Sustainable tourism is tourism operation that takes into account the economic, socio-cultural and environmental impacts, taking into account the needs of tourists, tourist destinations, the environment and the local population now and in the future. In practice, sustainable tourism and responsibility can be seen in a tourism company, for example in the recycling of a tourism company’s waste, serving locally produced food and in the employment of locals.
Working for and towards sustainable tourism is our common cause
At Visit Vaasa, we do our best to achieve the goal of sustainable tourism and strive to ensure the preservation of our unique environment and cultural heritage for future generations. Taking care of them is is our common cause.
Responsible tourism starts with small acts – with small steps and providing and sharing information we aim to play our part in more sustainable tourism. That’s why we’ve put together tips and advice for responsible and eco-friendly travelers on this page. Pick up the tips and travel responsibly to the Vaasa region!
How can you participate and support sustainable tourism in the Vaasa region?
We have listed tourism companies in the Vaasa region below that have completed Visit Finland’s STF program and / or have been granted an environmental certificate supporting sustainable tourism.
Arrive and move sustainably
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INGSVA
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Mini-Lifti shared cars
Mini-Lifti is a car sharing concept for all Vaasa residents. On weekdays, the cars are used by city employees, but in the evenings and weekends anyone can rent them freely.
https://www.vaasa.fi/en/living/traffic-and-streets/mini-lifti-shared-cars/
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Two countries, two cities and the beautiful Kvarken Archipelago in between. Wasaline carries hundreds of passengers between Umeå and Vaasa every day with its ferry offering a variety of restaurants and events.
Wasaline’s ship Aurora Botnia is designed and built for the route Vaasa–Umeå. The ferry is equipped with the latest environmental technology and runs on climate-smart renewable fuels. The cabins and public spaces are decorated using recycled materials. E.g. the table tops and counters are made from recycled plastic, and the cabin carpets contain fibres from recycled fishing nets. The age of modern, sustainable travel in the Bothnian Gulf has begun!
Choose sustainable accommodation
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The environmentally friendly and carbon-neutral hotel chain GreenStar has just opened a new hotel in Vaasa, located only a short walk away from the rail and bus station and near to Vaasa market square. The hotel’s brand new and bright rooms have been furnished with Finnish wood and sustainable materials. A good night’s sleep is guaranteed by the high-quality, Nordic Ecolabel-certified beds and well-insulated windows. Complimentary organic tea and coffee are available in the lobby. Guests can wash and dry their laundry for free at the hotel and can store and heat their own food if desired. There are electric car chargers available in the parking area.
+358 10 423 9393
vaasa@greenstar.fi
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Hotel Astor Wasa is located in the centre of Vaasa, opposite the Travel Centre!
A high-quality hotel in the centre of Vaasa, where all 49 rooms are individually decorated and unique.
We provide personalised service and offer local delicacies at breakfast and brunch in an international atmosphere.
A special feature of the hotel is that many rooms have their own sauna.
The parking garage is located nearby, there are also charging points for electric cars.
+358 6 326 9111
astor@astorvaasa.fi
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Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna Vaasa
Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna, Vaasa – the region’s coolest hotel!
Welcome to Finland’s best Original hotel!
Vaasa’s Vaakuna is a stylish and unique hotel right in the heart of the city. Its location by the market square close to a shopping centre offers excellent shopping opportunities. The Kvarken Archipelago World Heritage Site and nature are the true gems of Vaasa and its surroundings. We also want you to feel close to nature as our guest.At Vaakuna, we want to stand out from the rest, do everything with a big heart and be original. We wish you a warm welcome – with us you are number one!
A tip for you: the themed rooms in our hotel are absolutely worth seeing and experiencing.
+358 (0)20 780 8800, (0)20 780 8850
sales.vaasa@sokoshotels.fi
https://www.sokoshotels.fi/fi/vaasa/sokos-hotel-vaakuna-vaasa/
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We have 30 well equipped hotel rooms. The suites include a living room, bedroom and sauna. All rooms have a hair dryer, minibar, water cooker and an ironing board/iron. All of our guests also have access to the common sauna, ask the reception about the hours. If you arrive by car, parking is free next to the hotel.
+358 6 823 8400
sales@hotelredgreen.fi
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Just a stone’s throw from the centre of Vaasa!
Welcome to our unique and peaceful hotel, which combines a great location with excellent meeting and restaurant facilities.
Our rooms are large, and some rooms have a sauna of their own and kitchenette.
You can park your car free of charge either in the hotel yard or in our 35-seat garage. A special feature of the hotel is that we serve evening snacks to our guests between Monday and Thursday.
Our hotel has a new and modern conference center with the latest technology.
+358 6 328 8200
info@vallonia.fi
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Original Sokos Hotel Royal
Like a small town within the city!
Original Sokos Hotel Royal that will be completely renovated during the years 2023-25, is like a small city within the city, a dynamic meeting place for locals and travelers. Enjoy the services of our restaurants, meet friends, or work in the vibrant atmosphere of our impressive lobby. Walk across the sky bridge to go to the movies or shopping. On our magnificent rooftop sauna area, you can indulge in gentle steam and enjoy breathtaking views over the maritime city of Vaasa. This is the floor everyone wants to be on! Welcome to the sunny Royal Vaasa!
We serve you with a lovely smile, energetic approach, and create happy hotel experiences.
+358 20 123 4619
royal.vaasa@sokoshotels.fi
https://www.sokoshotels.fi/en/vaasa/original-sokos-hotel-royal-vaasa
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It is easy to feel at home and enjoy the relaxed city life in this hotel located close to the Vaasa pedestrian centre. The new, beautifully decorated rooms in the hotel extension and the new event facilities provide versatile solutions for all needs.
+358 300 308460
vaasa@scandichotels.com
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A peaceful hotel with a beautiful sea landscape at a convenient distance from the centre of Vaasa. A large parking area, versatile services, spacious rooms and the Tropiclandia spa next door guarantee a cosy stay.
+358 300 308461
waskia@scandichotels.com
https://www.scandichotels.com/hotels/finland/vaasa/scandic-waskia
Visit sustainable companies
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Meteoria Söderfjärden is a unique visiting centre in the middle of the most beautiful meteorite crater in Finland
- An advanced exhibition telling a long story of at least 520 million years of Söderfjärden
– from an impact crater to the agricultural and Natura 2000 area of today - A well-equipped astronomical observatory with a telescope for studies of celestial bodies millions of light years out into the universe
- A bird-watching tower in the middle of the most important resting area for cranes in Finland
- A cafeteria in an old treshing barn
- A model of our solar system, a model of the crater an a timeline of earths history: TellusTimeLine
- An energy cellar – own production of renewable energy: solar and wind
- An exhibition with unique meteorites and an exhibition with old farming machinery
The exhibition is open for individuals and small groups during the opening hours. An exhibition tour on other hours than the usual opening hours, can easily be arranged for bigger groups simply by booking online.
A certified crater guide is always present on normal opening hours and other hours, if booked in advance.
The bird watching tower and the exhibition outside the building is available free of charge, every hour of the day and every day of the year.
+358 50 556 5199
meteoria@sundom.fi
- An advanced exhibition telling a long story of at least 520 million years of Söderfjärden
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Welcome to Cornelia! Cornelia is a lifestyle shop and café situated in Närpes on the westcoast.
+358 45 855 5433
info@cornelia.fi
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The idyllic courtyard milieu of the Klemets Houses is in many ways unique. No other group of houses built in a similar way has survived in the county. Here can as well be found a versatile selection of exhibitions, such as a textile exhibition, a harmonium museum, a motorcycle exhibition and everyday items associated with peasant life. The atmosphere of the early 20th century can also be sensed in the café, which has been elegantly furnished with 1940s functionalism style furniture.
The idyllic courtyard milieu of the Klemets Houses is unique in a number of ways. No other group of houses built in a similar way has survived in the country. Here can as well be found a versatile selection of exhibitions, such as a textile exhibition, a harmonium museum, a Sunday school museum and everyday items associated with peasant life. The atmosphere of the early 20th century can also be sensed in the café, which has been elegantly furnished with 1940s functionalism style furniture.
+358 40 667 9879
info@klemets.fi
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Distillery full of stories, scents and tastes
Kyrö Visitor Center is located at the distillery premises in the picturesque village of Isokyrö on the banks of the river Kyrö. We are open on Saturdays For group reservations we are open around the year. Our restaurant kitchen is open only for group reservations. At the Visitor Center you will hear the story of Kyrö in our distillery tours, get to taste the delicious ryeful products in tastings, and, of course, enjoy our wonderful cocktails served in our lovely restaurant. You can also catch art exhibitions from local artists and purchase delightful Kyrö items at our distillery shop.
Check the company’s web page, for more information about private and public tours.
You can also visit virtually.
visit@kyrodistillery.com
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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
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Tottesund Mansion is a beautiful and historical location which is a great fit for different events. The atmosphere and the closeness to nature makes your stay memorable. The traditions of Tottesund Mansion go all the way back to the 17th century. Earlier it has been used as an estate for military officers, and today it is used as an office building. There’s a possibility for quided tours in July.
Connected to the Tottesund Mansion is Herrgårdsleden (the mansion trail), an approximately 4 km long hiking trail along which there are several picnic areas, as well as a barbeque hut with a fireplace. A walk close to water.
In the mansion there are several exhibitions: the Jäger Movement, the weapons smuggling with Equity, Sibelius wedding, a miniature of the area in the middle of the 1800s among others.
The Tottesund Mansion can be booked for groups (min. 10 people), weddings, birthday parties, graduations parties, course days, field days, and more.
We offer coffee with cake, meals, recreational activities, and guided tours. We customize your experience according to your wishes.
Our own activities during the year are e.g., mansion brunches, historical dinners, theatres, ghost walks, family days, guided tours. Follow us on social media.
Only a 30-minute drive from Vaasa.
+358 40 1896 882
info@klemets.fi
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Wasa Theatre is centrally located in Vaasa and offers many different options for meeting venues. The Large lounge has 272 seats, the studio scene has about 120 seats and Vasallen has 62 seats. All salons have complete professional audio-visual technology. We can tailor conference space for you in our venerable theater environment.
+358 6 320 9300
info@wasateater.fi
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Welcome to the World Heritage Gateway – the visitor centre of the Kvarken Archipelago World Heritage area
At the World Heritage Gateway, you can familiarise yourself with the World Heritage Kvarken Archipelago, which is the best place in the world to experience the land uplift after the last Ice Age! Here is our visitor centre summarised:
- Information lobby gives you an overview of our World Heritage with texts, videos, animations and brochures year-round and free of charge.
- Open gallery Arte Mare showcases the work of local artists year-round and free of charge.
- Main exhibition Weichsel tells the story of our World Heritage through the senses against a small entrance fee.
- Shop with World Heritage products and small souvenirs is open during summer season.
- Escape Game Kvarken’s Sea Monster can pre-booked online year-round.
- Guided tours and presentations can be pre-booked via our customer service year-round.
The service and texts within World Heritage Gateway is available in English, Swedish and Finnish.
If you get hungry, the Restaurant & Cafe Berny’s offers meals and coffee in the same premises year-round. You can find Berny’s website and opening hours here. Finland’s longest bridge, Replot bridge, is located just next door and is an ideal place for a refreshing walk and taking in the scenery.
For more detailed information about opening hours, services and fees, visit our homepage.
+358 50 3466 200
info@kvarken.fi
Eat at responsible restaurant
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It’s time to take kebabs seriously.
That’s why we believe in fast food evolution. That’s why we started a kebab revolution. A nationwide movement, all over Finland. Serving kebabs that are greener and fresher, crafted and creative, colorful, and credible.
We are Babista, dedicated creators of a new kebab culture. So be a part of the solution. Come and join the revolution.
+358 20 780 8066
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Restaurant FRÖJ – Food from the heart in the center of Vaasa.
FRÖJ = Seed in Ostrobothnian swedish
The idea for restaurant FRÖJ has budded in our hearts over a longer period of time. When we finally found the perfect space for it, we decided to go for it. Our greatest wish is to offer Ostrobothnians food of the highest quality. Taking the finest ingredients from our Ostrobothnian fields and refining them into unique taste experiences with influences from other cultures feels like a natural step for us. At FRÖJ, the raw ingredients play the lead on the plate.At restaurant FRÖJ, we want to offer a holistic experience with food of the highest class. Here we work with the best raw materials from the area mixed with ingredients from the rest of the Nordic region. We call the style modern Nordic cooking and it reflects the Nordic culture as it looks today – we use traditional techniques and allow ourselves to be influenced by other cultures around the world.
The restaurant in the historic building by the market square has 44 seats. On the upper floor you will find our wine room where you have the opportunity to pre-book a dinner for your group up to 13 people. We are happy to recommend you a well-selected wine with the food and on our wine list there are wines from both old and the new world. Non-alcoholic beverages are a little extra close to our hearts and with us you will therefore always find a non-alcoholic beverage recommendation for our dishes.
THAT’S WHY I GO HERE
For an experience beyond the ordinary in a pleasant environment. Modern Nordic cooking with influences from the rest of the world.info@restaurantfroj.com
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Come visit the distillery built in old dairy premises in Isokyrö.
In the restaurant of the visitor center, your taste buds will be tantalized by delicious food and rye cocktails. Amidst the excellent flavors, you will hear fascinating stories from Kyrö’s journey, not forgetting about future plans.
The restaurant is open on Saturdays and for group bookings year-round. Our kitchen food is available for groups with prior reservation. We also organize open dinners where you can participate, for example, with a friend.
The bar itself is a sight to behold – that a municipality with 4500 inhabitants has its own cocktail bar. During the visitor center’s opening hours or during group visits, our cocktail bar is always open, so we recommend enjoying the Kyrö atmosphere and rye drinks when you visit us.
Check the opening hours on the company’s website.
visit@kyrodistillery.com
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Enjoy Nordic flavours in our restaurant, both for lunch and dinner, or drop by for a drink in the lobby bar. It’s difficult not to feel welcome!
+358 30 030 8460
vaasa@scandichotels.com
https://www.scandichotels.com/hotels/finland/vaasa/scandic-vaasa/restaurant-bar
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The central meeting-point for guests from far and near – We offer breakfast, lunch, dinner and brunch. We serve classic food made from the best raw materials available from the region, influenced by Europe, in accordance with the season.
+358 6 823 8400
sales@hotelredgreen.fi
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A familiar Italian classic with a laid-back atmosphere, which the Finns have already enjoyed for five different decades. Our restaurants offer you the most loved classic dishes, wonderful novelties and, most of all, the famous pizzas. Rosso is a joyful place to eat, and you are welcome at our restaurants with friends, family or business acquaintances alike!
+358 20 780 8830
sales.vaasa@sok.fi
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Welcome, let us host your meetings and conferences with great food and excellent service! Vamias restaurant Silveria’s auditorium seats 180 people, and our conference room Ernst serves up to 12 people.
+358 40 770 9236
myynti.silveria@vamia.fi
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The atmosphere of Trattoria Puistikko, located by the Hovioikeudenpuistikko esplanade, is attractive, the flavours and atmosphere memorable. The lush and pulsating atmosphere of the esplanade, significant for the residents of Vaasa, is just right for an Italian-inspired restaurant, where you can enjoy yourself for a longer period of time – in the company of a large and cheerful group of people.
The menu at Trattoria Puistikko consists of a delicious selection of pasta dishes, pizzas, skillfully prepared grill dishes, generous servings of risotto and crispy salads. The kitchen is filled with the aromas of the Italian cuisine, such as tomatoes, garlic, sage and various cheeses.
+358 20 1234619
https://www.raflaamo.fi/en/restaurant/vaasa/trattoria-puistikko-vaasa
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The restaurant serves you at breakfast, lunch and dinner. In the evening you can choose between various á la carte dishes or try our magnificent evening buffet.
+358 6 328 8200
info@vallonia.fi
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There is nothing more valuable in life than friends, wine and good food. All of these are combined at the new VENN. You can easily pop in to the charmingly relaxed atmosphere of VENN during your shopping day or enjoy the fun until the night. VENN offers simple and delicious food, charming wines and exhilarating cocktails.
+358 20 780 8837
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Our restaurant offers a beautiful sea scenery. Here you can enjoy a breakfast buffet and a charming dinner.
The versatile Restaurant Waskia is both a charming à la carte restaurant and an evening restaurant where performers entertain the guests until the late hours. In the summertime, the restaurant expands out onto two cosy terraces.
You’re also welcome to join us for our breakfast buffet, even if you aren’t staying with us.
+358 6 2413 0018
waskia@scandichotels.com
https://www.scandichotels.com/hotels/finland/vaasa/scandic-waskia/restaurant-bar/restaurant-waskia
Other tips for responsible travel in Vaasa region
Arrive comfortably by train or boat
Vaasa and the Vaasa region are located with excellent transport connections. You can easily travel by train (travel time from Seinäjoki to 1 hour, from Tampere to 2.5 hours, from Helsinki and Jyväskylä to 4 hours and from Oulu to 5 hours). By traveling on public transport, you reduce your impact on the environment.
From Umeå, it is easy to sail to Vaasa on the world’s most environmentally friendly passenger ship Aurora M / S Botnia. Wasora’s Aurora Botnia has been awarded a Key Flag. Read more of Wasaline here.
Explore Vaasa by foot
It is easy to explore and get the know Vaasa by foot. The center of Vaasa is compact in size and short transitions in the city center are also considered by many locals to be the best aspects of Vaasa. Central Vaasa is filled with fine architectural history and the buildings have many interesting stories to tell. Experience the city on foot in the footsteps of architects from different ages or jump into the world of past cultural influences. Choose a guided walk or go out and discover Vaasa on your own.Check out the walking routes of Vaasa here.
Enjoy and explore the area by bike
A bike is worth renting if you want to see the city a little outside the city center. For example, a bike trip to Strömsö is a nice day trip, and a tour of the surrounding municipalities will take you longer to see. The stunning nature and peace of the countryside are surprisingly close. Read more!
Also consider sustainability in outdoor activities
In order for our pure nature to be preserved for the next generations it is a good idea to remember the Outdoor Etiquette and respect nature. Move on marked routes, open fire only in the places marked for them, respect fellow travelers and take your rubbish away when you leave. Check out the Outdoor Etiquette here.
You find a list of the trails in the region here.
