Discovering the Beauty of Fiskars Park

Nestled in a rich landscape spanning from Degersjö in the North to Borbyträsket in the South, Fiskars Park offers visitors an enchanting blend of history, nature, and cultural heritage. From meticulously maintained grassy areas to wild “park forests,” Fiskars Park is a treasure trove of natural beauty, filled with diverse plant species and a rich legacy that stretches back centuries.

A Glimpse into the Park’s History

Fiskars Park is designed in the style of an English landscape garden and dates back to 1818. The original Stenhusparken was once much larger, extending all the way up to Flaggberget. While the Park boasts carefully planted trees in some areas, many sections rely on naturally occurring plant material, giving the park its unique, organic charm. In addition to historical plantings, recent decades have seen new trees introduced, especially around the area between Stenhusparken and the town square.

The Diverse Flora of Fiskars Park

The park is home to a wide variety of tree species, mostly indigenous to the region. Recent additions include the Salix alba ‘Vitellina Tristis,’ which enhances the English garden feel of the park with its striking appearance. While some trees, like the ancient oaks and lindens, are believed to be 200-400 years old, the park’s favorable climate and sheltered valleys have also allowed many of the younger trees to grow quickly, creating a vibrant green canopy. As the park evolves, these new trees are carefully integrated with older plantings to ensure a harmonious balance between old and young, preserving the park’s heritage while allowing it to flourish for future generations.

Caring for the park’s trees is both a scientific and an emotional endeavor. The oldest trees, many of which show signs of aging or decay, are treated with what could be described as “palliative care.” This involves careful pruning to reduce the strain on weakened branches, removal of dead wood, and, when necessary, gradually cutting down parts of the tree to ensure safety while extending its life. Such care demonstrates a deep respect for the park’s heritage, as each tree holds historical significance.

Younger trees, meanwhile, are pruned to promote healthy growth. Branches that rub against each other are removed, and canopies are lifted along pathways to keep the area accessible for visitors. Maintenance also includes clearing unwanted tree growth in specific areas to preserve the park’s open landscape.

A Living, Evolving Landscape

The vision for Fiskars Park is to create a welcoming, safe, and sustainable green space that appeals to visitors of all ages. To maintain a balanced park, caretakers strive for a mix of trees of different ages and species. Unfortunately, many of the park’s elm trees are struggling with a fungal disease, known locally as “jalavapakuri,” which weakens them significantly. There is also a risk that Dutch elm disease could arrive in Finland, potentially wiping out the country’s elm population. In response, the park management is diversifying by planting species like oak, silver willow, and linden to ensure a resilient and thriving park for future generations.

Visiting Fiskars Park

The park is open to the public, with the exception of areas in immediate approximation to  Stenhuset. Visitors are encouraged to explore on foot and follow the “Tree Species Trail,” which showcases the park’s botanical diversity, including iconic spots like Stenhusparken and Flaggberget. Summer is an especially popular time to visit, as the park is lush and vibrant, and even features grazing sheep, adding to the pastoral charm.

Ideal Times to Experience Fiskars Park

While each season brings its own beauty, summer is when Fiskars Park is at its peak, according to the park’s caretakers. The warm weather, abundant greenery, and lively atmosphere make it an ideal time to explore. However, the charm of autumn colors or the quiet beauty of a snow-covered winter landscape may appeal to those looking for a different experience.

Fiskars Park is more than a scenic space; it’s a living museum of local history and a testament to the care taken by generations past and present to preserve this beautiful environment. Whether you’re drawn to the majestic old oaks, curious about tree species, or simply looking to enjoy a serene walk, Fiskars Park offers a memorable experience for everyone.

You can find the ”Tree species path” here

For this article we interviewed our Forest manager Robert Lindholm