Taivassalo

The area consists of several former or current municipalities: Askainen (Swedish: Villnäs), Lemu (Lemo), Lokalahti (Lokalax), Mietoinen (Mietois), Mynämäki (Virmo), Pyhäranta, Taivassalo (Tövsala) and Vehmaa (Vemo). Not all the area described here is part of the Vakka-Suomi region proper.

The name Vakka-Suomi originates from the 19th century, when a significant export of the region was vakkas, lightweight containers made out of wood.

Most of the area is coastal, with fishing and seafaring traditions, and the area includes significant archipelagos, partly counted as part of the Archipelago Sea, but parts are normal inland agricultural countryside.

The main town in the area is

Taivassalo is accessible by car via regional roads. The nearest airports with commercial service are within a few hours' drive. Train service may be available to nearby towns, with local buses or taxis completing the journey.

The town centre of Taivassalo is compact and walkable. Local buses connect the main districts and nearby attractions. Taxis are available from the train station.

Louhisaari manor

( Villnäs slott ),

Louhisaarentie 244

( in Askainen, via the church – many navigators suggest a route over the fields ),

+358 295-336-971 ,

[email protected] .

2021: 15 June–August Tu–Su, July daily 11:00–17:00; free guiding in English 15:00 W Sa, July also M .

Manor from 1655 with English landscape garden. The property belonged to the mighty Fleming family 1450–1791 and to the Mannerheim family 1795–1903. Birthplace of Gustaf Mannerheim. Now a museum. Closed for the 2025 season because of budget cuts.

€10/8/4 (museum card valid; children 7–17 years); private guiding for groups €35, to be reserved .

Mynämäki museum

( Mynämäen museo ),

Keskuskatu 19

( just south from the church ),

+358 50-408-5798 ,

[email protected] .

Rectory hall from early 1900s, textile industry, Olavi Ahlgren art exhibition, and changing exhibitions.

€3; guiding +€40 .

Taivassalo local history museum

( Viiasten kartanomuseo ),

Hakkenpääntie 290

( 3 km south from Taivassalo centre ),

+358 50-544-8030 .

June–August Tu–Su 12:00–16:00 or by agreement .

Local history museum in a mansion from 1779 and surrounding buildings, both on the mansion itself and general local history. Café and museum shop (postcards and books).

€4, children (7–17) €3 .

( updated May 2022 )

Tavastila local history museum

( Tavastilan kotiseutumuseo ),

Tavastilantie 11

( Tavastila, Mietoinen ),

+358 40-554-1435 .

Local history museum in old farm. Main building from mid-19th century, used as school 1882–1954. 19th century windmill from Lokalahti. The exhibition touches the school system, handicraft, home economics and agriculture. Small herb garden. Maintained by the village association.

€3 .

Vehmaa local history museum ,

Mynämäentie 157

( in the village Lahdinko ).

In summer Sa Su 12:00–15:00, other times by agreement .

Local history museum, including stone quarrying and stone work, and an allotment croft. See also the quarry trail Tummamäen luontopolku in Do.

€2 .

Savikulma ,

Suorsalantie 40

( 5 km north from Pyhe ),

☏

+358 400-517-865 ,

[email protected] .

Check-in: 16:00–21:00 , check-out: 08:00–12:00 .

Laajoki river by canoe or bike, the latter a 13.5 km route. B&B accommodation in flying tent for two or normal room (double, not in winter). Shared facilities. River beach, garden. Advance booking needed.

Canoe: 1 hr including basic training €10, 6 hr €25, 1 day €35; bike €10 .  

Vehmaa DiscGolfPark ,

Seuralantie

( Vehmaa; by the sports ground north of the church ).

Frisbee course in wooded terrain.  

Summer theatre .

 

Pyhämaan Suviteatteri

( Pyhämaa ).

Mostly in July .

Amateur theatre, mostly musical comedy.  

Masku kayaking route .

Kayaking route off Lemu. The 30-km ring route consists of seven 2.5–7.7 km legs in the archipelago between Askainen, Lemu, Masku, Naantali and Merimasku. As sea kayaking this is a sheltered area, but still not suitable for beginners at fresh winds. The four 2.5–4.4 km eastern legs have their endpoint on the mainland, the northernmost of them (numbered 3) is at the Kuurnanpää beach (see below). The northern part of the route features bird wetlands, don't g

Local restaurants and trattorias serve regional cuisine featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients. Traditional dishes reflect the local culinary heritage.

Cafes and bars in the town centre serve coffee, wine, and local beverages. Regional wines and spirits are worth sampling.

Hotels, guesthouses, and bed-and-breakfast establishments offer accommodation. Advance booking is recommended during peak season.

Local shops offer regional products, handicrafts, and everyday necessities. Markets may be held weekly in the town square.

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