Askainen: Manor House History, Memorial Sites and Beach

Askainen brings together Louhisaari Manor House, memorial sites, village history and a beach in a maritime landscape. Historic interiors and gardens meet opportunities for swimming and outdoor activities. The close association between the manor house and the Mannerheim family, along with events in early June, are particularly defining features.

Askainen at a glance

• Louhisaari Manor House is a rare example of palace architecture in Finland.
• The visitor presentation in the main building focuses on interiors from the 17th to 19th centuries and the Fleming and Mannerheim families.
• The manor house estate includes a kitchen garden, an orchard and an extensive English-style park.
• Ritaripuisto is a memorial site immediately next to Askainen Church.
• Pikisaari Beach has sand, rocks and a long pier; swimming and barbecuing are possible there.

Louhisaari: architecture, family history and gardens

Louhisaari Manor House represents an architectural style that is rare in Finland: it is considered an example of palace architecture. The site is also closely associated with the Mannerheim family. The estate remained in their possession until 1903; Louhisaari is also the birthplace of Finnish Marshal C. G. E. Mannerheim.

The visitor presentation in the main building covers interiors from the 17th to 19th centuries, as well as the lives of the Fleming and Mannerheim owner families. Its timeline thus spans several centuries. The manor house estate also includes an 18th-century-style kitchen garden, an orchard and an extensive English park with garden pavilions. Together, these different garden styles give the estate a distinctive landscape dimension alongside its architecture and family histories.

For directions, Askainen Church is an important landmark: the official road to Louhisaari, which leads to the estate grounds, begins there. Follow the signs when you arrive.

Church, memorial site and village life

Askainen Church also tells the story of the connection between the village and the estate. The present church was built in the 1650s by Herman Klaunpoika Fleming, the owner of Louhisaari at the time and a governor-general. In 1823, Carl Eerik Mannerheim, Marshal Mannerheim’s paternal great-grandfather, had a Mannerheim family burial chapel built in the church cemetery.

Askaisten Ritaripuisto, a memorial and tourism site established in the Askainen area in 2007, lies immediately next to the church. The park honours fallen soldiers, Knights of the Mannerheim Cross and the entire generation of veterans. Its annual celebration takes place in Askainen each year in early June; exact dates may vary.

Marskin Tori, named after Marshal Mannerheim, is an important venue for village association activities in summer. The association organises events there, including a Christmas opening and flea markets. The traditional Marskin-Markkinat market is held in the square each year in early June. Its exact dates and programme may also vary. If you would like to plan your trip around one of the June events, its date is a useful anchor for your planning.

Pikisaari and outdoor activities

Pikisaari Beach is set in Askainen’s maritime landscape, near the Louhisaari estate. Sand, rocks and a long pier define the shoreline; the beach offers space for swimming and barbecuing. Its varied shoreline gives it a different character from Louhisaari’s historic interiors and gardens.

For exercise, Askainen has an official fitness route that passes the Askaisten kuntoportaat. From the top of the stairs, you can access a kuntoreitti, a fitness and walking trail. This gives you different options when planning your day: the manor house and church for local history, Pikisaari for the beach and swimming, or the route by the stairs for exercise.

Askainen as a destination for finding accommodation

If you are looking for a hotel for your trip, you can choose Askainen as your search destination and plan your accommodation around your interests. First consider whether you would mainly like to explore the history of Louhisaari and the church, or whether the beach and outdoor activities are a better fit for your travel plans. For more destinations, also discover Raisio, Somerniemi, Harjattula, Koski, Merimasku, Dragsfjärd, Uusikaupunki and Korppoo.

Frequently asked questions about Askainen

What makes Louhisaari special?

The manor house is a rare example of palace architecture in Finland. The visitor presentation in the main building covers interiors from the 17th to 19th centuries and the lives of the Fleming and Mannerheim families.

When do the early June events take place?

The annual Ritaripuisto celebration takes place each year in early June. The traditional Marskin-Markkinat market at Marskin Tori is also held annually in early June. Exact dates may vary, and the market programme may also change.

Who does Ritaripuisto honour?

The memorial park honours fallen soldiers, Knights of the Mannerheim Cross and the entire generation of veterans. It was established near Askainen Church in 2007.

What does Pikisaari Beach offer?

The beach has sand, rocks and a long pier, and offers space for swimming and barbecuing. It is located in Askainen’s maritime landscape near Louhisaari.

Where does the route from Askaisten kuntoportaat lead?

From the top of the stairs, you can access a kuntoreitti, a fitness and walking trail. Askainen’s official fitness route passes the stairs.

For the main travel overview: Varsinais-Suomi.