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!
Sunti is a city river that flows through the centre of Kokkola, offering a great setting for walking and outdoor activities. The pleasant parks along the river, such as Englanninpuisto and Isokatu, attract both residents and tourists to enjoy the combination of nature and urban landscape. The Sillanpää footpath runs along the banks of the river, offering the opportunity to stop and admire the historic buildings and beautiful plantations. During the summer, boaters and kayakers can be seen along the river, while in the winter the area becomes an atmospheric urban landscape during the snowfalls.
Located about 60 kilometres from the centre of Kokkola, Ohtakari Island is a popular hiking destination that offers visitors the chance to experience the unique nature of the coast of the Bothnian Sea. The island's sandy beaches, rugged rocky shores and pine forests create a versatile environment for both relaxation and active outdoor activities. Ohtakari has nature trails that lead hikers to the historic fishing village and lighthouse. There is also a bird tower where you can observe birds typical of the area, such as white-tailed eagles and waders.
Vanhansatamanlahti is one of Kokkola's most popular recreational areas, where you can enjoy the proximity to the sea and the beauty of nature all year round. The area offers a variety of walking trails, birdwatching towers and resting places from which to admire the archipelago off Kokkola. In winter, the bay offers opportunities for skiing and open water swimming, while in summer the area is full of boaters and hikers. The area is also home to the popular Marine Park, which offers playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment and barbecue facilities, making it the perfect destination for family outings.
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.
Villa Elba is a popular nature centre in Kokkola, offering a variety of outdoor and nature activities by the sea. The area has well-maintained nature trails that wind through coastal landscapes and wooded areas, offering visitors the chance to explore Kokkola's rich natural environment. Along the trails you can admire the area's diverse vegetation and birdlife, and there are also accessible routes for people with reduced mobility. Villa Elba organises environmental education, excursions and workshops for all ages, making it an excellent destination for families and groups alike. There is also a shelter and campfire sites on the beach where you can enjoy a picnic with a beautiful sea view.
Kaarlela Sports Park is a versatile sports area that offers opportunities for a variety of activities all year round. The area has football and baseball pitches, tennis courts and large grassy areas suitable for recreational games and picnics. In winter, the sports park offers skiing on well-maintained slopes and ice-skating on the ice rinks. There are also fitness trails and outdoor fitness equipment around the park, attracting active people to get fit in the fresh outdoor air. Kaarlela Sports Park is a popular meeting place for local residents and visitors alike.
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.
