| Named after the Swedish dynasty of Vasa (by one of whom
the town was founded), Vaasa lies in Western Finland, on the Gulf of Bothnia. An important
port, Vaasa was founded in 1606, and was almost totally devastated by fire in 1852. |
 |
It was rebuilt and went on to become the capital of Finland during the fight for
independence in 1918. Today, Vaasa is a major industrial centre as well as the
educational, cultural and tourist hub of Western Finland. There’s music and doodah
– dancing, floating restaurants and cruises along the harbour.
Vaasa’s two most popular tourist attractions are Wasalandia and Tropiclandia-
two huge amusement parks that draw millions of visitors every year. Wasalandia, something
of a Nordic Disneyland, lies on the island of Vaskiluoto; to its south lies Tropiclandia,
a water amusement park and spa. Vaasa also has two of the best collections of Finnish art
in this part of the country at the Museum of Ostrobothnia and at the Tikanoja
Art Gallery. The latter also houses a collection of international art. The open-air
museum of Bragegarden is geared to provide you with a good insight into the historic
city’s social past.
The island of Vaskiluoto, which lies to the west of the city, apart from being
the location of the Wasaland, is a popular resort, with fine beaches. Vaasa is connected
by bus and trains to the rest of Finland.
Do as the Nordic in Finland – get around the country by sea. There are a number of
ferry crossings from other ports along the Finnish coast. Also, Vaasa is a port of call
for a number of ships, both goods carriers and passenger liners.
In the city, you can get accommodation in one of its many hotels, at the local hostel, or
at the campsite.
