirit. Events organised at the Koristo stables include song nights, sales and cultural events and concerts.
Bus lines: 801, 7, 221
Kaarina-talo centre
The Kaarina-talo centre is a library and cultural building in the centre of Kaarina. Kaarina-talo centre opened in 2018 organises versatile weekly programme for people of different ages, such as concerts, lectures, discussion clubs, gigs, children's events and other interesting events! Admission to most events is free of charge. In addition, the centre has a service point and two exhibition spaces, both of which host monthly changing exhibitions. Entrance to the exhibitions is free of charge.
Bus lines: 801, 221, 7, K1, K2
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Vaarniemi
In Vaarniemi Nature Reserve, you can admire the old oaks and the views stretching all the way to Turku when you climb into the Vaarniemi lookout tower on top of a tall rock. From Vaarniemi, you can continue your journey to Rauvolanlahti Bay or Katariinanlaakso Valley.
Bus lines: 7, 221
Nearest stop: Rauvolantie
Read more about the Vaarniemi lookout tower (in Finnish). (Opens in a new tab)
Huttala castle hills
Huttala castle hills are steep and 74 metres high. They have been used on two occasions: in pre-Roman times in 500 BCE–0 and at the end of the Iron Age in the 11th and 12th centuries.
Bus lines: 702–706
Nearest stop: Lystilä I
Read more about the Huttala castle hills (in Finnish). (Opens in a new tab)
Kuusisto Bishop´s Castle ruins
The historic Kuusisto Bishop's Castle Ruins are located on the island of Kuusisto on the shore of Piikkiönlahti Bay in Kaarina. The castle was the residence of the Turku Bishop, Finland's greatest man, and the centre of the Catholic Church in Finland. The castle was in use from the late 1200s to 1528 and operated as an administrative centre and a place of safety for bishops. The Kuusisto Bishop's Castle Ruins are an amazing destination for the entire family. Visitors can visit the Kuusisto ruins around the year, and entrance to the area if free of charge. In the summer, the
Kuusisto Bishop’s Castle Visitor Centre is open at the location, and provides information on the history of the castle through various media. Presentations with virtual glasses are a special treat. The visitor centre’s top floor hosts exhibitions, while the bottom floor has a space where short films are shown and a café, which sells local handicrafts and ceramics. The visitor centre also rents canoes and kayaks!
On the shore of the castle ruin area there is a boat pier, a barbecue place and a public toilet (only open during the summer season).
Bus line: K2
Nearest stop: Kuusiston kartano
Read more about Kuusisto Castle (in Finnish). (Opens in a new tab)
Kuusisto Art Manor
See the historical milieu, nature and contemporary art equally, together, in harmony. During summer, the manor hosts changing contemporary art exhibitions that are free of charge and the Villikahvila café serves delicious treats. The cultural trail, which starts from the shed, travels past a dead wood sculpture garden. This is a unique and important wood sculpture collection that can be viewed in the cultural landscape 24/7. It will grow once again during the second art manor sculpture week, which is open to the public from 30 July to 6 August 2023.
Bus lines: K2
Mökki Galleria
Mökki Galleria is located in the historical cultural landscape of Kaarina, next to Rauhalinna manor and a nature reserve. The gallery hosts a monthly changing exhibition and Mökki sells art, jewellery and unique handicrafts. The gallery combines a wide range of things and styles in a surprising way and invites guests with touching personalities.
Bus lines: 700, 701, 703–709, 720–723
The King's Road
The King's Road is an old fairway, also known as Great Coastal Road, which connected the Nordic countries and Russia. The road was used by soldiers, couriers, postmen and peasants has seen a great deal over the years. For this reason, the King's Road is still a significant road today, and it deserves its place as one of our country’s significant routes. Even now, Finland’s entire history is still visible along the road in the form of castles, fortresses, manors, cities, landmarks and churches.
Bus lines: 700, 701, 703–708, 720, 720P, 721, 721S, 722, 722S, 723, 723S
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Ravattula Ristimäki
The remnants of the oldest known church in Finland are located on the River Aurajoki, on Ristimäki hill in the village of Ravattula, Kaarina. The church building, which was found in August 2013, was in use from the late 1100s and to the early 1200s. This is currently the oldest known church building in all of Finland and the only one that depicts this prehistorical phase of history with certainty. Based on the research carried out there, a completely new ancient costume, Ravattula costume.
Bus lines: 6, 612, 614, 615
Lake Littoistenjärvi
Lake Littoistenjärvi, at the border of Kaarina and Lieto, is a popular nature destination. Winding nature trails circle the lake, and it also has a beach. The area also includes birdwatching towers with a view of the Järvelä wetlands, known for its diverse bird population. From the beach, you can see the old textile factory on the opposite shore.
Bus lines: 2B, 2C
Nearest stop: Littoistenjärvi
