15 tips for finding things to do in Kokkola
Discover Kokkola by experiencing the historic Old Town, Tankar lighthouse island and the beauty of the local nature.
City articles
18.12.2024
Kokkola is a charming city in the heart of Ostrobothnia, combining a rich history with modern vitality. Known for its beautiful wooden town, Kokkola offers a wide range of cultural and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike. Whether you are interested in nature, culture or shopping, Kokkola has something for everyone.
In this guide we present 15 of the best things to do in Kokkola. You'll find tips on the city's top attractions, events and activities that will make your stay unforgettable. Whether your goal is to relax in nature, enjoy the local culture or explore the city's historic sites, we'll help you plan the perfect excursion.
Kokkola offers a unique combination of natural beauty and cultural experiences. Take a look at the guide and discover the best places to enrich your visit. Whether you're visiting for the first time or returning to explore again, Kokkola reveals many new facets each time.
Discover with us the best places to visit in Kokkola!
The Laajalahti bird tower offers a great opportunity to observe nature near the Hietanokka beach. The tall tower overlooks Laajal Bay and its diverse birdlife, which thrives in the grassy shoreline.
The area is part of a valuable nature conservation network, and from the tower you can admire nesting water and shore birds as well as the busy spring and autumn migration of migratory birds. The site is clearly signposted, and you can combine a birdwatching trip with a walk along the nearby nature trail if you wish.
The Laajalahti area is a popular recreational spot where you can enjoy the fresh sea air, take a picnic break at the barbecue shelter or refresh yourself at the beach. Prepare yourself with binoculars and comfortable footwear and let nature enchant you.
The Isokari environmental trail attracts nature lovers to explore Kokkola's diverse nature. Along the trail you can admire different types of nature, from coastal meadows to wooded landscapes, and observe the area's birds, flora and fauna.
As you walk along the trail, you will find information boards where you can learn more about the surrounding nature and its characteristics. Isokari beach is particularly popular for birdwatching, so bring binoculars and a camera if you want to capture the moments you see.
The Isokari environmental trail is part of Kokkola's extensive network of outdoor trails, offering a relaxing way to spend time in nature. Walking the trail opens up new perspectives on nature in the area and gives you a chance to relax in the midst of a busy everyday life.
The Jänismaa nature trail offers a great opportunity to discover the diversity of nature in Kokkola. The trail, which is about three kilometres long, runs through varied terrain where you can enjoy the tranquillity of the forest, coniferous forests and small wetlands.
Information panels along the trail tell you about the flora and fauna of the area, providing interesting insights into the characteristics of the local ecosystem. The trail is clearly marked, making it easy to navigate even for first-timers.
Bring weatherproof equipment, good footwear and a snack for the break. The Jänismaa nature trail is easily accessible, and its surroundings offer excellent opportunities to combine the hike with other nearby outdoor trails.
Kokkola City Theatre offers a wide variety of performances throughout most of the theatre season, with both drama and comedy in its repertoire. The theatre has two stages, one of which is the main stage and the other a smaller chamber stage.
The calendar of performances is easy to check online, and as a subscriber to the newsletter, you will receive information about upcoming events and topical tips. In addition, the theatre's social media channels offer behind-the-scenes glimpses of the theatre's work and the atmosphere of the various performances.
We've made it easy to buy tickets, as you can buy them online and receive them directly to your email or phone. The Kokkola City Theatre is perfect for those interested in culture, and its diverse offer ensures experiences for a wide range of audiences.
Tankari lighthouse island is located in Kokkola's outer archipelago, and can be reached by regular cruises from Meripuisto during the summer season. The island's main landmark is the lighthouse, built in 1889, which offers stunning sea views from the top.
In addition to the lighthouse, you can visit the old fishing village, with its traditional buildings and atmospheric wooden church, offering an interesting journey back in time. The island is also an important bird sanctuary, making it an attractive destination for nature lovers.
Tankar's journey combines history, nature and maritime culture. The excursion is an unforgettable experience, offering a peaceful moment in the beautiful surroundings of the outer archipelago.
Kokkola has a wide range of museums showcasing the history, art and culture of the city. The K.H. Renlund Museum is a key attraction, with several exhibition spaces, including the Roos House, the Lassander House, the Exhibition Hall and the Pedagogio.
Museums offer a chance to discover local art, architectural heritage and maritime history. For example, the SPÅR exhibition is devoted to Nordic contemporary art, while the Ohtakar Fishing Museum highlights the region's traditional industries.
Various local history and special museums open in the summer to complement the museum offer. Kokkola's museums are an excellent way to deepen your understanding of the city's past and cultural identity.
Kokkola offers a wide range of events throughout the year, and the city's official events calendar makes it easy to find information about current events. From year to year, the programme includes a variety of cultural and sporting events, exhibitions and concerts.
For example, the SM Kokkola Rally attracts motorsport fans, and the change of year is celebrated together on the Kauppatori. The city also encourages the organisation of new events, so the varied events calendar remains constantly lively and interesting.
The Halkokari skirmish is a significant part of Kokkola's history. A small battle fought during the Oolannian War in 1854 took place in Halkokari when British warships appeared off the town.
The local inhabitants responded with ingenuity, building decoy structures on the beach and defending the area tenaciously. The courageous action of the Kokkola people demonstrated the dedication of the city's residents to the protection of their homeland.
Today, there is a memorial to the skirmish, where you can reflect on the events of the past. The Halkokari skirmish is an important part of the city's cultural heritage and a must-see for anyone interested in historical events.
Lohtaja Church is a culturally and historically significant site in the Kokkola region. The historic building is steeped in tradition, and in its atmospheric surroundings you can feel the presence of the local cultural heritage.
The church regularly hosts church services and various cultural events. You can also book the church for weddings or other special occasions if you want to celebrate a milestone in your life in a unique setting.
The surrounding area offers a peaceful setting where you can explore the history of the cemetery or continue your journey to other cultural sites in the area. The church of Lohtaja is a place where the past meets the present in a harmonious way.
The old town of Kokkola, Neristan, is one of the best-preserved wooden towns in Finland. Its narrow alleys and traditional wooden houses reflect the architecture of the late 17th century and create a unique atmosphere in the heart of the city.
Neristan is still a vibrant and populated area, where the charm of a bygone world is enhanced by small boutiques, cafés and accommodation in a historic setting. You can wander the streets on your own or take a guided tour to learn about the history of the area and its important buildings.
The Old Town offers an excellent opportunity to discover the history and cultural heritage of Kokkola. A visit to Neristan is like a trip back in time, where the traditional urban landscape lives in harmony with modern life.
Kokkola-Botnia-halli is a versatile sports centre that serves both amateurs and competitors. The facilities are suitable for several sports, such as football, volleyball, basketball, volleyball and basketball, and there is also a running track and a gym.
The hall hosts sporting events throughout the year, and you can book your own sessions or take part in guided group exercise classes. During events you can enjoy the excitement of sport, and during free shifts you can focus on improving your fitness.
The hall is open to local residents and visitors alike, and there is a café attached to the hall for a little refreshment while you practice your sport. Kokkola-Botnia Hall is an important part of the city's sports and events programme.
The Customs Warehouse is a historic building near the port of Kokkola, where a warehouse for customs goods of yesteryear has been given a new life as a cultural space. The building's brick walls and architecture create an atmospheric setting for various exhibitions and performances.
With art exhibitions, concerts and theatre performances, the Customs House provides a rich overview of local and visiting culture. Exhibitions change regularly, ensuring that there is always something new to experience.
During your visit, you can stop off at a café for a relaxing break after a dose of culture. The Customs House elegantly brings together past and present, making it an important part of Kokkola's cultural life.
The port of Kokkola is one of the most important in Finland and has played an important role in the history and present of the city. The port area is a busy place for traffic, especially for handling bulk cargo such as minerals and chemicals.
Although the port is not exactly a tourist destination, you can sense the meeting of maritime traditions and modern activities in its vicinity. There is also an atmospheric café near the port where you can stop off to enjoy the local atmosphere.
The Port of Kokkola is an important part of the city's maritime identity, and its operations reflect the long history of the region's economic structure and international interaction. It links the city to traditional and modern maritime transport chains.
Kokkola offers an excellent shopping environment, with several shopping centres, department stores and speciality shops. You'll find small boutiques and artisan shops where you can make unique finds.
The Suntinsuu Shopping Centre is located in the city centre, near the Suntin beach. It is a central meeting point for locals and visitors alike, and from there it is easy to continue to other downtown destinations.
Flea markets add variety to the shopping cycle, allowing you to recycle and buy good quality products at low prices. The downtown area is a pleasant place to wander around and discover boutiques, cafés and markets where local produce and crafts come into their own.
You can combine a shopping trip with a refreshing coffee break and a relaxing city landscape. Kokkola's diverse shopping opportunities offer something for everyone.
Kokkola has a wide variety of restaurants, and there are options for all tastes. You can choose from fast food, à la carte restaurants, cafés and eateries serving local specialities.
The coastal location brings fresh fish dishes to the menus, and local specialities enrich the dining experience. During the summer, the marketplace offers fresh delicacies and a taste of the region's seasonal produce.
Feel free to try new flavours and stop by small cafés where pastries and local delicacies offer an authentic Kokkola atmosphere. The city's food culture is as diverse as its people.
