Fagervik Manor

Fagervik Manor (Fagervik Gard) is the site of a historic set of 18th century ironworks and a historical estate in Finland. The ironworks were first established in 1646 by a Swede called Carl Billsten, though nothing remains of these. Instead, what can be seen at Fagervik Manor dates predominantly from the following century.

History of Fagervik Manor

Bought by brothers Michael Hising and Johan Wilhelm in 1723, the ironworks at Fagervik Manor would go on to thrive. Already in full working flow by the mid-1720’s, they operated very much as a family business, passing from generation to generation, which remains the case today. As Fagervik Manor has been passed down, elements have been added: for instance, the family obtained production exclusivity of tin-plated iron, which would become a specialty product of Fagervik.

In its heyday, Fagervik Manor was visited by many a prominent figure, including Gustavus III and Alexander I. The estate also has the accolade of being the first place in Finland to grow the potato after it was introduced there by iron workers from Germany.

The ironworks closed in 1903, but Fagervik Manor would continue in its agricultural activities.

Fagervik Manor Today

Today, visitors can see much of the iron works and the results of centuries of accumulating wealth, including its 18th century church, which is home of Finland’s oldest operational church-organ, its cottages, and its scenic French gardens. In the summer, there is also a museum which displays the site’s history.

Getting to Fagervik Manor

From the centre of Helsinki, Fagervik Manor is an hour drive via Route 51. The closest bus station is Fagervik E, from where the site is an 8 minute walk.