We’ve gathered favorite destinations and new discoveries from the Vaasa region that are suitable for holidaymakers of all ages. Are you in the mood for excitement or a more relaxed vibe today?
The World Heritage Site of the Kvarken Archipelago is the best place in the world to experience and understand the land uplift caused by the last ice age. Experience the archipelago by visiting the Saltkaret observation tower, hiking in the Fort Sommarö area, on the Västerö trail in Maksamaa, or one of the numerous other nature trails.
Experience the World Heritage Archipelago
With the temperature set at above 30 degrees Celsius, you can enjoy the warmth of the tropics any time of the year. In the summer, you can also spend time in the outdoor water park. The slides and pools have warm water and the sun deck offers a beautiful view of the sea.
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Everyone craves new experiences on their vacation – could one of them be exploring a meteorite crater? At the Söderfjärden Meteoria, you can experience a unique visitor center in the middle of an ancient crater while the whole family learns more about Earth's history and outer space!
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Brage Open Air Museum with its beautiful surroundings lies within walking distance of the centre of Vaasa.
The Museum consists of a complete nineteenth-century farm with interesting buildings and interiors from the Swedish-speaking part of Ostrobotnia. Permanent exhibitions include the decorated Wedding Room, the Girls clothing Loft with colourful textiles and the Seel Hunting Museum. There is a model of a stone labyrinth on the area.
+358 44 012 7166
info@vasabrage.fi
Kvarken Boat Museum is one of the largest boat museums in the Nordic countries. The collection contains 96 traditional (wooden) boats (1850-1993) of different types for varying uses. The boats originate from the province of Ostrobothnia. Besides the boats, exhibited are also tools and equipment used in the region for fishing and hunting. Fisherman’s cottage. Exhibitions.
The museum is situated in Åminne in a culture-historically valuable coastal surroundings in Malax.
+358 6 365 1933
https://www.museiportalosterbotten.fi/museum-a-o-en/museum/75-kvarken-boat-museum
Vaasa used to be an important shipping company and maritime city. In the Vaasa Maritime Museum are displayed local maritime traditions from the shipbuilding of the 19th century to the present day luxury yachts. Various fascinating objects, scale models, shipwrecks and photographs give a glimpse of the life of old time seafarers.
The Vaasa Maritime Museum is located on the shore of the Palosaari strait. The strait was for over 150 years the outport of Vaasa and the centre of shipbuilding. In the 19th century and early 20th century the shore was bordered with the shops and magazines of traders, and the museum is situated in one of these old salt magazines. Ship-owner Wolff had a salt magazine constructed in the middle of the 19th century and the building has been well preserved thanks to the conserving effect of salt. There are four original harbour magazines on the area altogether, one of which probably dates back to the late 18th century and has been relocated on the area from Old Vaasa.
+358 50 382 8771, +358 50 575 9489
http://www.museiportalosterbotten.fi/museum-a-o-en/museum/86-maritime-museum-of-vaasa
Stundars is a large open-air museum in Solf village, about 15 kilometers south from Vaasa. The museum tells the stories of what life was like for the peasantry, craftsmen and lower social classes on the Swedish-speaking countryside, from Oravais in the north to Pörtom in the south, during the period of 1870-1920. The museum village have about 70 buildings including a country shop, a school, a farmstead, and crofters’ cottages.
Come see where the Ostrobothnian forefathers slept, ate and laughed – how did they really fit in the short bunkbeds? Maybe we’ll have an old-time washing day when you visit, or maybe we’ve made coffee over the fire and you’ll get a cup? Or maybe you’d just like to stroll around the picturesque museum village in your own pace and maybe, just maybe hear the grey timber walls whispering of times gone by…?
The Stundars Open-Air Museum area is open for recreation all year round, but during the summer season the cottages of the museum village are open every day. Outside opeing hours you are free to take a stroll in the open-air museum, but the cottages will be closed.
Stundars’ museum village offers an opportunity to walk through historical landscapes, next to farms, village schools, and crofters’ cabins. Through Stundars it is easy to walk further to the Söderfjärden hiking trail, to explore the former wetlands in the giant meteor crater, as well as climb up the bird-watching tower. The Stundars trail is also a part of the pilgrim’s way St Olav Ostrobothnia. We welcome you to enjoy a walk through dog-friendly Stundars.
On Thursdays during autumn, winter and spring, there are free guided tours and other activities at the museum from 12 to 3 pm, as advertised. You can find a more detailed program in our calendar, and on our Facebook-page and Instagram account. During the Museum-Thursdays, there is free entrance.
+358 6 5709 9000
info@stundars.fi
Terranova is the name of the museum’s permanent natural science exhibition. Terranova is Latin for ‘new land’. In the Kvarken region the ´new´ land rises from the sea at a rate of 9 mm per year. Terranova was opened in 2002 in cooperation with the Ostrobothnian Museum, the Finnish Forest and Park Service Metsähallitus and the Ostrobothnia Australis Association.
Terranova presents nature in the Kvarken and Vaasa region from the Ice Age until the present day. Visitors can wonder at the land uplift phenomenon and its consequences, admire the beautiful Kvarken Archipelago and its fauna with all their senses.
Terranova is also privileged to present a unique natural heritage site: The Kvarken Archipelago was entered in UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 2006 – the only natural site in Finland to be included so far. Together with the High Coast of Sweden, it forms a natural heritage site. The area was given the status of world heritage because post-glacial rebound is more visible here than anywhere else in the world. More information about the High Coast and the Kvarken Archipelago World Heritage is available at www.merenkurkku.fi and www.naturumhogakusten.se.
+358 40 865 1933
museoinfo@vaasa.fi
In the Vaasa Car and Engine Museum are displayed vehicles from each decade of the 20th century. Come and get acquainted with the widest collection of old and a little newer cars in Vaasa. On display are also a wide selection of products from engine factories in Vaasa as well as some theme exhibitions.
The Vaasa Car and Engine Museum opened its doors in 1981. There are motors and cars in the museum all the way from the beginning of the 20th century to the present day. The history of traffic and vehicles is displayed in the museum with the help of renovated cars and other vehicles. Among these can be mentioned the horse-drawn ambulance dating back to 1909.
There are also several fire trucks and other fire fighting equipment on view, and let’s not forget the bicycle. The vast collection of bicycles in the museum offers the visitor the possibility to get acquainted with the trajectory of this vehicle. In addition there are some soapbox cars, snowmobiles, motorcycles and mopeds in the collection.
+358 44 569 2690
vvasry@gmail.com
+358 45 671 9358
anna.salmi@aavakertunkotitila.fi
Park Onkilahti is a popular recreational area for the city’s residents both in summer and winter.
The park consists of an open landscape and stretches around rhe bay Onkilahti. In the area, there is an activity park with beach volleyball courts, a petanque court, and a fitness station specifically designed for seniors. For children, there is a big playground.
In the park, there is a grill that can be used for picnics (bring charcoal). Park Onkilahti is also a popular spot for fishing with a fishing rod.
Also Vasa Skatepark is located in a central position within Onkilahti activity park.
https://www.vaasa.fi/sv/bo-och-lev/fritid/parker-och-gronomraden/parker/metviksparken/
Vaasa has more than 150 hectares of parks
Parks are a central part of the cityscape in Vaasa. New and old, small or large – you will certainly find the places that are right for you among our parks. Enjoy a well-kept environment and admire the wide variety of vegetation growing there.
For example, the historic, lush and well-kept parks create interesting routes for visits and recreation by the city waterfront area. The proximity to the sea gives the landscape its unique appearance and forms a strong picture of life in Vaasa.
Parks provide visitors with opportunities for recreation, well-being, mobility, social gatherings and events – while at the same time allowing visitors to simply sit still and enjoy the nature if they choose. Parks are great meeting places, where you can do things alone or with others.
https://www.vaasa.fi/en/living/freetime/parks-and-green-areas/parks/
Våra lekområden är alltid öppna för dem som vill leka och röra på sig!
Vasa stads lekområden erbjuder en trygg plats att fördriva tiden på och meningsfulla, mångsidiga saker att göra. Lekområdena är trivsamma mötes- och rekreationsplatser för alla åldrar. Staden uppmuntrar barn, unga, vuxna och seniorer att tillbringa tid tillsammans i en mångsidig lekmiljö. Det finns flera än 80 lekområden inom stadens område.
https://www.vaasa.fi/en/living/freetime/parks-and-green-areas/playgrounds/
In Bergö, you will find a beautiful 8-kilometer-long hiking trail that takes you through the most scenic forest areas of Granö. Along the hiking trail, there are resting places, information boards, and artworks, as well as the grill hut Adolf, where you can take a break while grilling sausages or enjoying your packed lunch.
Bodvattnet runt 4 km circle trail, with a demanding accessible sections of 1 km and 1.4 km / each way
About 100 years ago, the old fishing port of Bodback set off on dangerous trips across the rocky Kvarken to Umeå. In addition to mail, government officials were also transported. Now only a small creek connects this port to the sea! Come and see how land uplift changes the Kvarken World Heritage landscape.
Difficulty: Demanding accessible.
Estimated travel time: During summertime the entire loop (4 km) on foot 1.5 hours, no winter maintenance.
Travel time by wheelchair on one direction:
The trail between Svedjehamn parking area and Saltkaret observation tower is snow-cleared during wintertime, including the parking area.
Starting point: The Svedjehamn fishing harbour parking area Address: Svedjehamn fishing harbour, 65870 Svedjehamn. The parking area does not have separate accessible parking spaces, but there is usually plenty of space. The parking area’s surface material is gravel. The parking area is flat.
https://www.nationalparks.fi/description-of-trails#BodvattnetruntTrail
History and culture in the form of Edvin Hevonkoski’s wooden and metal sculptures, in the middle of the nature along the nature trail in Asevelikylä. At the moment there are over 100 named works of art or groups of works of art. The Korsu Museum consists of a crew bunker filled with wartime objects, the maintenance bunker Töpinä and a smoke sauna, all authentic from World War II.
+358 50 560 6496
Västerö Hiking Trails are situated in the outer archipelago of the municipality of Vörå and can be reached by car. The trail starts from the parking areas on Söderskatavägen and Equityvägen, and the visitor can choose trails from 3 km up to 12 km. A map for the area is found in the parking area. There are also maps along the trail.
Along the trails there are a memorial for the Equity (a ship that carried weapons during the civil war in Finland), the cliffs of Ryssberget, the old land uplift forests, bays, flads and seashores.
There are campfire sites and resting spots, dry toilets, two huts to be used as rest spots (they are not meant for overnight stays). NOTE! No wood supply.
https://www.nationalparks.fi/description-of-trails#VasteroHiking
Tropiclandia Waterpark is a dream-come-true for a family that loves water. Water slides, waves, waterfalls, bubble baths, exotic saunas. At the outdoor water park wild water slide chutes, two activity pools for children, a Jacuzzi and ample space for lying and relaxing in the sun, as well as terrace restaurant.
+358 20 796 1300
info.tropiclandia@puuhagroup.com
22.6. – 31.8. 2024 Cruises with M/S Tiira, from the Inner Harbour (Sisäsatama) in Vaasa.
During the cruise there is a one hour stop on the Island of Kuusisaari, where it is possible to buy food and drink in Restaurant Janne´s Saloon.
Also chartered cruises according to your wishes. Short cruises can be made in the Vaasa region or longer cruises e.g. to Mikkelinsaaret, where there are facilities for meetings, sauna and overnight accommodations.
+358 50 553 1236
info@jannensaluuna.com
The climbing centre Wasa Up has climbing facilities for everyone: easy routes for the uninitiated as well as difficult problems demanding stamina and technique.
You can also challenge yourself on our obstacle course racing track as well as gain new strength, balance and well-being at our group classes.
You can try climbing or OCR easily without reservation! You’ll also find group activities for your workplace, team or family from our selection. Welcome!
+358 50 543 4907
info@wasaup.fi
Experience the Kvarken Archipelago World Heritage in a new way and play the escape game at the visitor centre World Heritage Gateway by the Replot bridge!
The sea monster was first sighted in the Kvarken Archipelago as early as the 1800s. Now it seems to have returned to our rocky kingdom. Step into the exhibition Weichsel and track the monster down!
Who can play?
Our escape game can be played by adults and children from age 7 upwards. School-aged children are recommended to play with an adult. The exhibition room is accessible, so the game is also suitable for people with reduced mobility with an assistant. The game can be played in English, Finnish, or Swedish.
Game time: 45 minutes
Amount of players: 2-6 players
+358 50 3466 200
info@kvarken.fi
Vaasa Kayak Rental offers everyone access to the sea and the opportunity to paddle in, for example, the Vaasa archipelago or the Kvarken World Heritage Site.
Starting point is in the summer Rantakatu 21 in Vaasa where you can launch the kayak.
If you prefer to start from some other spot, you can transport the kayak. If you rent several kayaks, we can also rent a trailer with kayak carrying rack, the trailer fits up to 10 kayaks.
Booking alternatives:
+358 40 505 5665
info@vaasankajakkivuokraus.fi
Life gets so much funnier with entertainment, laughter and adventures
KvarkenEscape offers challenges, entertainment and enjoyment for both adults and children. Our escape rooms in the Kvarken Archipelago are inspired from the life on our islands from the past and nowadays. But, perhaps with a little, okay with a bit more than little, spiced up interpretations.
Read more about the rooms on the home page!
+358 40 1968 441
info@kvarkenescape.fi
At Hietasaari beach you can rent a SUP board or kayak and explore the surroundings on your own or participate in group activities!
Hietasaari beach is only about 1 kilometer from the city center and you can reach us by car, by foot or by bike. Vaasa floating water park is also situated by the beach.
+358 44 727 9108
vaasa@lappis.fi
The approximately 1,000 square meter concrete skate park was opened in the autumn of 2021.
https://www.vaasa.fi/sv/bo-och-lev/fritid/idrott-och-friluftsliv/utomhusidrottsplatser/skejtparken/
Welcome to Zip Adventure Park – the adventure park, situated in the beautiful Vasa, Finland’s sunniest city. Here you can experience a different, fast-paced and challenging day of adventure, regardless of age and whether or not you’re with family, your company, your association or your group of friends. We offer challenges for all age groups – move between the treetops, challenge yourself and enjoy both the excitement and the view.
+358 40 832 2221
info@zipadventurepark.fi
Tropiclandia Waterpark is a dream-come-true for a family that loves water. Water slides, waves, waterfalls, bubble baths, exotic saunas. At the outdoor water park there is wild water slide chutes, two activity pools for children, a Jacuzzi and ample space for lying and relaxing in the sun, as well as terrace restaurant.
+358 20 796 1300
info.tropiclandia@puuhagroup.com
The Vaasa Swimming Hall has four different pools, which cater for activities of different ages.
In addition to swimming, an admission ticket to the swimming hall allows visitors to practice deepwater running and go to the gym. A diving platform and springboards are also available for visitors.
+358 40 635 8118
uimahalli.kassa@vaasa.fi
https://www.vaasa.fi/en/living/freetime/exercise-and-outdoor-activities/swimming-hall/
+358 6 470 1257, +358 50 314 2353
uimahalli.parske@isokyro.fi
Korsholm Swimming Pool has a 25-meter pool with four lanes, children’s pool, jacuzzi, water slide, cold plunge pool, therapy pool and walking exercise pool with both warm and cold water. There is also a sauna.
During the school year, the pool offers swimming lessons for pupils in the daytime. In the evenings, the pool is open for the public.
+358 44 424 9216
simhallen@korsholm.fi
