Raseborg Castle

Raseborg Fortress (Raseporin Linna) is a destroyed medieval castle in southern Finland that was first written about in 1378. Raseborg Castle is thought to have been erected around 1370 by Bo Joninpoika Grip, the royal council leader of Magnus IV of Sweden. Its building is estimated to have lasted until the 16th century.

Raseborg Castle was built to defend the Swedish holdings of Southern Finland at the time. Built as the administrative capital of Western Uusimaa to keep an eye on ships and trade in the Gulf of Finland, it would later become a flashpoint for battles with the Danes and pirates.

Raseborg Castle would have surrounded the sea at the time of its construction, but falling sea levels have forced it landlocked, and it now sits dramatically above a group of rocks. This growing distance from the sea, together with the foundation of Helsinki in 1550, is said to have contributed to Raseborg Castle's eventual abandonment in 1558.

The castle sat derelict for more than 300 years before being restored in the 1880s. Visitors to Raseborg Castle can witness the repaired outer wall as well as other remnants, including the ruins of a wooden barrier that originally encircled the castle and prevented foreign ships from entering the harbor. There are also guided tours offered.

Location: Snappertuna, Finland