There's a Utopian Design Paradise Behind Those Orange Scissors You See in Every Office
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Nestled in the densely-wooded Uusimaa region of Finland lies Raseborg, the home to Fiskars Village. But don't be mistaken by the off-the-grid location—while it may be hidden, you've seen Fiskars everywhere (yes, the iconic orange scissors). The industrial ironworks town has been running for generations! Founded in 1649, the brand is one of the oldest businesses in Europe with a legacy of excellence, sustainability, and creativity.
Over 30 historic boutiques and workshop buildings make up the village: mills, a clock tower, the Granary, a foundry, Suutarinmäki (worker's houses), a fire station, the Manor House, and more. Though the outside of each building seems preserved in a moment in time, it's the artisans living in the town who brought it to life. The village is a playground for creatives who love history and innovation. Fiskars has remained strong in its roots while making space for a community of design lovers to tell new stories about the idyllic town. You'll find the storytellers opening their shops and studios for a variety of services like candle making, woodwork, exhibitions, and dining.
Today, the bustling village (an hour away from Helsinki) not only serves as home to 600 residents, but has become a must-see tourist destination receiving close to 200,00 visitors a year. Read below to learn how Fiskars has maintained its magic in an ever-changing world and what's to come for the legendary brand.
Fiskars Artist Community
The strength of Fiskars Village is found in its community and human-centered progressive spirit. In the early 2000s, the brand offered affordable housing to artists in Helsinki and since then, the village has benefited from welcoming creatives and entrepreneurs around the world. Some of the artists are members of Onoma, a collective that lives in Fiskars Village to keep the art community alive. Onoma is in charge of hosting exhibitions and showcasing their crafts in a store for purchase.
The cooperative recently launched Fiskars Village Art & Design Biennale, showcasing the best of Finland's up-and-coming designers' work from architecture to contemporary art. The exhibit featured portable tiny houses, a holistic museum dedicated to multisensory artwork, and a loft showcasing the history of textiles, fabrics, and ropes.
Desico
Brands aligned with Fiskars's mission have also joined the community. Entering Desico's candle shop and studio is a trip to heaven for candle connoisseurs. The olfactory experience will wake up your senses without feeling overpowering. Choose from hundreds of natural candles scented or unscented, available in numerous sizes and colors.
Nikari
Staying true to the heart of Finnish design, Nikari utilizes certified wood in the area to make high-quality, design-forward wooden furniture. Founded in 1967, Nikari moved to Fiskars village in 1993, powering their studio from Fiskars River. The shop is pristine and minimalist style, allowing the work to speak for itself.
Where to Eat in Fiskars Village
The village also engages with food as art by hosting food festivals and markets that center on local produce year-round.
Restaurant Kuparipaja
Located in the Copper Smithy, Kuparipaja offers a contemporary take on traditional Finnish dining with seasonal and organic produce.
Cafe Bar Pesula
Whether you're in the mood for coffee or a light lunch, the Pesula has a rustic (vegan-friendly) touch to satisfy your taste buds. Indulge in a gluten-free chocolate cake after your meal, you won't regret it!
Fiskars Wärdshus
Enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner at Wärdshus inn for a homestyle meal. Since 1836, the inn has operated as a go-to for guests to dine. You don't have to drive far after dinner if you choose to book a quick stay in Hotel Tegel or a room above the restaurant.
Activities in Fiskars Village
It's impossible to take a stroll through the village without stopping to poke your head in every building. The infrastructure remains strong, some supported by iron and cement blended bricks (an idea sparked from making use of leftover materials). Visitors can walk or bike through the village to explore.
Fiskars Shop: Look (and shop) through an elevated gift shop featuring iconic brands like Fiskars, Iittala, Hackman, Wedgwood, and Arabia.
Ägräs Distillery: Savor the tradition of a Finnish craft distillery. The signature spirits include gin, whisky, akvavit, and digestif.
Biking: Fiskars Village Trail Center offers various bike paths with access to lakes, rivers, and forests.
Café Antique: Stop by for a pastry as you shop for vintage pieces or enjoy a book
Humina Design Shop: Shop vintage and admire handmade crafts like mugs or stationery.
JALO: Visit Timo Mustajärvi's studio filled with silver, gold, and gemstone jewelry and accessories. You'll notice a pair of scissor-shaped earrings and smile instantly.
Candle making: Tour through the candle store or sign up for candle making workshop to create your own candle.
Bianco Blu: Participate in a glass-blowing course or admire a performance by skilled artisans.
Fiskars continues to uphold its heritage and push into the future with cutting-edge consumer goods like gardening essentials, pro tools, clothing, and even cookware (we awarded its Hard Face Saucepan in our annual Live Better Awards). The beauty that emerges from the idyllic village is one you don't want to miss.
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