Fiskars Village

October 29, 2022

Finland doesn't celebrate Halloween like the US does, but they do recognize the holiday in some areas.  On Saturday Fiskars Village, now somewhat of an open air museum area, was open for some Halloween festivities.  A rather hipster looking coffee shop kicked things off with a gathering of costumed kids. One of the baristas, wearing a wig and some funky outfit, cheerfully walked around taking pictures.  There followed a short parade through the grounds.  

Anne and I left the little ones with Wade to do the parade, while we walked about the grounds, taking pictures of the old buildings and popping into a shop or two.  

Fiskars Ironworks, founded in 1649 by Dutch businessman Peter Thorwoste, is one of several that were in the area.  Most know the Fiskars name for its orange handled scissors.  Back in the day they did not work with the stainless steel that is used for those familiar blades, but with iron, and at some point, copper.  The village grew up around the ironworks.  It is now a rambling combination of buildings, with the Fiskars River running through it all.  Through the years many of the buildings were destroyed or damaged by frequent fires, and then rebuilt.  They are now used as stores, restaurants, hotels, and workshops, such as a glassblower and blacksmith.  Outside of the blacksmith was this artistic winged creation that seems to be both horse and carriage.

At the end of the kids parade, they were provided maps of trick-or-treating locations, but instead of a map of shops, it was of residences in the surrounding hills, so the family opted out of this.  Instead, they joined us for a formal tour of the village, which gathered in front of the fire station.  It was of course in Finnish, so Wade or Anna had to translate for me at the back of the small group.  In the photo below, our guide is holding a small version of the triangle that would have been used to announce a fire.

I won't attempt to show or explain all of the buildings, but share a selection of them.  This evening was intended to be more of a family outing than a historical tour.  

Mylly Kvarnen Mill 1898

Slag bricks of the Mylly Kvarnen Mill

Photo of the previous state of the oldest surviving building

Current state of above building

At some point in the tour it became obvious that our guide was primarily telling us the same information as was on the signs.  Since the signs had English translation included, it made more sense to leave the group and go off on our own.  

Reflections on the Fiskars River, and one of the many bridges that cross it.

Originally built in 1816-1822 as the owner's residence and central administration of the ironworks, the yellow building below is known locally as Stenhuset or Kivimuuri (Masonry House).  Now the building is used for official Fiskars receptions.

As you can read on the plaque below, the building was not constructed as it was originally designed, but it is a beautiful building, sitting on a gentle hill off by itself. 

The original portion of this brick building was built as a school in 1826.  In 1830, a second wing was added as stables, and at the same time the clock tower was constructed.  

Much of the ground floor currently is taken by a large, lovely shop selling many known Finnish brands such as Arabia, Marimekko, Ittala, Moomins and of course, Fiskars.  

The clock itself, Finnish-made Konni no. 9, was installed in 1842, and has been faithfully keeping time every since.

While we were still following the tour, the sun began to pink the evening sky.  

As a part of the Halloween festivities, they had done some special things to the museum displays.  Nothing creepy like probably would have been done back home, but an attempt to create a memorable evening.  It was dimly lit throughout the rooms.  As we came in, there was a "person" snoring loudly in a bed.  The kids were quite fascinated by this display.

I've always enjoyed dioramas and was looking forward to seeing the one of Fiskars Village.  Wade used his phone flashlight so we could see this one (above).

Below Wade is shining his light so we can see the display of copper in the museum.  

Below, a depiction of an early office of Fiskars, including an abacus to help with the accounting.

All in all it was a really fun evening.  I think it would be great to go back and visit the village sometime in the summer where everything is open, but I do prefer less crowded times so accept I won't see everything.