Fiskars Village

Founded in the 17th century, Fiskars Village is a picturesque historic ironworks village in Finland which is known as the centre of Finnish art and design. Fiskars Village features as one of our top Finnish visitor attractions.

History of Fiskars Village

The ironworks of Fiskars Village were established in 1649, after Queen Christina of Sweden granted Dutch businessman Peter Thorwöste the privilege of manufacturing cast iron and forged products, except for cannons. At the time, the region of Finland was renowned for the production of iron.

The eighteenth century was hard on Fiskars. Years of famine and being plundered and wrecked in 1713 after ten years of Russian occupation – a period known as the Great Wrath – meant that Fiskars’ future was uncertain. By 1740, some 115 people lived in Fiskars village.

Fiskars Village thrived again and went on to flourish during the 19th century under Johan von Julin. During this time, Fiskars was advanced in terms of agriculture, medicine and education, having its own doctor as early as 1860, a hospital from 1892, and a school (now the oldest part of the Clock Tower building) from 1826.

As demand for iron production reduced into the twentieth century, Fiskars diversified its manufacturing portfolio.

Later, under the slogan ‘A Living Ironworks Village’, Fiskars transformed itself into a space for artisan craft making, and by 1993, professionals from more than 20 fields of arts had moved to the village as part of the joint exhibition.

Fiskars Village Today

Today, Fiskars still operates as an international corporation creating consumer items, but is also one of Finland’s most popular tourist attractions, drawing in some 25,000 visitors per year.

Fiskars Village is considered to be a cultural hub and visitors can also tour its ironworks museum which tells the story of how the village developed.

It is a totally unique experience, featuring unique outdoor, design, and culinary treats, and is dotted with top quality hotels, restaurants, and boutiques.

Many are attracted to the village because it is home to some of the best bike trails in the country, as well as the work of leading Nordic designers as part of many events which the site runs all year round.

There are around 600 residents who live at Fiskars. For those who really enjoy the Fiskars experience, houses and plots of land are available to buy or rent.

Getting to Fiskars Village

From Helsinki, Fiskars Village is an hour to an hour and a half drive, via Route 51 and E18. There is also a regular connecting bus schedule which takes around an hour and a half from Helsinki to the village.