Charming Uusikaupunki – Full of Surprises and Possibilities
Uusikaupunki’s town centre was named the best in Finland last year – and for good reason. This charming coastal town offers something for everyone: picturesque wooden-house quarters, fascinating attractions and events, a wide range of activities, cafés and restaurants serving local delicacies, unique boutiques, and stunning seaside and nature destinations. Come and explore, be surprised, fall in love, and enjoy all that Uusikaupunki has to offer!
A Wooden House Enthusiast’s Dream
Uusikaupunki’s Empire-style wooden house district is one of the largest and best-preserved in Finland. Imagine more than 40 blocks and over 600 wooden houses within just a one-kilometre radius! Visitors can step inside many of these historic homes during the Old Houses of Uusikaupunki event on 5–6 September. During the summer, the atmosphere of the district can be experienced on the popular Courtyards and Wooden Houses walking tours.
A wide variety of themed and character-guided tours led by local guides offer fascinating insights into the history and present day of this unique wooden town. Themes include the Treaty of Nystad, Stories of Kaupunginlahti Bay, The Seven Great Fires, The Nature of Kasarminlahti Bay, In the Footsteps of Crusell, Myllymäki Park, and even a guided tour in the local Uusikaupunki dialect. There are also special ghost tours for children, making the experience fun for the whole family.
“Here, the sea is right at our doorstep!” You can experience Uusikaupunki’s maritime charm right in the heart of the town, along the inviting waterfront promenade of Kaupunginlahti Bay. The promenade’s story panels and inspirational quotes create the feel of an open-air museum. The charming 19th-century waterfront warehouses once stored salt, but today they are home to lively restaurants and terraces with a wonderfully vibrant atmosphere.
Many of the restaurants host themed evenings and live music events throughout the year—weekly at times, and during the summer, almost every day. Find your favourite spot, sit back, and savour the local flavours by the sea.
Small-Town Gems and Unique Attractions
Located by the sea, Pilvilinna Art House is a truly uplifting place to visit. Here, visitors can laugh, relax, and immerse themselves in nature, vibrant colours, beauty, and art. The garden’s hundreds of blooming roses create a feast for the senses, offering not only spectacular colours but also delightful fragrances. Pilvilinna is also the home of naïve artist Raija Tuulikki Nokkala and her husband Pentti Nokkala, so it is advisable to check opening hours before your visit.
Step back in time at the historic Wahlberg’s Museum House, where you can experience the atmosphere of a 19th-century bourgeois home and reminisce about the golden age of seafaring. The museum’s main exhibition, “Blankets and Clothing – Made in Uusikaupunki”, showcases the fascinating history of the town’s textile industry. Younger visitors can enjoy playing detective and completing exhibition-related activities designed especially for children.
Uusikaupunki’s rich maritime heritage can also be explored at the Pilot Museum, the Seafarer’s House Museum, and the Uusikaupunki Maritime Centre, each offering unique insights into the town’s long and proud connection with the sea.
Marvel at the revolutionary inventions and delightfully impractical machines on display at the Bonk Museum. At the museum’s Bonk Children’s Invention Workshop, young visitors can design and build their very own Bonk machine, letting their imagination run wild.
Located next to the car factory, the Automobile Museum offers plenty to see for car enthusiasts of all ages. Spread across three large exhibition halls, the museum features an impressive collection of vehicles spanning more than a century of automotive history, from early classics to modern cars. Visitors can also explore an extensive collection of Saab automobiles.
For even more attractions, activities, and experiences, visit the What to See & Do section.
Events for Every Taste
The summer season kicks off with Merefest on 5–6 June, bringing festive activities to the town centre and waterfront. Be sure not to miss the summer programmes at Pakkahuone and Santtioranta, or the popular Tul Toril themed market events. At the waterfront of Café Zaku, the lively motor gatherings bring together classic car enthusiasts and motorcyclists alike.
The Nordic region’s largest wellness festival, Natural High Healing, takes place at Nopperla from 2–5 July. Lovers of antiques, art, and collectibles gather at the Nopperla Antique Market on 11–12 July. The Karjurock Festival, held on 17–18 July, features top Finnish artists and live performances, while younger festival-goers can enjoy their own event, Pikkukarju, on 16 July.
From 27 July to 2 August, the internationally acclaimed Crusell Music Festival celebrates love and French music through a rich programme of diverse and inspiring concert experiences.
Admire beautiful traditional wooden boats and classic vehicles at the Puupaatei Pakkahuoneel event on Saturday, 8 August. This year’s event will also welcome the YLE 100 Bus as a special guest, as well as the popular Möljä Gathering.
On Saturday, 22 August, the Taimitivoli Plant Fair brings together plant vendors, growers, and local garden enthusiasts in Lion Park along the scenic Kaupunginlahti waterfront. It is the perfect place to discover new plants, gardening inspiration, and local treasures.
The traditional Venetian Festival, marking the end of the summer season, will be celebrated on 29 August, the last Saturday of August, with festive lights, entertainment, and waterfront atmosphere.
Sauna enthusiasts are invited to Open Sauna Day on Saturday, 19 September, when both private and public saunas across the Vakka-Suomi region open their doors to visitors. This unique event offers the chance to experience a wide variety of atmospheric saunas and enjoy one of Finland’s most cherished traditions.
Explore all upcoming events in our Events Calendar!
Fall in Love with the Sea – Be Captivated by Nature
Just offshore from Uusikaupunki lies a beautiful archipelago, where idyllic islands are surrounded by the pristine waters of the Bothnian Sea National Park. Boaters can arrive directly in the heart of the town at the Pakkahuone Guest Marina, conveniently located in the town centre. Guest berths are also available at the charming Telakanranta Marina in Pyhämaa. Throughout the nearby archipelago, visitors will find additional guest docks and excursion harbours, including Haanperänkari, the island harbour maintained by the Uusikaupunki Workers’ Motor Boat Club.
You can discover the attractions of the archipelago even without a boat of your own. Aboard M/S Kerttu, you can enjoy an unforgettable sea voyage to the lighthouse island of Isokari or embark on a seal safari far out on the open sea. Kerttu also offers guided birdwatching cruises for nature enthusiasts.
The stories of this maritime town come to life on Kerttu’s guided sightseeing cruises every Friday, while Saturdays feature atmospheric evening cruises with entertainment and special programmes.
The Velhovesi Ring Road, with its charming small bridges connecting the islands, takes cyclists and motorists through the heart of the archipelago’s most beautiful scenery, circling the freshwater basin without the need to worry about ferry timetables.
You can also enjoy Uusikaupunki’s coastal nature along the Pamprinniemi Nature Trail in Pyhämaa and the accessible Kasarminlahti Nature Trail, located close to the town centre. For those looking to take a refreshing dip, there are no fewer than 11 public beaches along the sea and nearby lakes.
Thanks to its coastal location, the local golf course enjoys one of the longest playing seasons in Finland. Disc golf enthusiasts can also choose from several courses in and around the area.
Along the shores of Kaupunginlahti Bay, you’ll find padel courts, a family-friendly skate park, the popular Lion Playground, a Senior Park, and the brand-new seaside Park Golf course, offering fun and recreation for visitors of all ages.
For more information about the region’s maritime and natural attractions, as well as its wide range of recreational activities, visit the Sea & Nature and Sport & Hobbies sections.
