The Vaasa Region has risen gradually from the sea over a period of millennia.
Today, the region offers visitors fresh winds, spellbinding scenery, modern technology and international trends mixed with local Ostrobothnian culture and traditions.
The beautiful coastal city of Vaasa is recognized as the sunniest city in Finland. It serves as the educational, cultural, and tourism center of Western Finland. Due to a fire in 1852 that destroyed the densely built wooden town, Vaasa is now situated about 7 kilometers (4.5 miles) from its original location. The new town, designed by Architect Carl Axel Setterberg in the Empire style, was developed partly to improve the harbor and its services.
Vaasa offers a unique combination of urban life and breathtaking nature. It is known for the Kvarken Archipelago, Finland’s only UNESCO Natural World Heritage site, showcasing a landscape shaped by post-glacial rebound. Visitors can explore nature trails, enjoy scenic viewpoints, and take RIB boat tours through the archipelago.
The compact city center, rebuilt after the fire, is walkable and features wide streets, green spaces, and accessible attractions such as restaurants, cafés, museums, and parks. Vaasa is also a hub for green energy, and the locals are known for their warmth and hospitality.
In the UNESCO Kvarken World Heritage Area with its 5 600 islands, it sometimes feels as though the sea and sky have blended together and you can no longer tell where one ends and the other begins.
All you can do is quietly admire nature at its best and let your soul rest.
Distance from port to city centre
3 kilometers
Distance from city to airport
Vaasa Airport is located only about 9 kilometres south-east of Vaasa city centre.
Airport information
Vaasa can be reached from many European and US destinations by flights via Stockholm (SAS) and Helsinki (Finnair).
Watch the video
In the Vaasa region, you won’t need to choose one or the other, as beautiful nature and urban city life can be easily combined on a single visit. Everything in the Vaasa region is close by, and moving from one sort of atmosphere and experience to another is effortless.
Must See & Do
Kvarken World Heritage Archipelago
The unique Kvarken Archipelago is Finland’s only Natural World Heritage Site on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Together with Sweden’s High Coast, the Kvarken Archipelago is the best place in the world to experience and understand the land uplift phenomenon caused by the last Ice Age.
https://www.vaasa.fi/en/see-and-experience/the-kvarken-archipelago-world-heritage-site/
Replot Bridge
Replot Bridge is Finland’s longest road bridge, measuring 1,045 meters in length. It is a cable-stayed bridge with two pylons. The main span between the two pylons is 250 meters long, and the pylons rise 82.5 meters above sea level. Next to the bridge you find the Visitor center for the archipelago the World Heritage Gateway.
Old Vaasa
‘Old Vaasa’, is situated approximately 7 km southeast of Vaasa city centre and is classified as a valuable landscape area of national significance. Old Vaasa is an area with much to offer, embodying sights and attractions reflecting culture, ancient history, settlement and natural beauty.
Vaasa city was founded in 1606 by King Karl IX. The city developed around the Church of Holy Mary. In 1852 a devastating fire raged through the city and very few buildings escaped destruction.
After the fire, officials and city planners decided to move the city six kilometers to the coast, as the land uplift was increasing the distance to the sea.
Söderfjärden and Meteoria visitor center
The Söderfjärden plain is the result of a meteorite impact about 520 million years ago. Its meteorite edges are well preserved. The arial view of the crater and its surrounding rim has fascinated many spectators. ”The most beautiful meteorite crater in Finland” has a diameter of about 4 miles and is more than 300 meters deep.
Meteoria Söderfjärden is a unique visting centre in the middle of the crateer.
An exhibition, an astronomical observarory, a bird-watching tower and an energy cellar.
Stundars Museum Village
The Stundars Open-Air Museum area is open for recreation all year round, but during the summer season the cottages of the museum village are open every day from the 24th of June to the 15th of August.
Korsholm's Church
Korsholm’s Church located in Old Vaasa, was designed by Carl Fredrik Adelcrantz and constructed between 1776 and 1786. It is considered one of the finest examples of the Gustavian style in Finland and was originally a courthouse building.
From Courthouse to Church – after the great fire of Vaasa in 1852, it was decided that the city would be relocated closer to the coast. As a result, the old courthouse was left unused and the emperor decided to grant the building to the congregation to serve as their church.
The conversion was planned by architect Carl Axel Setterberg. The façade was preserved, but the interior was redesigned. The bell tower was constructed using bricks from the vaults of the medieval church.
Shore Excursion Examples
Vaasa Guided Walking Tour
Start this scenic three hour and approximately three-kilometer-long walking tour by the Town Hall and the Lutheran Church that you will enter before you begin the guided walking tour. During the Civil War of 1918 the senate was moved from Helsinki to Vaasa and the Town Hall where important meetings were held. The walking tour will take you pass the most important buildings and areas of the city, such as the Market Square with its Statue of Liberty, The shopping center Rewell, the Academill, the city Inner Harbor, Vasa Prison and the Court of Appeal. You will also see the impressive Barracks area with old military buildings dated back to the mid 1800´s as well as the Orthodox Church from the 1860´s also possible to enter for some beautiful photographing.
At the end of the tour, you will be served a cup of coffee or tea with a local sweet pastry before taken back to the ship by bus. Upon request you can stay downtown to spend time on your own in the city center. Here you find several shops and boutiques as well as two shopping centers. Then at your own convenience return to the ship using the Shuttle Bus service.
Svedjehamn & UNESCO World Heritage site
Svedjehamn & UNESCO World Heritage site
Get ready for an exceptionally scenic drive through urban neighborhoods and natural landscapes that showcase the beauty of the Kvarken Archipelago, Finland’s only UNESCO Natural World Heritage site. As you travel through Palosaari, the first suburban district of Vaasa, take note of its unique Art Nouveau architecture.
Next, you’ll encounter the Replot Bridge, the longest in Finland, next to the World Heritage Gateway visitor center. Here, you’ll learn about the land uplift caused by the last Ice Age, a fascinating natural phenomenon where the land along this section of the Finnish coast continues to rise at a world-record pace, reshaping the entire archipelago.
More stunning views await you on the island of Björkö, where you’ll visit the fishing harbor of Svedjehamn. An informative walk along the waterfront will lead you to the even older harbor and the Saltkaret tower, where you can admire a landscape shaped by retreating glaciers.
Old Vaasa, Stundars & Meteorite
Start by exploring the heart of the ”new” town of Vaasa, where you will see and learn about the most significant buildings and landmarks with a local guide.
Next, the tour continues to Old Vaasa, located about 7 kilometers (4.5 miles) from the current town. On August 3rd, 1852, the densely built wooden town of Old Vaasa was destroyed by fire, with only a few structures surviving: e.g. the Wasastjerna house, the Court of Appeal and the hospital. There will be a photo stop at Korsholm’s Church, which was formerly the Court of Appeal established by the Swedish king, Gustav III in 1776.
Traveling south from Vaasa, you’ll arrive in the village of Solf, where you’ll visit the Stundars Open Air Museum and Cultural Centre. This living museum features nearly 60 buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries, including a village shop, a school, a farmstead, and crofters’ cabins. You’ll enjoy a short, guided tour of the area and afterwards have time to enjoy coffee or tea and a freshly baked cinnamon bun.
Next, we’ll head to Söderfjärden, where we’ll make a photo stop in the middle of Finland’s most beautiful meteorite impact crater. You can also visit the visitor center, explore the exhibition, and learn about the impact and history of the area.
Annual Events
Checkout some of Vaasa’s annual events!
Vaasa Choir Festival
- May
- Vaasa
This festival is a major international celebration of choral music. The joyous community celebration at the end of the singing season is open to all choirs. The program brings song and choral music to churches, concert halls, schools and restaurants.
Korsholm Music Festival
- July-August
- Vaasa and region
This unique event provides an opportunity to hear new and early chamber music at atmospheric concert venues set amidst the splendid scenery of the Ostrobothnian coast.
Night of the arts
- Mid-August
- Vaasa
The Night of the Arts in Vaasa is a vibrant event that transforms the city into a hub of creativity and culture. It invites locals and visitors alike to immerse themselves in a diverse program of performances, exhibitions, workshops, and activities. The event showcases the work of local artists, musicians, and performers.
From street performances and live music to art installations and theater, the Night of the Arts offers something for everyone, spanning various genres and styles.
Vaasan Marssi - walking event
- August
- Vaasa and the region
Vaasan Kävelyklubi ry arranges the 3-day Vaasan Marssi annually in August. This walk is the only Finnish march acknowledged by the IML. Many routes to choose from, no timekeeping or competition. The challenge is choosing a longer route and increasing the amount of walking days. Enjoy the landscape and the company of other walkers. Nos Iungat Ambulare! Walking brings us together!
Vaasa events calendar
- The Vaasa Region
Vaasa region is full of events, big and small, something for every taste. Visit our events calender to get the latest information on whats on! Pick the best ones and enjoy!
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