Bergö – A trip almost abroad

Bergö is an island village in the municipality of Malax. The island has around 480 permanent residents and is located about 25 kilometers southwest of Vaasa as the crow flies. By road, the distance is approximately 60 kilometers.

Even though the island of Bergö is located only a 10-minute ferry ride away from the shore, the atmosphere there is like from another world. The monument dedicated for people lost in the seas that stands in the churchyard shows what the culture in Bergö is all about. The sea is present all around. This is where people have always departed from and arrived to. The Finnish, Swedish and American cultures blend in with the rest of the world in a way that makes a tourist feel like they are abroad, no matter how far or close they have come from. 

It is worth making the trip to Bergö plainly for the atmosphere. The unique architectural style attracts fans of small details. The dominating language in Bergö is Swedish that is spoken in such a strong dialact that even many Swedish speaking people struggle to understand, not to mention the Finnish speakers. Getting your hands in a copy of the Bergö dialect dictionary might be helpful in reading the roadmaps and getting around but thanks to the long international traditions of the island, a common language will surely be found and all visitors are welcomed with open arms.

Besides the atmosphere, there is a lot more to explore in Bergö. To find more information about visiting destinations, restaurants and activities and accommodation, go to www.bergö.fi.

Your adventure to Bergö:

1. The road to Bergö goes through the village Molpe, where you can stop by restaurant Strand Mölle and grab a takeaway meal for your day trip. The local perch and sea buckthorn delicacies taste especially good with a sea view.
2. Take the Ferry from the mainland to Bergö (more information about the ferry and timetables at (https://ksloy.fi/en/lauttaliikenne)
3. Start exploring Bergö by the churchyard. Take pictures of the nicest places in the barren archipelago nature. 
4. Look for the road sign with the funniest-sounding name (try to pronounce it!) and snap a photo with it – capturing both yourself and the unique local dialect in your memories.
5. Along the 8 km long Granö hiking route, you can find nice resting places and learn about the island’s nature and culture.
6. Test in which language you and the people of Bergö best understand each other. It is easy to find someone to talk to, for example in local shops. Make a visit at the local shop Bergö Ahl,that also has a small cafe. Buy souvenirs from the shop Blom och Presentboden and ecological plants from Niittytila nursery.
7. At Bredhällan’s harbor, you’ll find the Strandkiosken, where during the summer you can cool off with a cold drink, enjoy some ice cream, or grab a burger. The kiosk also rents out clubs and balls for the mini golf course, located next to the beach about 150 meters from the kiosk.

Raymond Wesander was your travel guide in Bergö, his tips will help you to find Bergö´s most unique gems.

Text published 22.5.2020.
Revised 04/2025