Planning a trip to Vaasa? We have compiled a list of recommendations and popular attractions in Vaasa to help you make the most of your stay!

Vaasa is the center of the Finnish Ostrobothia region, a gorgeous costal city and a great destination to travel to any time of the year. The bilingual city bathes in colourful history and is rich in fascinating sites to visit.

The uniquely beautiful nature and the old culture heritage form the foundation to your Vaasa visit. Like in all cities, Omena Hotel is located ideally by the railway station and the start of the central street. Many of the most interesting sites and touristic attractions are located a stone’s throw away from the hotel.

Top attractions & things to do in Vaasa

1. Culture and science in Vaasa: Ostrobothian Museum

The Ostrobothnian Museum was established in 1895 and it functions as the historical museum of the City of Vaasa and as a museum of natural science for Ostrobothnia. The museum focuses mainly on cultural history, art and natural science. It is located in Marianpuisto Park, about 15-minute walk from Omena Hotel.

2. World Heritage in Vaasa: Kvarken Archipelago

The unique Kvarken Archipelago is Finland’s only Natural World Heritage Site on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Kvarken Archipelago is the best place in the world to experience and understand the land uplift phenomenon caused by the last Ice Age, so it’s a definite must-go place for visitors! It can be enjoyed by bike, boat, foot or even on a cruise ship. Spend a lovely day outdoors and return back home to the Omena Hotel for a great night’s sleep.

3. Ruins of Old Vaasa

These impressive ruins of St. Mary’s Church are located about seven kilometres from the centre, and are absolutely worth the travel. It’s easy to take a bus or rent a bicycle from the centre. A biking tour is a great idea for the whole family if you are looking for things to do with children in Vaasa. Do a day trip or go check out the ruins by night, if you dare!

4. Vaasa City Hall

The magnificent Vaasa City Hall is an interesting site for visitors interested in architecture. The City Hall was designed by the Swedish architect Magnus Isaeus (1841-1890) and introduced to the public in 1883. Today it hosts many organizations. Right next to the City Hall you’ll find the Vaasa Church.

5. The Orthodox Church and Kasarmintori

The Orthodox Church from the 1860’s represents gothic architecture and is located at the Kasarmintori (Kasarmi square) in the centre. The church is worth a visit as the beautifully decorated venue is also a home for a variety of fascinating historical items.

6. Vaasa Church

Vaasa Church represents the neo-gothic architecture and was introduced to the public in 1862. Not only gorgeous from the outside, pop in to admire the altarpiece painted by the famous Finnish artist, Albert Edelfelt. Great for budget travel: the visit is free of charge.

7. Vaasa Market Hall

For over a century Vaasa Market Hall has been serving people as an essential gathering place and market in Vaasa. It is one of the oldest market halls in Finland and protected by museum laws. Designed by A. W. Stenfors it is now one of the most valuable buildings in Vaasa.

8. Edvin Art Park and Korsu Village (pit-house village)

Take a walk to Edvininpolku, located three kilometres from the centre. The Edvin art park is a beautiful art composition built in nature, where you can admire statues by the artist Edvin Havukoski. Nearby you can also visit the old pit-house village from the second world war, housing original dugouts and the war-time items! There you can also visit a traditional smoke sauna.

Events in Vaasa

Vaasa hosts many events throughout the year. Annual events include for example Vaasa Festival ja Korsholm Music Festival. Check out the Vaasa Event Calendar to see what’s on during your visit.

Outdoors in Vaasa

Enjoy the stunning archipelago by boat! For boat rental see H2O rental and Neptune Service. As an alternative to renting one, you can hop on one of the lovely cruises. A fun day by the water can also consist of SUP-boarding by the Hietasaari beach! See SUP Station Vaasa for board rental.

For alternative action during your holiday in Vaasa, go experience Zip Adventure Park or indoors climbing. Botnia Mini Golf Club is one of the biggest mini golf courses in Finland.

How about some nerve-wrecking escape room fun with your team? Check out Makeitout in the city centre.

Are you traveling to Vaasa with children? Let’s not forget about the famous spa and water park in Vaasa, Tropiclandia! A perfect destination to make fun memories for the family, or relax on your own. The spa also has a variety of treatments for some self-care and luxury.

Shopping in Vaasa

Vaasa is a great place to shop second hand and vintage. On summer Sundays the central square is buzzing with people selling their treasures, while other shops worth checking out include Comboliina second hand & outlet (Sepänkyläntie 4), SPR Kirppis (Klemetinkatu 17) and Palosaaren kirppis (Palosaarentie 77).

For bigger shopping there are two major malls in the centre, Espen and Rewell Center. Don’t forget to explore the Market Hall for authentic souvenirs and local flavours!

Dining in Vaasa

How to find the best restaurants in Vaasa? Right by the Omena Hotel you can find many popular restaurants, such as 1H+K (Hovioikeudenpuistikko 13 A), serving high-quality Scandinavian food, and Pizzabistro Marco Polo (Hovioikeudenpuistikko 11), focusing on authentic Italian. Have an unforgettable culinary experience at Bock’s Corner Brewery, an old brewery to enjoy local produce. For Asian food there are Tom Yum Thai Restaurant (Kauppapuistikko 18) and the Japanese restaurants Magakoro (Rewell Center mall) and K.achi (Hietasaarenkatu 18). For more restaurant options see eat.fi!