Raseborgs slott

About the museum

Raseborg Castle was built in the 1370s by the powerful nobleman Bo Jonsson Grip and is first mentioned in a letter from 1378. The castle probably controlled the entrance to the Gulf of Finland and the shipping route to Reval (Tallinn). After Bo Jonsson's death in 1388, the castle and most of his fiefdom passed to the Crown.

In the 15th century the castle was coveted by the nobility because of its strong location. Its holders included Karl Knutsson (Bonde) and Laurens Axelsson (Tott). After 1520 the castle came under Danish overlordship, and in 1523 it was taken for Gustav Vasa by Erik and Ivar Fleming. Already in the 1520s the king decided to build a new castle and a new town in a better location, probably at Ekenäs. When the administration of Raseborg's six parishes was moved to the royal manor in Helsinki in 1552, the castle lost its administrative and strategic importance. Maintenance was neglected, parts of the building collapsed in spring 1558, and the castle was abandoned the same year.

The ruins were in very poor condition when the first restoration was begun at the end of the 19th century, and the castle has since been restored in several stages. Today the ruin is open to visitors in summer, and next to it is Slottsknekten, a restaurant and café in a building from 1893. Since 1966 the Raseborgsspelen summer theatre has been staged beside the ruins.

Highlights

• Medieval castle ruin from the 1370s
• Public and group guided tours in Swedish, Finnish and English
• Mobile audio guide for the ruin
• Slottsknekten, restaurant and café from 1893
• Raseborgsspelen summer theatre at the ruin

Admission & discounts

Public guided tours last about an hour and are bought as an add-on to the admission ticket; children under 7 take part free of charge. Guided tours can be bought in advance in the online shop.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Inside the castle ruin there are steep stairs and uneven ground. Wheelchair users can reach the castle courtyard with assistance. The Kärleksstigen trail is not suitable for people with reduced mobility, but the walking paths around the castle are easy to navigate. Dogs are welcome, including inside the castle.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Pirate tours for children are held on Saturdays during the summer. Children under 7 enter free.

Getting there & parking

The car park is about 400 m from the castle. Follow the signs to the castle, as some navigation services lead visitors via a private road.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant

Slottsknekten is a restaurant and café in a building from 1893 next to the ruin. The café is open during the season (2026: daily in June to August, until 19:00 in July); the kitchen closes 15 minutes before closing time. Groups can book other times.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Weddings / ceremonies

Bookings for groups, weddings and parties are made through the tourist information.

Plan your visit