Vaasa - the pearl of Ostrobothnia invites you to discover its diverse offerings. This city by the sea combines culture, history and nature in an impressive way. In Vaasa you can visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kvarken Archipelago, explore historic ruins and enjoy local delicacies. The city offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities and hiking, as well as inspiring cultural experiences that will impress first-time and returning visitors alike.
The Vaasa area also attracts nature lovers with its beautiful landscapes, birdwatching sites and varied trails. And if you're looking for the hustle and bustle of city life, the city's restaurants, museums and shopping opportunities will ensure an entertaining day out. Whether you're looking for a peaceful escape from everyday life or an active holiday full of new experiences, Vaasa has something for everyone.
Discover with us the best places to visit in Vaasa!
The Kvarken archipelago is a unique natural heritage site, which is on UNESCO's World Heritage List.
The cruise gives you an up-close look at this stunning region. Departing from the inner harbour of Vaasa, you can admire the beautiful scenery and summer cottages of the archipelago. The surroundings of the lighthouse are also worth a visit. You can enjoy the beautiful nature, rocky beaches and diverse birdlife.
The Valassaarten lighthouse is one of the great attractions of the Kvarken archipelago. It is located on Valassaari, about 30 kilometres off the coast of Vaasa. The lighthouse was built in 1886 and its design was inspired by the engineering skills of Gustave Eiffel. You can visit the lighthouse on guided tours from Björkö or the port of Vaasa.
The Vaasa archipelago offers a great setting for a fishing trip. The city has been chosen as the 2019 Local Fishing Destination of the Year in Finland, a testament to the excellent fishing opportunities in the area.
Vaskiluoto, Palosaari and Sundom are popular fishing destinations. You can fish from the shore or hire a boat to go deeper. Perch is a common catch in Vaasa's waters, and you can try jig fishing or traditional fly fishing for the best catch.
The Kvarken archipelago offers a great environment for paddling, and routes can be tailored to your experience and group size. The labyrinth of thousands of islands creates an exciting adventure, and many of the great spots are only accessible by kayak or canoe. You can explore shallow bays, navigate between moraine plateaus and admire large colonial boulders.
Björkö Svedjehamn is the starting point of a particularly impressive island labyrinth, with more than 2 400 kilometres of coastline to explore. Canoeing in the Kvarken archipelago is an excellent way to experience the nature of the UNESCO World Heritage site up close.
Vaasa's old harbour offers a charming setting for a relaxing stroll. You can start your journey in the heart of the harbour, where you will see historic buildings and boats.
Walk along the promenade and enjoy the sea views. Along the way, you'll find cosy cafés and restaurants where you can stop for local delicacies. The harbour area also features the popular Vaasa sign, the perfect backdrop for a photo opportunity.
During the walk you can admire old wooden houses and modern residential buildings. This combination reflects Vaasa's rich history and modernity. Finally, you can sit on the harbour quay and watch the sunset, the perfect end to the day.
The Pilvilampi camping area is located just 9 kilometres east of Vaasa city centre. This diverse natural area offers excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation and hiking.
There are around 60 kilometres of marked trails in the area, suitable for a variety of walkers. You can choose a short walk or a longer hike according to your preferences. The terrain of Cloud Pond is varied and scenic. The trails run along an elongated ridge that continues to the Höstvede area and north of Vaasa.
In winter, the area has well-maintained ski slopes. Vaasa Latu maintains the trails all year round, so they are always in good condition. The Pilvilammen nature trail is a great place to relax and enjoy nature close to the city.
The Raippaluoto Bridge is the longest bridge in Finland and one of the most famous landmarks in the Vaasa region. The bridge is 1 045 metres long, and crossing it offers spectacular views of the sea and the archipelago. We recommend stopping at the lookout point, which offers a great view of the bridge and the surrounding nature.
There are also cafés and restaurants near the Raippaluoto bridge where you can enjoy refreshments and local delicacies. The area offers good opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking and cycling, so you can combine your visit with a nice exercise session.
The Sundom Bridge offers a great cycling route around the Vaasa area. The journey to the bridge takes you through beautiful countryside. You can admire traditional red houses and lush fields along the way. Stop in the middle of the bridge to take photos or enjoy the sea air.
The cycling route from Vaasa city centre to the Sundom Bridge is about 10 kilometres in each direction. It is ideal for a day trip or as part of a longer cycling tour in the Vaasa region.
Vaasa Golf offers a pleasant playing experience in beautiful surroundings. The course is located just a short distance from the centre of Vaasa, in the Onkilahti area. The 18-hole course offers challenges for beginners and more experienced players alike.
The varied design of the course takes advantage of the area's scenic landscapes, and you can enjoy the lush greenery and peaceful atmosphere while you play. Vaasa Golf also has practice areas, such as the range and putting green, where you can hone your skills.
At the clubhouse you can relax after the game and enjoy refreshments or a meal in the restaurant. Vaasa Golf is an excellent destination for golf enthusiasts and offers a pleasant way to spend a day outdoors.
The ruins of Old Vaasa combine history and nature in a unique way, located about seven kilometres from the centre of Vaasa. In the area you can see the remains of St Mary's Church and its belfry, an impressive sight with its massive stone structures.
You will also find the ruins of the Vaasa Trivial School and the Town Hall, which offer an interesting glimpse into the city's history. The ruins date from before the great fire of 1852, which destroyed much of the old town.
You can explore the ruins by walking around the area, which is easily accessible and ideal for quiet exploration.
The Söderfjärden meteorite crater is one of the most fascinating natural formations in Ostrobothnia and an excellent place to visit for nature lovers and geology enthusiasts alike. This crater, which was formed around 520 million years ago, is located just a short distance from Vaasa. The crater is no less than 6 km in diameter and its perfect circular shape is an impressive sight.
Originally created by a meteorite impact, the deep crater has over time been filled with clay layers and turned into a fertile agricultural area. Today, Söderfjärden is known not only for its historical geology but also for its biodiversity. The area is an important resting place for birds and, especially in autumn, thousands of cranes stop here before their long migration. This makes Söderfjärden a popular destination for birdwatchers and photographers.
On the edge of the crater is the Meteorological Exhibition Centre, where you can learn about the formation of the meteorite crater, the geology of the area and the bird life through interactive exhibitions. There are also hiking trails suitable for hikers of all ages and levels. Söderfjärden is an excellent destination to combine nature, learning and relaxation.
Wasa Teater is a professional Swedish-language theatre in the heart of Vaasa. It offers experiences and entertainment for audiences of all ages. The theatre's repertoire reflects regional experiences and the identity of Ostrobothnia, and you can enjoy both classics and new domestic plays.
Wasa Teater is the only professional Swedish-language theatre in Ostrobothnia and has been operating for over a hundred years, becoming an important part of the cultural life of the region. The theatre also offers the possibility to combine an evening with hotel and restaurant services, making your theatre experience even more special.
Strömsö Manor is one of Vaasa's most popular attractions. You can visit the grounds of the manor at any time of the year and there is plenty to see all year round. You can admire the beautiful gardens and historic buildings. If you wish, you can also take a guided tour of the interior of the manor, giving you a glimpse into its interesting history and architecture.
Strömsö Manor is also familiar to many people from the popular Yle TV 1 programme 'Strömsö'. On your visit you can see the places where the programme was filmed.
Vaasa City Museum, also known as the Museum of Ostrobothnia, is an excellent destination for those interested in history and culture. Here you can discover the rich history of the Vaasa region and the special nature of the Kvarken. The basic exhibitions on urban history and natural history provide a comprehensive overview of the region's past and present. The exhibitions change regularly, so every visit is an opportunity to see something new.
The Tikanoja Art House is a wonderful art museum that offers an opportunity to discover international and domestic art. In the museum you can admire a collection of over 1,000 works, including many of the most important works in the history of art. You'll see real gems of world art and gain a comprehensive insight into art. The Tikanoja Art House also hosts temporary special exhibitions that bring new and interesting perspectives on art.
The Vaasa Car and Motor Museum is the largest private car museum in Finland. It exhibits classic cars from different eras as well as rarer models that tell the story of the development of motoring. Other motor vehicles and technical equipment are also on display. During your visit, you can learn about the history of motorised equipment as well as the vehicles themselves.
The Brage Open Air Museum offers a peaceful escape from Vaasa's bustling city centre. This charming museum is located in a beautiful natural setting by the sea. The museum offers an insight into traditional buildings and ways of life. You will see authentic farmhouses, barns and other historic buildings that have been transported here from all over Ostrobothnia.
Take a leisurely stroll through the museum area and enjoy the surrounding nature. During the summer, the museum often hosts events and demonstrations that give a vivid picture of life and craftsmanship in the past.
The Vaasa Market Hall is one of the city's most beloved landmarks and a living testament to the power of traditional trading culture. Opened in 1902, it is centrally located next to the market square, and its historic architecture combines Vaasa tradition with a modern shopping experience.
In the hall you will find, among other things, fresh fish that comes directly from the Gulf of Bothnia, such as whitefish, herring and perch. Products from local fishermen guarantee an authentic taste and freshness that is second to none. You can also buy island bread, which is often recommended as an accompaniment to fish products.
Vaasa Market Hall is also known for its wide selection of delicacies from the Ostrobothnia region. A variety of processed meats, local cheeses and handmade pastries attract shoppers from near and far. Local berries and vegetables complete the selection, especially during the harvest season.
The atmosphere of the hall is as important as the products. Cosy cafés and small eateries invite you to sit down and enjoy a cup of freshly brewed coffee and a freshly baked bun. The Hall's restaurants also offer dishes based on local ingredients, such as fish soup and salmon sandwiches, which you can sample on the spot.
Located in Vaasa's inner harbour, Restaurant Strampen is one of the city's most famous eateries. Over 150 years old, this pavilion offers a pleasant dining experience in a historic setting.
The restaurant seats around 220 customers, and in summer the terrace provides 400 additional seats. You can enjoy delicious food and drinks while admiring the beautiful sea view. Strampen has received positive reviews for its food and service and is one of the best restaurants in Vaasa.
On the coast of Ostrobothnia, fish dishes are a proud part of the local culinary tradition, with raw materials coming directly from the region's clean waters.
Fresh whitefish, perch and herring are particularly popular, and are used in classic dishes such as smoked fish, herring steaks and island fish soup. These delicacies can be found in idyllic seaside cafés and restaurants, where the proximity of the sea adds a special atmosphere to the dining experience.
Island bread is an integral part of the local cuisine and complements fish dishes wonderfully. The bread's unique sweetness and saltiness create a delicious balance with the flavours of the seafood.
There are also many small fish smokehouses and producers selling fresh and smoked fish delicacies in the Vaasa area. You can buy smoked salmon, smoked salmon or seasoned fish products, for example, which are suitable for both festive occasions and everyday delicacies.
