Finnish Eco-Agrotourism Association – ECEAT Finland

Kilen is an extensive museum and cultural heritage area located on the Bothnian Bay coast close by an old fishing harbour. It introduces visitors to 19th-century farming, fishing and peasant culture in Ostrobothnia’s Swedish-speaking coastal villages.

The museum also operates as a Finnish-Swedish cultural centre and organises many types of courses, art exhibitions and story-telling evenings. The largest annual events are Midsummer’s Eve celebrations, a craft fair and a children’s day.

The 24 buildings of the area have been moved to Kilen from different villages in Kristinestad area. The main building known as Fransgården dates back to 1801. Other buildings in the area include a house from the 18th century, school, writer’s cottage, telephone museum, shipbuilding museum, smithy, smoke sauna, windmill, threshing barn, granary and other storehouses, and Janne’s Cabin that introduces visitors to the local fishing culture.

Restaurant and café ‘Västkustens Pärla’ serves visitors in the museum area and also caters for family occasions. Local products are used in the catering services as far as possible, including some organic produce.

The old fish salting house serves as a shore pavilion and party venue for around 100 people. Small meetings and seminars can be organised in a building close by the seashore saunas. The atmospheric chapel by the sea is used for weddings, christenings and prayer meetings.

Accommodation in the two buildings making up Gästhuset Kilstrand inn comprises eight apartments for 1 to 6 people. All apartments have a balcony, kitchenette, fridge, microwave oven, coffee maker and kitchen appliances, toilet and shower. Each apartment has a private entrance. Camping is also available for pre-booked visitors (sites for 8 tents + 8 caravans/cars)

SURROUNDINGS AND ACTIVITIES

The museum area with its seashore storehouses, boathouses and wooded pastures makes up a coherent cultural environment included on the Finnish Heritage Agency’s list of Built cultural heritage sites of national significance.

Tailored activities for pre-booked groups can be organised in cooperation with many organisations.

These activities include:

• guided tours around the museum area
• bird-watching and nature excursions led by local experts
• day-trips, school camps and camps for groups
• lessons in an old-time school
• activities related to fishing and identifying and handling fish
• the café/restaurant sells souvenirs to bring home, including books and local crafts

Sights in the local area:

• Church, village shop and bird-watching tower etc. in Sideby
• destinations in Kristinestad
• other museums in Ostrobothnia

DIRECTONS

Kilen Local Heritage Museum cannot be reached by public transport.

• Bus: nearest bus stop in Ömo, 15 km
• Train: nearest railway station in Pori, 80 km
• Driving/cycling: the easiest way to reach the museum.
• Guest marina: at the museum area

OPENING TIMES AND PRICES

• Open: the museum is open from 1 May till 30 September. Accommodation should be booked in advance.
• Prices: enquire about our prices or visit the museum’s website at www.kilen.fi
• bonus for ECEAT members and those arriving without a motor vehicle: let us know when you get here  and we will offer you a cup of coffee

OUR ACTIONS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT:

• We keep the museum area open to preserve the cultural landscape and biodiversity
• The museum area uses electricity produced from renewable sources (Lankosken Sähkö)

CULTURAL ACTIONS:

• We maintain and repair the buildings following the Finnish Heritage Agency’s instructions. We also work together with Kristinestad’s building authorities.
• We organise courses on traditional crafts annually.
• Crafts day/fair every summer
• The museum also promotes social sustainability and vitality of the local community.
• Basic principle: to offer visitors locally produced experiences while looking after a unique environment and cultural heritage

FUTURE:

• We are planning to purchase solar panels and heat pumps for the museum
• We will have sheep grazing the meadow in the museum area in summer
• We are planning a garden for the museum
• Sorting of wastes in the area will be improved further