Recently we visited Fiskars Village. You may not recognise the name but I’m pretty confident there’s something of theirs in your home right now.
Just an hour west of Helsinki, Fiskars was established in 1649 around an ironworks factory. Other industrial buildings, such as a granary and cutlery factory were built and are now home to accommodation, stores and galleries.
The town was built around a river that acted as a means of transport as well as a source of power. The village is now home to a community of artists and artisans who live and work locally.
Walking around we felt as though we had landed inside a scene from a Finnish calendar. Part of its beauty also lies in the fact that unlike some Finnish towns, Fiskars is open all year round (days & hours change in winter).
The old fire station is still standing and is now a theatre, with a tower that was once used to hang hoses out to dry.
There’s an excellent modern playground as well as relics from the town’s past.
We visited a candle shop housed in a former dairy, where we bought candles scented for Christmas.
We also stopped by a brewery, housed in a former knife factory. We were interested to learn that some of their beers are made with New Zealand hops, as well as Finnish tar and spruce tips.
Fiskars Village is very walkable – you don’t need a car – and there are places such as Petri’s Chocolate Room where you can stop to refuel.
There are also lots of stores, selling jewellery, homewares, clothing and glass – most of which is handmade locally.
After a wonderful afternoon we headed back to our accommodation for dinner in Finland’s longest continuously running hotel.
And what is this Finnish icon you have in your home? Well Fiskars is also the name of the resultant company that still manufactures items for gardening, cooking and craft today.
In 1967 they designed the world’s first pair of plastic handled scissors, selling over a billion pairs since – was one of them to you?
Next week: The Exhibitionists (what we saw in Fiskars)
We went to Fiskars a few years ago and loved it. Several pairs of Fiskars scissors reside in my home.
I think another trip to Fiskars is needed…perhaps on my next trip.
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We could have spent more time there too & will definitely go again ☺️
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We would be quite certain that we have at least one paid of scissors in our home (amongst the many different varieties over the years) and therefore are our Finnish Icon right here.and didn’t know it !
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I think you do too Dad! And I bet Joelee has a pair at school… ; )
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Thoroughly enjoyed this post — and yes indeed, I have Fiskars in my home! Curious — could those be Chinese Lanterns on that lovely cake?
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Thanks Carrie! Yes, I think they call them pineapple cherries here. They seem to pop up on every cake when the season is right 😊
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Yes, we too have several Fiskars scissors, and at least one other Fiskars tool. I did not know the company was Finnish…one more reason to admire Finnish homewares design! Where are Fiskars products made now? A visit to Fiskars is now on the list for my next visit to Finland! Thank you, Leslie
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More than one and recognised the name immediately
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Well done! The gardening section in their store was full of beautiful tools too, including things to get through Finnish winter
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What beautiful buildings darling. I often forget to take photos of buildings when I’m blogging. I’ve never been to Finland, I need to travel more.
Wendy ️Xx
http://www.bumpkinbroke.com
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