There are a large number of stone mounds that date back to the Bronze Age, telling us that the people of that time wanted to be buried on high ground with a view across the sea.

In the fields and forests one can also find large numbers of burial mounds, traces of the foundations of dwellings and bridges from the Iron Age. A thousand years ago, during the times of the Vikings, an international sea route ran along the southern Finnish coastline. In connection with this, a harbour and market place grew up in the outer islands. Archaeological excavations have brought to light a large number of weapons, jewellery and silver coins.

In the Middle Ages people carried out extensive trade and shipping activities, but there was also piracy and wrecking. A large permanent harbour was built at Hitis-Hiittinen, which was visited by the then King of Sweden, Magnus reminder of the last sailing ships from this era.

The Kimito-Kemiö islands have witnessed many naval battles, and remains of old fortifications are found for example at Jungfrusund. During the Second World War, a major naval battle was fought at Bengtskär lighthouse where Russian soldiers landed with the intention of blowing up the lighthouse. More than one thousand men were involved in the fighting which ended up with a victory for the Finns.

The Kimito-Kemiö islands are easy to reach. You can get to them by car from the mainland, and from the sea by boat. Bridges, ferries and boats connect the twenty inhabited islands with each other. The roads run through beautiful count side, and wherever you stop you'll be warmly welcomed by friendly people. Hotels, guest houses, cottage villages, bed and breakfast accomodation, and camp sites are at the service of visitors wanting accommodation. A new fancy hotel, Hotel Kasnäs was completed at Kasnäs in the summer of the year 2000.

Restaurants and hotels take pleasure in serving local specialities. For those who are interested in a more programmed holiday, or in participating in various activities, there are bus tours, cruises among the islands, forest walks, nature trails, sports, and handicraft courses. There are also various summer festivals, the Night of Ancient Fires, art and handicraft exhibitions and so on. "Baltic Jazz" and "Kimito-Kemiö Music Days" are events well worth attending.

The most interesting place to visit in Kimito-Kemiö is the extensive open air museum at Sagalund. Other attractions include the grey stone church dating from the Middle Ages, and Wester's herb fields. The main attraction in the municipality of Västanfjärd is the new shipyard which maintains the seagoing traditions of the area. The wooden church from the 18th century and the stone church that represents the National Romantic style are also worth visiting.

In the municipality of Dragsfjärd, the factory museums of Dalsbruk-Taalintehdas and Björkboda illustrate the industrial history of the region. The Söderlångvik Manorhouse is representative of the country house tradition in Kimito-Kemiö Islands. Of the churches and chapels the 300 year old wooden church at Hitis-Hiittinen is the most noteworthy. Other places of interest include the Bengtskär lighthouse, the nature centre Blåmusslan (Bluemussel), the Viking Centre at Rodeborg, and there are also several small special museums. We bid you warmly welcome to come and get acquainted with Kimito-Kemiö Islands past and present.