West Coast Travel Guide

Plan your trip to the West Coast of Finland with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to West Coast

The West Coast of Finland is a beautiful region located in the Nordic countries of Europe. With its charming seaside cities, rocky archipelagos, and pine forests, it’s a paradise for travelers who appreciate natural beauty. The region offers plenty of opportunities to explore the outdoors, discover rich local culture, and indulge in delectable Finnish cuisine. In this travel guide, we’ll provide a comprehensive overview of the West Coast of Finland, including places to visit, things to do, where to stay, local customs, and more.

List of Places to Visit in West Coast

The West Coast of Finland is famous for its unparalleled natural beauty, and there are plenty of places to explore in the region. Here are the top tourist destinations in the West Coast of Finland:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Kronoby Old Church: This charming wooden church in Kronoby dates backs to the 17th century and is known for its elaborate ceiling paintings and intricate wood carvings.

  • Ostrobothnian Museum: Located in Vaasa, Ostrobothnian Museum is a comprehensive museum that documents the history and culture of the region.

  • Rauma Old Town: This quaint old town in Rauma is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is known for its well-preserved wooden buildings and fascinating maritime history.

Natural Attractions of West Coast: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Kvarken Archipelago: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Kvarken Archipelago is known for its unique natural landscape, featuring ice age geology and rare flora and fauna.

  • Bothnian Sea National Park: This stunningly beautiful national park is a great place for hiking, fishing, kayaking, and wildlife watching.

  • Teijo National Park: Located in Salo, Teijo National Park offers breathtaking views, hiking trails, and serene lakes.

Hiking/Biking Routes of West Coast

The West Coast of Finland is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, and there are plenty of hiking and biking trails to explore. Here are the most popular hiking and biking routes in the West Coast of Finland:

  • Stora and Lilla Kjulo: These islands near Nauvo are popular for hiking and cycling due to its beautiful scenery, beaches, and over ten official trails.

  • Tammisaaren Kultanummi Trail: This 9-kilometer hiking trail near Tammisaari offers stunning views of the countryside and coastline.

  • Kurjenrahka National Park Trail: Located in Southwest Finland, Kurjenrahka National Park Trail offers hikers a chance to explore diverse and wild landscapes.

Best Things to Do in West Coast: Activities and Tours

There are plenty of activities and tours to participate in while on the West Coast of Finland. These include:

  • Explore Local Food Markets: Head to a local market – like the Market Square in Vaasa – to sample and purchase fresh, flavorful Finnish produce.

  • Visit a Sauna: Finnish saunas are an important part of local culture and social life, so it’s important to experience one while in the West Coast of Finland.

  • Visit a Husky Farm: Head to a husky farm, like Koiranpaikka in Ylitornio, to meet these friendly, furry animals and go on a husky sled ride.

Week-Long Itinerary for West Coast

To help you plan your trip to the West Coast of Finland, we’ve created a week-long itinerary with the top destinations to visit:

Day Destination Activity
1 Vaasa Visit the Ostrobothnian Museum
2 Kvarken Archipelago Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site
3 Nagu Hike or bike in the forests and beaches
4 Rauma Tour the charming old wooden town
5 Turku Visit Turku Castle and the modern art museum
6 Pori Spend the day exploring the beaches and nature trails
7 Helsinki Discover the vibrant capital of Finland

Food and Drink Scene of West Coast

The West Coast of Finland is famous for its fresh, healthy, and flavorful cuisine. Here are some must-try dishes and beverages to savor while in the region:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Kalakukko: This traditional Finnish dish consists of freshwater fish baked inside a rye bread pastry.

  • Karjalan piirakka: These traditional Karelian pastries are filled with rice porridge and served typically with egg butter and a slice of cheese.

  • Ruisleipä: Finland’s famous dark rye bread is rich, hearty, and packed with flavor.

Local Beverages

  • Karelian beer: Karelia is a popular Finnish beer brewed in the region that is famous for its crisp taste.

  • Cloudberry liqueur: This sweet, flavorful liqueur is made from the handpicked cashmere cloudberry, which grows in the bogs and wetlands of the West Coast of Finland.

Where to Stay in West Coast: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

The West Coast of Finland has plenty of accommodation options to suit various budgets and preferences. Here are suggestions for accommodation options in the region:

  • Kultaranta Resort: Located on the beachfront in Naantali, Kultaranta Resort offers luxurious suites and villas with stunning sea views.

  • Hostel Lappeenranta: This charming hostel in the city center of Lappeenranta offers cozy, affordable accommodations with free breakfast.

  • Palojoensuu Guest House: This traditional Finnish guesthouse in Enontekio offers affordable, simple yet comfy rooms, and homemade Finnish cuisine.

What to Buy in West Coast: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

The West Coast of Finland offers plenty of shopping opportunities for those looking to purchase souvenirs or local products. Here are some of the most popular souvenir and local product options:

  • Finnish Design: The West Coast of Finland is home to many talented local designers, and you can find unique pieces of clothing, ceramics, glassware, and jewelry.

  • Lapland Wool: Visit Lappi Rakenne in Rovaniemi and purchase a warm and cozy woolen sweater or blanket made from local Lapland wool.

Local Culture and Customs of West Coast

Finnish culture and customs are unique and intriguing. Here are some important customs and behaviors to know while visiting the West Coast of Finland:

  • Respect personal space in saunas: It’s important to respect personal space while in Finnish saunas, and nudity is often practiced.

  • Shoes Off: In Finnish homes and many public places, shoes are removed at the door to keep the environment clean.

Best Time to Visit West Coast

The best time to visit the West Coast of Finland is between May and September when the weather is mild, and outdoor activities are plentiful. The winter season is also stunningly beautiful but is ideal for travelers seeking winter sports and activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of West Coast

Here are some Do’s and Don’ts to keep in mind while in the West Coast of Finland:

Do:

  • Experience Sauna: Finnish saunas are an important part of Finnish culture, so you should try them while in the West Coast of Finland.

  • Be on Time: The Finnish are punctual, so it’s important to be on time to scheduled activities or meetings.

Don’t:

  • Interrupt: Interrupting someone while they are speaking is considered rude in Finland, so it’s best to wait until they are finished speaking before making your point.

  • Small Talk: Small talk is not common in Finnish culture, so avoid lengthy or unnecessary conversations that may seem annoying.

Safety and Health

The West Coast of Finland is a safe and clean region, and basic healthcare is available to everyone. However, it’s essential to take the basic precautions while traveling:

Safety in West Coast

  • Crime: The West Coast of Finland is safe with a low rate of violent crime, but you should remain vigilant, particularly when in crowded tourist areas.

  • Wildlife encounter: The West Coast of Finland is home to bears, wolves, and lynx, so hikers should stay on designated trails and be aware of their surroundings.

Health in West Coast

  • Medical treatment: Finnish healthcare is of good quality, but medical treatment can be expensive for foreigners without insurance.

  • Insect Bites: Mosquitoes can be a nuisance during the summer months, so it’s best to protect yourself with insect repellent and protective clothing.

Getting to West Coast: Transportation Options and Logistics

The easiest way to get to the West Coast of Finland is by flying to Helsinki, Finland’s capital city, and then catching a train or bus to your destination. Here are the most popular transportation options and logistics for traveling to the West Coast of Finland:

Airports Near West Coast

  • Vaasa Airport: Located in Vaasa, this airport offers flights to and from other destinations in Finland and Europe.

  • Turku Airport: Located in Turku, this airport offers flights to Helsinki and other destinations in Finland.

Bus Stations Near West Coast

  • Vaasa Bus Station: The central bus station in Vaasa offers regular bus services to and from other significant cities in the region.

  • Turku Bus Station: The central bus station in Turku offers regular bus services to and from Helsinki.

Other Options

  • Train: Finland’s efficient train system is an affordable and comfortable way to travel to the West Coast of Finland.

  • Car: Driving is another option for traveling around the West Coast of Finland, but it’s essential to familiarize yourself with local traffic rules and regulations.

How to Get Around in West Coast

The West Coast of Finland offers several transportation options for getting around the region:

  • Car rental: Renting a car is a comfortable and convenient way of exploring the region, but be aware of the speed limits and road conditions.

  • Bus: Buses are a cheap and convenient way to travel between towns and cities in the West Coast of Finland.

  • Train: Train services are available in West Coast Finland, and it’s a reliable way to travel between towns and cities.

Where to Go Next from West Coast: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have more time and want to explore other parts of Finland, here are some popular nearby destinations and excursions:

  • Helsinki: Finland’s vibrant capital city is only a couple of hours away from the West Coast of Finland and offers plenty of attractions, including the Helsinki Cathedral and the Uspenski Cathedral.

  • Lapland: This region in the north of Finland is famous for its winter sports, Northern Lights, and Sami culture.

Conclusion

The West Coast of Finland is an excellent travel destination, with plenty of natural beauty, culture, and activities to suit various tastes. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or a history buff, there’s something for everyone in this region of Nordic Europe. So pack your bags and visit the West Coast of Finland for an unforgettable holiday experience.

Jakobstad. Jakobstad. Rauma's old city hall Rauma's old city hall Kaskinen, the smallest town in Finland Kaskinen, the smallest town in Finland A ferry from Sweden in the port of Turku. A ferry from Sweden in the port of Turku. The Luotsinmäki Bridge on the national road 8 (E8) over the Kokemäki River (''Kokemäenjoki'') in Pori. The Luotsinmäki Bridge on the national road 8 (E8) over the Kokemäki River (''Kokemäenjoki'') in Pori. Inside Turku castle Inside Turku castle Yyteri beach, Pori Yyteri beach, Pori


    Bothnian Sea National Park
    Central Ostrobothnia
    Finland Proper
    Ostrobothnia
    Satakunta
    Southern Ostrobothnia