Kuusisto - History, art and nature

Kuusisto
History, art and nature

Kuusisto - History, art and nature
Enjoy the unique sights and sounds of Kuusisto: visit the historic ruins of
Kuusisto Bishop’s Castle, revel in insightful works of contemporary art, and
be enchanted by the island’s natural beauty. The cultural heritage site on
Kuusisto’s eastern tip is home to a unique combination of historical and
contemporary marvels – enjoy a moment stopped in time as you engross
yourself in its natural sights, breathtaking landscapes, artistic offerings, and
cultural significance. And don’t forget to check the official websites of these
different locations for up-to-date information on opening hours and events!
The ruins of Kuusisto Bishop’s Castle – location
The ruins of Kuusisto Bishop’s Castle are located in Kaarina, near the
Archipelago Ring Road.
Address:
Distances:
Linnanrauniontie 633, Kaarina
• Kaarina’s city centre 9 km
• Turku 17 km
• Pargas 19 km
• Helsinki 169 km
The ruins of Kuusisto Bishop’s Castle, its grounds, and Kappelinmäki
Nature Trail are managed by Metsähallitus, a state-owned enterprise
(tel. +358 40 163 6200). The grounds of Kuusisto Art Manor are managed
by Senate Properties (tel. +358 40 352 2248).
Operators
Metsähallitus
www.metsa.fi • www.luontoon.fi/kuusisto
City of Kaarina, Cultural and Library Services
www.kaarina.fi/fi/kulttuuri-ja-vapaa-aika
Facebook: @kaarinankulttuurijakirjastot • Instagram: @kaarinankulttuuripalvelut
Kuusisto Art Manor / Merja Markkula
Linnanrauniontie 577, Kuusisto
www.kuusistontaidekartano.fi
Facebook: @KuusistonTaidekartano • Instagram: @kartanogram
Kuusisto Castle Visitor Centre / Ohjelmapalvelu Castrum / Markku Pohjola
Linnanrauniontie 634, Kuusisto
www.ohjelmapalvelucastrum.net/vierailukeskus
Facebook: @custucastrum1522
Kaarina Guides (Kaarinan oppaat ry)
www.visitkaarina.fi • kaarinanoppaat@gmail.com
Published by: City of Kaarina, Cultural Services,
Lautakunnankatu 1, 20780 Kaarina
Editors: Emma-Liina Sutinen, Tove Forssell
Translation: Sam Parwar / Luola Consulting
Visual design and layout: Anri Veston
Press: Painotalo Painola
Edition: 2024
Print run: 1000 pcs

HISTORY
In brief
The ruins of Kuusisto Bishop’s Castle
are a unique destination at the eastern
end of Kuusisto Island.
As the only episcopal castle in
Finland, it served as a vital stronghold
for the bishops of the Catholic
church in medieval times. The Castle
was in use from the end of the 1200s
to 1528, and its 80 estates made it
the largest manor owned by the
Catholic church. The last bishop to
inhabit the Castle was Arvid Kurki,
who fled the country in 1522, thus
ending the Castle’s role as a bastion
of the Catholic church.
At first, the Castle was occupied by
Danish troops, but it was retaken
one year later by King Gustav Vasa’s
troops. The Castle was left vacant,
and in 1528, King Gustav Vasa
ordered its dismantlement. The fate
of Kuusisto Castle was ultimately
sealed by the Protestant Reformation
that was sweeping through
Finland at the time.
Kuusisto Bishop’s Castle was built
over a long period of time and in
many stages. The first bishop’s letter
from the Castle was sent in 1295,
although, at the time, the Castle
itself was a mere wooden manor on
a rocky outcrop, as the ground level
was 4–5 metres lower than today’s
sea level. The construction of the
stone castle is estimated to have
begun in 1318, after the previous
manor was razed by Russian invaders
from Novgorod. As a result of
the land uplift in the area, the Castle
was fitted with three large baileys
in all, taking up a sizable amount
of land and becoming one of the
largest castles in Finland.
The excavation of Kuusisto Castle’s
ruins began in the 1870s. The ruins
have since been studied, restored,
and provided with additional structural
support. The Castle’s restoration,
which was initiated by the Finnish
Heritage Agency in 1985, is still
ongoing. Since 2014, Metsähallitus,
a state-owned enterprise, has been
responsible for the Castle’s repairs
under the guidance of the Finnish
Heritage Agency. Kuusisto BCastle’s
ruins and its grounds are open to
visitors all year round, free of charge.
Kuusisto Castle’s ruins are visited
by around 25,000–30,000 people
annually. The site can be accessed
by land or sea. Since the entire area
has been designated as an ancient
relic protected by law, visitors may
not camp on its grounds or nearby
on boats. Similarly, no open fires
may be lit in the entire area
surrounding the Castle’s ruins.
(Source: luontoon.fi and Markku Pohjola)
What is an ancient relic?
Finnish authorities have designated
certain sites as ancient relics to
protect them by law and preserve
the history of Finland’s previous
inhabitants. Ancient relics can be
found in many places and envi-
ronments, and they are well worth
visiting, as they serve as real-life
memorials of people’s lives throughout
history. (Source: Metsähallitus and
the Finnish Heritage Agency)
The Antiquities Act protects archaeological
sites, and without a permission
granted on the basis of the
Antiquities Act, it is forbidden to
excavate, cover, dismantle, damage,
or otherwise alter these sites. The
Antiquities Act aims to safeguard
ancient relics and the information
they contain about life in previous
times. (Source: The Finnish Heritage
Agency)
According to the Act on Metsähallitus,
its duties include safeguarding
Finland’s cultural heritage. Metsähallitus’
Nature Services Unit has
been tasked with the preservation of
Finland’s heritage landscapes under
the guidance of the Ministry of the
Environment, and it is also responsible
for Finnish buildings and
archaeological sites together with
the nation’s museum authorities.
(Source: Metsähallitus)

Kuusisto Castle Visitor Centre
The Castle’s courtyard features a
groundskeeper’s hut that was built
in 1904. It was the first building for
tourists at a Finnish cultural heritage
site: initially, it served as a resting spot
for visitors, and it also included the
groundskeeper’s quarters and an office.
Today, it functions as the Castle’s
Visitor Centre during the summer, and
it also contains various multimedia
presentations on the Castle’s history.
None of the original drawings for
Kuusisto Castle have survived to this
day, but visitors can immerse themselves
in the Castle’s history through
a 3D virtual reality experience. Over
the span of 3 years, the Castle’s 3D
model was created with the help of
various sources, such as the doctoral
thesis of famed Finnish historian
Reinhold Hausen, who excavated the
Castle at the end of the 1800s, as well
as the findings made in more recent
archaeological digs. The modelling of
the Castle’s upper floors closely follows
the construction methods that would
have been available at the time.
The Visitor Centre offers the opportunity
to experience the medieval
glory of Kuusisto Castle through an
immersive virtual reality experience,
which includes three presentations on
both the Castle’s exteriors and interiors.
More daring visitors can also enjoy a
presentation on medieval monsters
(for ages 12 and up).
The exhibition space on the upper floor
of the Visitor Centre features changing
yearly exhibitions as well as an infotainment
screen on the Castle’s entire
history. The Visitor Centre also includes
a café with savoury and sweet delicacies,
as well as local ceramic art –perfect
for souvenirs!
(Source: Markku Pohjola)
What is permitted at the
ruins of Kuusisto Castle:
• eating outdoors
• bringing your dog with you
• arriving by bicycle or boat
What is NOT permitted at
the ruins of Kuusisto Castle:
• lighting an open fire or
using a grill
• littering
• camping
And don’t forget:
• always keep your dog
on a leash
• take your litter with you
and keep the area tidy

ART
Kuusisto Art Manor
Kuusisto Art Manor serves as the link between the significant cultural heritage
and natural beauty of Kuusisto’s eastern tip and the world of contemporary art.
It aims for equal, stimulating, and even scientific dialogue – all based on ecological
and ethical values. The Art Manor is many things: scents, birdsong, shapes,
light, forms, colours, the joy of unhurried discovery, tastes, quiet, the shade of a
grand oak tree. It encourages all to see – and feel witnessed by nature.
The nearly 300-year-old Kuusisto Manor – previously a museum, then abandoned
– has thrived as a bastion of contemporary art for over a decade. The
Manor, now under private ownership, is a contemporary art gallery whose
silence, weathered floor planks, archipelago vistas, and majestic landscapes
steeped in apple orchards and Finland’s enchanting heritage will help you forget
about the stresses and worries of everyday life. The generous natural light
that floods through the Manor’s windows shapes the relationship between
the works at display, the Manor itself, and its visitors in a unique way that
would be impossible to replicate anywhere else.
Exhibitions
In the summer, the Manor is a
popular venue for events, concerts,
roundtable discussions, and rotating
exhibitions.
The Art Manor’s Sculpture Week,
which is held in the summer, is a
week-long event where the public
can witness skilled sculptors transform
even the most worn-down
logs into beautiful works of art.
The Manor’s exhibitions are curated
according to a long-term artistic
plan, and generally through open
calls for artistic works.
Coffee and tea enthusiasts are
well-served by the Manor’s charming
Café Villikahvila. Visitors can enjoy its
sweet and savoury delights indoors
or outside, under the calming canopy
of the surrounding age-old forest.
The Café sources its ingredients from
its own garden and local producers,
and its selection also features delectable
vegetarian options.
The Art Manor is free of charge to
all visitors. To view the Art Manor’s
latest programming schedule and
opening times, visit its website and
social media channels, the addresses
to which are available on the
front cover of this leaflet.
(Spread source: Merja Markkula)
Wood Sculpture Garden
The Art Manor’s Wood Sculpture
Garden – located in the Manor’s yard,
on both sides of Linnanrauniontie
Road, among the old hardwood and
fruit trees – features a large collection
of wood sculptures that is open to
the public all day, all year round. What
makes the Garden unique is how it is
influenced by nature: its sculptures,
which are made from different species
of wood, are allowed to live under
the open sky and weather over the
years, change colour and form, and
be shaped by the many wood-rotting
organisms, fungi, lichen, mosses, and
bugs that are native to this area.
The first work in Kimmo Peltola’s
“I’ll Make You Whole Again” collection,
which is already in its advanced
stage of decay, challenges viewers to
ponder the meaning of restoration
from a global perspective. The timber
in Peltola’s works was sourced from
the Manor’s grounds, following the
clearing of several trees that had
previously blocked the view to the
surrounding cultural landscape.
In the wood sculpture garden you
can admire about 50 works by professional
sculptors. The best way to
experience the Garden’s collection is
by walking from the Manor’s parking
area across the sheep pasture, first
toward the storehouse and then
along the culture trail to the Manor,
across Linnanrauniontie Road,
down right to the orchard, and then
around the Manor itself.

NATURE AND OUTDOOR
ACTIVITIES
Nature and environment
When Kuusisto Castle was established at the end of the 1290s, it was located
on its own island, which has since slowly become part of the main island, as
a result of land uplift. The same also occurred in Fiskarinsalmi Strait – located to
the southwest of the Castle – which used to separate the current Lyhtyholma
area from the main island.
Kuusistonlahti Bay and the connected Piikkiönlahti Bay, along with their shorelines,
are protected under the EU Birds Directive, and are thus part of the Natura2000
network. In addition to the vast variety of nesting birds in the area, it is
also well-known as an important resting spot for migratory birds. In the spring
and autumn, the entire conservation area welcomes thousands of waterbirds
and waders. The reeds and bushes at the tip of Kuusisto are home to various
warblers, and you may even spot a meadow pipit or western yellow wagtail in
its open seashore meadows. Other birds, such as the red-backed shrike, common
rosefinch, and whinchat thrive amongst the area’s meadow junipers.
The grounds of Kuusisto Castle’s ruins also include two birdwatching towers.
The tower on the southern shore of the island offers fantastic views of the birdlife
in Fiskarinsuntti Bay and its seashore meadows, where you can spot the great
crested grebe and Eurasian coot. The shore sediment and meadows’ damp
parts offer the perfect environment for various waders, such as the common
redshank and common snipe. The second birdwatching tower is located at the
bottom of Fiskarinsuntti Bay, along Lyhdyntie Road, approximately 1.5 km from
the Castle. Migratory birds often fly along Kuusistonlahti Bay on their journeys,
and you can spot many of them resting in the shallow waters of Fiskarinsuntti
Bay. The birdwatching towers thus offer great opportunities for those wishing
to observe migratory birds, such as broad-billed sandpipers and grey herons.
The most keen-eyed watchers may even spot the occasional bird of prey, such
as the western marsh harrier.
(Source: luontoon.fi)
Kappelinmäki Nature Trail
The nature and culture trail starts from the
Castle’s official parking area and runs for
1.7 km. The trail forms a loop that is gently
shaded by the area’s magnificent trees. The
nature trail is partially located in a Natura
area, and visitors must stay on the official
path to avoid causing any unnecessary damage
to the vegetation and landscape.
Kappelinmäki Hill is mostly covered by
an age-old, herb-rich spruce forest, which
casts its shadow on the path running along
the hill towards the shore. In recent years,
autumnal storms have knocked down a
fair number of trees on the steep northern
slope, and both sides of the path are dotted
with fallen tree trunks. They have been
left there to rot undisturbed, as decayed
wood is a valuable home to various insects,
mosses, lichens, and fungi.
In the spring, nature enthusiasts can make
note of the many guelder-roses, honeysuckles,
and mountain currants that have
revealed themselves after the disappearance
of the spruces that previously shaded
the area. Towards the end of summer, the
forest landscape is bathed in the orange
and red of the many berry bushes that
grow in the area. As the path approaches
Kuusisto Art Manor, you will be greeted
by the cultural grove of Kappelinmäki Hill,
a valuable heritage landscape. In spring,
the grove is covered in a spectacular mix
of wildflowers, with various plants such as
liverworts, wood anemones, yellow anemones,
Gageas, cowslips, and Corydalises
colouring the forest floor. During the summertime,
the culture and nature trail is also
home to many animals, such as sheep, who
help naturally maintain the landscape. But
please remember to never disturb any of
the wildlife or feed the animals (sheep and
cattle) that graze in the area. And if you
have any dogs with you, remember to keep
them leashed at all times when you are on
the eastern end of Kuusisto Island.
(Source: luontoon.fi)

Canoeing and cycling routers
Canoeing
The Kuusisto–Harvaluoto Canoeing
Route spans 34 kilometres. The route
around Kuusisto Island is 28 km, and
the distance from the Kuusisto route
to Harvaluoto Beach is 6 km. This
route is suitable for both beginners
and families with children, and it
also includes more challenging and
longer sections for experienced
canoeing enthusiasts.
Kuusistonsalmi Bay – located on the
northern side of Kuusisto Island – is a
great spot for beginners and families
with children. The area includes
several starting spots to choose from
with short routes, while more experienced
canoers can opt to circle the
entire island of Kuusisto. However,
this option can be demanding, especially
in windy conditions, due to the
long distances on the southern side
of the island.
Starting points: Hovirinta Beach (P)
– Jukolanranta – Rauhalinnan ranta –
Voivala Beach (P) – Raadelma Beach
(P) – Kuusisto Castle ruins – Kavalto
– Villa Wolax – Kuusiston Kruunu/
Kuuslahti (P = parking area)
For more outdoor activity tips, visit
Tammireitit.fi (available in Finnish),
which contains over 500 km worth
of cycling, hiking, and canoeing
routes in and across Kaarina, Paimio,
Lieto, and Sauvo. The website also
includes more accessible options
that make it easy for everyone to enjoy
the sights and sounds of Finnish
nature.
(Source: tammireitit.fi)
Cycling
If you want to cycle to Kuusisto, you
can do so from Turku and Pargas.
Linnanrauniontie Road is paved
right up to the Art Manor, but it
does not include a separate lane for
cyclists. The Kuusisto Cycling Route
runs along Kuusisto Island, past
Kuusisto Church. The route to the
ruins of Kuusisto Castle is fairly even.
(Source: tammireitit.fi)

CULTURE
Kuusisto Church, the Cantor’s
Residence, and the St. Olav Waterway
Kuusisto’s chapel congregation was established in
1653, after which the locals built a church on the
island. However, by the end of the 1700s, the church
had fallen into disrepair. A new wooden church
was erected in 1792, likely in the same location
as the first church, from which only a pulpit
and its canopy had been retained.
Kuusisto Church is a rectangular log building
with short notches, as was the style in the Finnish
archipelago at the time. The Church was renovated
in the Neo-Gothic style at the turn of the 1900s,
and it was also painted grey. Between 1973 and 1974,
the Church’s façade was restored closer to its original design.
The northern side of Kuusisto Church features the residence and office of the
Church’s cantor. This building was completed in 1879, and it served as a permanent
school for the island’s children, who had been previously educated
by a circulating school. In addition to a classroom, the building included the
quarters of the cantor/schoolteacher, as well as two chambers. The Cantor’s
Residence served as the island’s school until the autumn of 1926.
The Cantor’s Residence acted as Kuusisto’s municipal house until 1946, when
Kuusisto was annexed to the municipality of Kaarina, and the classroom was
converted into a parlour for the Cantor’s Residence. At the turn of the 1950s,
the cantor’s residence was moved to Turku, after which the parlour was renovated
into a vestry. However, the vestry soon became disused, and the building
was designated as the residence of the Church’s sexton and their family.
In the 1980s, the building was converted into a staff room for the sexton and
the Church’s cemetery workers. The space was later renovated by two volunteers
and, since 1995, it has been available to rent for small family gatherings
and meetings.
Adress: Linnanrauniontie 157, Kuusisto
(Source: turunseurakunnat.fi)
The St. Olav Waterway is a pilgrimage trail that runs from Turku through the
Åland archipelago to Sweden, where the Waterway joins the other existing St.
Olav Ways. The trail ends in Trondheim, Norway. The St. Olav Waterway from
Turku to Grisslehamn, Sweden, is both an official St. Olav Way and a European
cultural route. The first part of the Waterway between Turku and Pargas also
runs through the island of Kuusisto, along the Archipelago Ring Road.
(Source: stolavwaterway.com)
Events
The ruins of Kuusisto Castle are a popular venue for various events, such as
the Walking Concert during Kaarina Music Week, which consists of concerts
at Kuusisto Church, the Art Manor, and Kuusisto Castle.
Most events are arranged during the summertime. Kuusisto Castle is home
to many historical festivities, such as the “Bishop Days” and “Datum in Custu”,
which are arranged jointly by the City of Kaarina, Kaarina Parish, and local
actors in Kuusisto. Each June, Kaarina Parish arranges a popular maritime
mass, which often includes the stylings of the acclaimed Sumu Big Band.
Kuusisto Art Manor also hosts many events and gatherings during the summer.
Throughout the summer, the grounds of Kuusisto Castle are kept in shape
by the sheep and cattle that graze in the area. While the area is open to the
public during this time, remember to keep your dog on a leash during your
visit.

EASTERN KUUSISTO
Boat pier
Old burial ground
Vanha hautausmaa
Piikkiönlahti
Kuusisto Bishop’s
Castle ruins
Rauniolinna
Luonnonsuojelualue
Culture and nature trail
Kappelinmäki
50
Linnanrauniontie
Kaarinan kesäkahvila
Kuusisto Castle
Visitor Centre
25
25
Kuusiston kartano
Kuusisto Art Manor
Parking
Nature reserve
Field
Birdwatching tower
0 200 m
Road
Piikkiönlahti
© Metsähallitus 2023
© Maanmittauslaitos 2023
Culture and
nature trail
Opastustaulu Kahvila Kuivakäymälä

SERVICES
The ruins of Kuusisto Castle are
located on the eastern end of
Kuusisto Island. Kuusisto has been
a part of Kaarina since 1946. In the
south, Kirjalansalmi Bridge links
Kuusisto to the neighbouring island
of Pargas and the rest of the Turku
Archipelago.
Kuusisto currently has 2,279 inhabitants
(October 2023). The island
has its own primary school and
convenience store. Kuusisto’s primary
school has nearly 200 pupils: the
main school building, which is
located on Linnanrauniontie Road,
has been in operation since the start
of the 1900s.
Kaarina Guides
(Kaarinan oppaat ry)
Not sure where to go? Hire a guide!
Kaarina Guides, which has been
authorised by the Federation of
Finnish Tourist Guide Associations,
can help you discover the best parts
of Kuusisto. In the summer, Kaarina
Guides arranges general guided
tours to many locations in Kuusisto,
such as Kuusisto Castle and its
surrounding grounds, and Kuusisto
Church and its cemetery. Kaarina
Guides also offers tailored tours and
excursions.
Arriving at Kuusisto
Castle
The ruins of Kuusisto Castle can be
accessed by car, bus, bicycle, or boat.
By bus
There is currently no regular bus
service directly to the Castle ruins.
The nearest bus stop is at the intersection
of Linnanrauniontie Road
and Saaristotie Road, around 6.2
kilometres from the Castle ruins.
You can take bus line 801 via Saaristotie
Road until you reach the intersection
by Linnanrauniontie Road
(Stop 6213 when arriving from Turku
or Stop 6214 from Pargas).
The Kulttuuribussi (Culture Bus),
which runs during the summer
between Kaarina’s city centre and
the ruins of Kuusisto Castle, is
available free of charge to all visitors.
The Culture Bus is arranged by the
City of Kaarina’s Cultural and Library
Services.
By car
By boat
Kuusisto Castle is accessible by boat.
Its pier is located on the northern
shore, where the water is around 2
metres deep. Pier coordinates:
N 60° 06.50’ E 22° 18,7’, WGS 84.
(Source: luontoon.fi)
By bicycle
Kuusisto Castle is only a short bicycle
trip away from the Archipelago
Ring Road. When on route between
Helsinki and Turku (regional road
110), turn to Saaristotie Road when
you reach Kaarina (no. 180). After
2 km, turn left to Linnanrauniontie
Road, and continue cycling for 6.3
km to reach Kuusisto Castle.
(Source: luontoon.fi)
Services and other activities
on Kuusisto Island
The Art Manor’s Café Villikahvila and
Kuusisto Castle Visitor Centre offer
delectable homemade pastries and
other refreshments. Kuusisto also
has a K-Market convenience store
next to the intersection of Saaristotie
Road and Linnanrauniontie Road.
On the southern side of Kuusisto
Island is Villa Wolax, which was built
in 1899 and is currently owned by
Tino Aaltonen, the son of Finnish
rally legend Rauno Aaltonen. Villa
Wolax offers a versatile selection of
restaurant, accommodation, event,
and tourism services all year round.
Villa Wolax also includes a guest
marina, a caravan area, and spaces
for festivities and meetings, as well
as saunas for rent.
Kuusisto also includes a caravan
area for members of SF-Caravan ry
(the Finnish Federation of Camping,
Caravanning and Motorcaravanning),
as well as picturesque accommodation
and restaurant services
provided by Lyhdyn Tila, the island’s
countryside hotel.
USEFUL LINKS (some pages are
only available in Finnish):
www.luontoon.fi/kuusisto
www.kuusistontaidekartano.fi
www.ohjelmapalvelucastrum.net/
vierailukeskus
www.tammireitit.fi
www.visitkaarina.fi/kaarinanoppaat
https://stolavwaterway.com/fi/
www.turunseurakunnat.fi/
kirkot-ja-kappelit/kuusiston-kirkko
www.reittiopas.foli.fi
www.k-ruoka.fi/kauppa/
k-market-kuusisto
www.sfckaarina.com/
www.villawolax.fi
Sources:
https://www.luontoon.fi/kuusisto/saapuminen
https://www.luontoon.fi/kuusisto/historia
https://www.luontoon.fi/kuusisto/luonto
https://tammireitit.fi/kuusistonpyorailyreitti
https://tammireitit.fi/kuusistoharvaluoto
https://www.turunseurakunnat.fi/kirkot-ja
-kappelit/kuusiston-kirkko
The address of Kuusisto Castle ruins
is Linnanrauniontie 633, Kaarina.
Its parking area is located on the
left side of Linnanrauniontie Road,
5.5 km away from Saaristotie Road.
The distance from the parking area
to the Castle Ruins is 780 m. The
grounds of Kuusisto Castle also
include a few parking spots for those
with reduced mobility or other disabilities.
https://www.museovirasto.fi/fi/kulttuuriymparisto/arkeologinen-kulttuuriperinto/
https://www.turunseurakunnat.fi/kirkot-ja-tilatseurakuntatilat/kuusiston-kanttorila

Metsähallitus
Kuusisto Art Manor
Kuusisto Castle Visitor Centre
Kaarina Guides (Kaarinan oppaat ry)
Kaarina’s Cultural and Library Services
kulttuuri ja kirjastot