Southern Ostrobothnia Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, activities, food and drinks, accommodations, and more in Southern Ostrobothnia, Finland.


Introduction to Southern Ostrobothnia

Southern Ostrobothnia is one of the 19 regions in Finland located in the western part of the country. The region is known for its countryside landscapes, lakes, and rural culture. The region is made up of 17 municipalities, where the largest city and the administrative center is Seinäjoki. To reach the region, you can fly directly into Seinäjoki Airport, or take a train or bus from the capital, Helsinki or other major cities in Finland.

In this travel guide, we will explore all the best places to visit, activities to do, food and drink to try, and accommodations to stay in Southern Ostrobothnia.

List of Places to Visit in Southern Ostrobothnia

Here are some of the must-visit places in Southern Ostrobothnia:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Lakeuden Risti Church: Located in Seinäjoki, this modern church is renowned for its unique architecture that symbolizes the landscape and countryside of Southern Ostrobothnia.

  • Simpsiö Ski Center: This amazing ski resort has 13 ski slopes and three ski lifts, and it is the perfect place to enjoy skiing and snowboarding during winter.

  • Herraskoski Canal Museum: The oldest canal system in Finland that dates back to the 1700s, where visitors can learn about Finnish history and canal engineering.

  • Kuortane Olympic Training Centre: This center provides Olympic-level training facilities for professional athletes in various sports. Visitors can learn about Finland’s Olympic history and participate in team-building exercises.

Natural Attractions of Southern Ostrobothnia: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Ähtäri Zoo: This zoo covers an area of about 60 hectares and has over 40 animal species including the endangered Saimaa Ringed Seal.

  • Kuikan Lava Stage: This outdoor theater in Ilmajoki is known for its musical performances during summer.

  • Ostrobothnian Museum: The museum showcases the history and culture of Southern Ostrobothnia, including traditional handicrafts, folk costumes, and traditional farm tools.

  • Lake Vaasa: This lake is perfect for swimming, kayaking, and fishing. There are many campsites along the shore where you can spend the night.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Southern Ostrobothnia

Southern Ostrobothnia is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. There are plenty of hiking and biking routes to explore the scenery and natural beauty of the region. Some of the popular routes include:

  • Ilmajoki Trail: This 17-kilometer trail passes through scenic landscapes, meadows, and forests. During the summer, the trail is perfect to experience the midnight sun.

  • Lappajärvi Trail: This 29-kilometer trail is perfect for cyclists and mountain bikers, and has several resting places and campfire sites along the way.

  • Kyrönjoki River Trail: This 26-kilometer trail is a perfect route for canoeing and kayaking, where you can enjoy the waterways, birdwatch, and fish.

Best Things to Do in Southern Ostrobothnia: Activities and Tours

Here are some of the best things to do in Southern Ostrobothnia:

  • Visit the Seinäjoki City Library: Voted as the best public library in the world in 2019, this library has a unique architectural design that draws visitors from around the world.

  • Participate in the Finnish Midsummer Festival: Midsummer Festival is the most celebrated event in Finland, and Southern Ostrobothnia offers a vibrant atmosphere with lots of activities, including traditional Finnish dances and songs.

  • Explore the Ostrobothnian Food Culture: Southern Ostrobothnia is known for its unique food culture, including traditional dishes like kalakukko (fish pie), pea soup, and traditional rye bread.

Week-Long Itinerary for Southern Ostrobothnia

Here is a suggested itinerary for exploring Southern Ostrobothnia in a week:

Day Place to Visit Activity
Day 1 Seinäjoki Visit Lakeuden Risti Church
Day 2 Ilmajoki Hiking at Ilmajoki Trail and evening at Kuikan Lava Stage
Day 3 Lappajärvi Mountain biking at Lappajärvi Trail
Day 4 Kauhava Visit Kauhava Aviation Museum and enjoy the Finnish countryside
Day 5 Kyrönjoki River Canoeing and kayaking at Kyrönjoki River Trail
Day 6 Vaasa Visit Pietarsaari and take a ferry ride to the Kvarken Archipelago World Heritage Site
Day 7 Seinäjoki Food tour in Seinäjoki and Traditional Finnish sauna

Food and Drink Scene of Southern Ostrobothnia

Southern Ostrobothnia has a strong tradition in Finnish cuisine and offers unique flavors and dishes. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Kalakukko: A traditional Finnish dish that consists of fish baked inside a rye flour crust.

  • Lihapullat: Finnish meatballs made with minced meat and spices, served with mashed potatoes or lingonberry sauce.

  • Hernekeitto: A hearty Finnish soup made with peas and ham or pork.

Local Beverages

  • Ostrobothnian Milk: A traditional local drink made from cow’s milk.

  • Korpihilla: A Finnish berry drink made from black currants.

  • Lapin Kulta Beer: A local beer made in Lapland that has a refreshing taste.

Where to Stay in Southern Ostrobothnia: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Southern Ostrobothnia has various accommodation options for different budgets, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Here are some recommended places to stay:

  • Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna: Located in Seinäjoki, this hotel offers comfortable rooms and a Finnish sauna.

  • Hostel Asema: Located in Ilmajoki, Hostel Asema offers budget accommodation and is in close proximity to the Ilmajoki Trail.

  • Koskikievari Guesthouse: Located in Kauhava, this guesthouse offers a cozy countryside atmosphere with lakeside views.

What to Buy in Southern Ostrobothnia: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Southern Ostrobothnia has unique handicrafts and local products that make great souvenirs to bring home. Here are some recommended items to consider:

  • Finnish Knives and Cutlery: Finnish knives and cutlery are renowned for their excellent quality, design, and functionality.

  • Jams and Preserves: Southern Ostrobothnian berries are a source of the best jams and preserves made by local producers.

  • Traditional Finnish Carpets and Rugs: Southern Ostrobothnian weavers have a long tradition of making handmade carpets and rugs.

Local Culture and Customs of Southern Ostrobothnia

Southern Ostrobothnia has a unique and rich culture that is evident throughout the region. The people of the region have a strong passion for art, music, and local traditions. Traditional Finnish clothing is still celebrated and worn at special occasions, but not commonly in everyday life.

Best Time to Visit Southern Ostrobothnia

The best time to visit Southern Ostrobothnia is during the summer season from June to August when the weather is warm and pleasant for outdoor activities. Autumn foliage season in the region is also a popular time to visit, with the landscapes turning into a kaleidoscope of colors. Winter is also a great option for winter sports enthusiasts.

Do’s and Don’ts of Southern Ostrobothnia

Do:

  • Do try the traditional Finnish sauna experience.
  • Do try out local food and drink.
  • Do take time to experience the region’s countryside and natural beauty.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter while exploring nature.
  • Don’t offend locals with inappropriate behavior.
  • Don’t ignore the opportunity to learn about Finnish culture and traditions.

Safety and Health

Southern Ostrobothnia is generally a safe and secure destination for visitors. However, visitors need to take precautions when outdoors and follow rules and regulations. Here are some other tips for staying safe and healthy:

Safety in Southern Ostrobothnia

  • Wear appropriate clothing and gear when participating in outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, or canoeing.
  • Be aware of wildlife, particularly in national parks or reserves.
  • Follow traffic rules and regulations when driving or cycling.

Health in Southern Ostrobothnia

  • Finland has an excellent healthcare system with many hospitals and health clinics around the country.
  • Visitors from the EU can get healthcare services in Finland for free with a valid European Health Insurance Card.

Getting to Southern Ostrobothnia: Transportation Options and Logistics

Southern Ostrobothnia is well-connected with the rest of Finland by trains, buses, and flights. The most convenient way to reach the region is by taking a train from Helsinki to Seinäjoki, which takes around three hours. Alternatively, you can fly to Seinäjoki Airport from Helsinki or other major Finnish cities.

Airports Near Southern Ostrobothnia

  • Seinäjoki Airport
  • Vaasa Airport
  • Tampere-Pirkkala Airport

Bus Stations Near Southern Ostrobothnia

  • Seinäjoki Bus Terminal
  • Vaasa Bus Terminal

Other Options

  • Train services are available from Helsinki via Tampere and Kokkola

How to Get Around in Southern Ostrobothnia

Public transport is easy to use and navigate in Southern Ostrobothnia. Buses and trains connect many of the region’s towns and villages. Cycling is also a great way to explore the countryside, and bike rental services are available in many places.

Where to Go Next from Southern Ostrobothnia: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some suggested places that you can easily visit from Southern Ostrobothnia:

  • Helsinki: The capital city of Finland is easily accessible by train from Seinäjoki.

  • Tampere: A vibrant city known for its industrial history and beautiful surroundings, Tampere is also accessible by train.

  • Turku: The former capital of Finland, Turku is an ancient city with a fascinating history and culture.

Conclusion

Southern Ostrobothnia is a stunning region of Finland, with its beautiful landscape and unique culture. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or just a relaxing holiday, Southern Ostrobothnia has something for everyone. With this travel guide, you can make the most of your time in this enchanting region.

Northern lights over the frozen Lake Lappajärvi Northern lights over the frozen Lake Lappajärvi The round church of Vimpeli The round church of Vimpeli House in Ilmajoki during the flood House in Ilmajoki during the flood


    Isojoki
    Jalasjärvi
    Kauhajoki
    Kauhava
    Kuortane
    Vimpeli