A pleasant town on the Gulf of Finland with wooden buildings and interesting markets, Vaasa (225 mi/365 km northwest of Helsinki) is the terminus of the northernmost year-round car ferry (the ferries ply a route to Sweden). It is the venue for the international Vaasa Choir Festival in May. In town there's also the Ostrobothnian Museum, offering a history of the region, as well as the Wasalandia amusement park and zoo.
About 10 mi/17 km from Vaasa is the Stundars Handicraft Village in Solf (also on the Gulf of Bothnia). The Kvarken archipelago, reachable across a sweeping suspension bridge with superb island views, is a UNESCO World Heritage site; the land there is rising from the Baltic at a measurable annual rate and is regarded as a geological showpiece—well worth a detour for some rugged walks and views, and with some charming guesthouses to stay in. Plan at least one night in the area.
To request access to the full version of this destination guide, please provide your email address below. Your email address will only be used for verification purposes and will not be used for marketing purposes.