NordenBladet – Naantali is famous among Estonians for the Moomin world, but this resort town also hosts the Finnish president’s summer residence in Kultaranta! While already in Finland, Naantali, then why not also visit the Finnish president’s summer residence in Luonnonmaa?! For those of you who wish to do so, there is legal permission for that! 13 euros for an adult and 5 euros for a child – and there you go – to the president’s estate. As for me, I made the decision to go and see!
Alas! …it is all very pleasant, beautiful and glamorous, yet the visit still turns out not as glossy as perhaps expected. The common tourist can only access the front yard! Neither the residence nor the interior gardens, where the president might invite friends over to grill together in bathing suits and maybe also have a nice cold beer on a hot summer day – this all is out of reach. Haha! Yet the place is worth seeing – you will get an idea how and where this world’s powerful fill the leisure moments. And many do so – Kultaranta hosts 18 000 visitors every year! The place is picturesque and worth the visit!
The official tour takes you from one rose plant to the next in the park, where the tour guide reveals the history of the beautiful site in a few words. For example, you will know that long ago the wealthy landlord Alfred Kordel acquired this ground on an auction and there he later established the Kultaranta castle. In 1916 the edifice was completed and when landlord Kordel passed away, it became state property. The newly independent Finland decided that the palace would be a suitable summer residence for the president and already since 1922 every Finnish president has spent their holidays in this palace. The palace comes with 54 hectares of land where you can find parks, greenhouses and other constructions. The castle, made from stone and holding 19 rooms, was designed by architect Lars Sonck.
The residence’s main building, a granite castle, was erected between 1914-1916 by the architect Lars Sonck and it is surrounded by 54 hectares of parks and greenhouses. In 1922 the Finnish Republic obtained the venue and it was decided that Kultaranta becomes the president’s summer residence. Besides the grand territory Kultaranta estate is fascinating also due to the surrounding shores! And what is even more romantic – from the shore there is a beautiful view to Naantali as well as to the Moomin island! Thus the offsprings of the presidents have for their neighbours the Moomin characters themselves!
The history of Naantali goes back to the Middle Ages when a settlement evolved near a monastery. In the 15th century Naantali gained city rights. In later times the town grew into a fine destination for spending summer holidays. Naantali resort is steeped in traditions – besides the Moomin world, the Väsk island, the Kultaranta residence and the beautiful old town of Naantali it also has to offer SPA, sauna and bathing enjoyments and luxurious accommodation fr the visitor. We stayed overnight in Naantali Spa Hotel and only have words of praise to describe it (see „Naantali SPA Hotel” ☆☆☆☆☆ naantalispa.fi and sunbornhotels.com, Matkailijantie 2 FI-21100 Naantali)!
Naantali also has many restaurants famous for their good quality – though the prices are crispy, the gourmet experience is well worth it! Starting from 14 June the Ukkopekka steamboat bridges the distance between Turku and Naantali – therefore whoever so wishes, may as well also have a stylish glimpse at Turku during the vacation.
If you plan to visit Naantali, I would recommend to find more information about Naantali from Naantalin Matkailu OY website (see naantalinmatkailu.fi) or once in Naantali you can just step in – they will keep you updated about everything that is going on in Naantali and the vicinity, also the staff can share information about places of interest that you either wish to see with your own eyes or read about.
Take a look at other posts from the trip to Finland as well!
Photos: Ohmygossip /Helena-Reet Ennet