Discover Askainen

Those seeking a cultural focus for a trip to Askainen will find it at Louhisaari Manor: The estate is considered a rare example of palace architecture in Finland and is closely associated with the Mannerheim family. Gardens, a church and other memorial sites give the area several historical facets. Pikisaari adds a different dimension, with its beach, sand, rocks and long pier.

Louhisaari and its gardens

Louhisaari Manor was owned by the Mannerheim family until 1903. It is also the birthplace of Finnish Marshal C. G. E. Mannerheim. Those interested in architecture and Finnish history can therefore discover Louhisaari as an important cultural landmark in Askainen. The family history and the manor’s distinctive architectural classification give it a different focus from the memorial sites and the church in the area.

The manor includes three garden areas, each described differently: a kitchen garden laid out in the 18th-century style, an orchard and an extensive English-style park with garden pavilions. The estate thus features a kitchen garden and an orchard, as well as a park with pavilions, illustrating different aspects of garden design. Visitors who want to explore historic estates through both their architecture and grounds will find several specific landscaping styles here.

Church and memorial sites

The present-day church of Askainen was built in the 1650s by Herman Klaunpoika Fleming, who at the time owned Louhisaari Manor. The two sites are also connected by the official road to Louhisaari: it begins at the church of Askainen and leads to the manor grounds. This describes the route of the road; in itself, it says nothing about access to individual buildings or areas.

The Mannerheim family burial chapel is located in the church cemetery. Carl Eerik Mannerheim had it built in 1823; he was the paternal great-grandfather of Finnish Marshal Mannerheim. The family history can therefore be traced to several places in Askainen: Louhisaari is the Marshal’s birthplace, while the burial chapel in the cemetery commemorates his ancestors.

Ritaripuisto was established in the Askainen area in 2007 and is located near the church. It honours fallen soldiers, the Knights of the Mannerheim Cross and the entire generation of veterans. Those interested in Finnish history and commemorative culture can consider this site as a distinct part of local history.

Early June and active experiences

The annual Ritaripuisto celebration takes place in Askainen in early June. The traditional Marskin-Markkinat are also held every year in early June in Askainen’s market square. The celebration and the market are two separate events: one is associated with the memorial site, while the other takes place in the market square. If you want to plan your trip around either event, early June is the relevant time.

Pikisaari offers a different experience from the historic sites for time by the water. It has sand, rocks and a long pier. Pikisaari beach is near Louhisaari Manor and offers opportunities for swimming and barbecuing. This information can help you consider cultural history and a beach visit as different interests when choosing destinations.

There is also a specific option for exercise: from the upper end of the Askainen fitness steps, you can access a fitness and exercise trail. If you want to include some exercise during your stay alongside the manor, gardens and memorial sites, you can consider this trail without treating it as interchangeable with the other attractions.

You can also discover Turku, Salo, Masku, Loimaa, Korppoo, Kustavi, Harjattula and Raisio as other destinations.

For the broader travel overview: Varsinais-Suomi.