Book Flights to Vaasa (VAA)

Vaasa, located in Western Finland, is a real water lover’s paradise. There are seven great beaches in close proximity of the city centre, and the region is reputed to be the sunniest in Finland. But if sand and sun are not quite what you had in mind, you’ll find that there are loads of other great attractions vying for your attention too. Make the most of your time and discover the best local experiences with this Finnair travel guide to Vaasa.

Sights in Vaasa

The heart and soul of the city can be found at the lively Market Place. This is also where you’ll find the Statue of Freedom, erected in 1938 to commemorate Finland gaining its independence. Interesting buildings around Vaasa include the Campus of Vaasa University, the Rewell Center, the modernist Huutoniemi Church and the Neo-Gothic Trinity Church and Court of Appeals. Pleasant parkland lines the waterfront, ideal for a stroll or a spot of relaxing on a bench as you watch the world go by. Naturally, the sandy beaches draw large crowds in the warm summer months. You can also relax and unwind at luxurious spas or dream the day away in cosy little cafes. The historic Old Vaasa lies some six kilometres (3.7 miles) from the main town centre. You can see the ruins of the original town, which was largely destroyed by fire in the mid-1800s, as well as the Church of Korsholm and the remains of Korsholm Castle. If you’re feeling active, tackle the climbing wall inside the Water Tower. There are several interesting museums in Vaasa, including the culture- and nature-focused Ostrobothnian Museum and Terranova Kvarken Nature Centre, Brage Open-Air Museum and Vaasa Maritime Museum. For art lovers, Kuntsi Museum of Modern Art and Tikanoja Art Museum are ideal local attractions. The surrounding natural areas offer a host of activities, including hiking, biking, horse riding, fishing, swimming and boating. There’s a good selection of bars and clubs to make nighttimes fun too, and each year Vaasa hosts an event called Wasa by Night—essentially, a large pub crawl that takes in some of the city’s most popular restaurants, bars and nightclubs.

Things to See and Do Near Vaasa

• Kvarken Archipelago – This UNESCO-listed World Nature Heritage Site lies just off the coast of the mainland. With more than 6500 islands and islets, there are plenty of opportunities for hiking, camping, wildlife watching, canoeing and kayaking.
• Vaskiluoto Island – A prime place for family fun, this island is home to the water park of Tropiclandia.
• Stundars – The ideal place to discover how the area would have looked in the past, this large open-air museum contains a number of old buildings that are filled with cultural exhibits and art. It’s located in nearby Korsholm.

Shopping in Vaasa

Vaasa has several shopping centres as well as smaller stores and markets. There are also some rather unique shopping experiences in the town.

• Market Hall – Here you’ll find a large selection of local produce, including cheese and meats, as well as many types of confectionary, art, gifts and souvenirs.
• Rewell Center – Located next to Market Square, this is the city’s largest shopping centre. There are more than 60 shops providing a great blend of goods, including clothes, electronics, books, toys, household goods and gifts.
• HS Centre – Another centrally-located shopping centre, you’ll find a mixture of Finnish brands and popular international names here.
• Vaasa Prison – One of the most unique places to buy souvenirs, this local prison has a shop that sells crafts made by the inmates.

Food and Drink

• Fish and seafood – Vaasa’s coastal location plays a huge role in the local culinary scene, with fresh fish and seafood found on many menus. Salmon, whitefish, herring and tuna are just a few examples.
• Lihapullat – These Finnish meatballs are popular all around the country. Not as spicy as those found in neighbouring Sweden, Finnish meatballs are made from ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs and a few select spices.
• Klimppisoppa – This is a soup that contains wheat flour dumplings. The soup is made by boiling beef bones and meat.

Transport in Vaasa

Vaasa is relatively small and finding your way around is easy.

• By foot – Many places of interest are close to each other and walking can be a good way to explore Vaasa.
• Buses – Most local buses in Vaasa depart from next to the Rewell Center mall or from Market Square. The vast majority of services run every 30 minutes or hour.
• Taxis – Taxis can be booked by telephone, or you can go to one of the two taxi ranks in the town to arrange your ride.
• Water taxis – Serving the archipelago, the private boats can carry up to six passengers around the islands.
• Canoes – Having your own water-based transport, such as a canoe or kayak, is the only way to reach some of the nearby islands.