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06 August 2023 / 8 Comments

What to do in Kokkola, Finland - 17 tips

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What to do in Kokkola, Finland? This cosy city on the coast offers everything from historic wooden houses to sun, swimming and boat trips. Here are all our top tips for things to see and do in Kokkola.

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Kokkola, Finland

Kokkola, or Gamlakarleby as the city was originally called, is one of 15 cities founded by Gustav II Adolf in 1620. The city has two traditional neighbourhoods - Neristan and Oppistan. Neristan was home to craftsmen and sailors, while Oppistan was home to the wealthy. Today, Neristan is a wonderfully beautiful and well-preserved wooden town, while Oppistan has been modernised.

Kokkola is a great city to visit, where you'll find museums, parks and many great destinations in addition to the wooden town centre. As for the language, this is a bilingual municipality with Finnish as the majority language. During our visit, on our motorhome trip, we could speak Swedish in many places, but not everywhere.

Att göra i Karleby i Finland

Kokkola is located in Central Ostrobothnia, Finland, about 120 kilometres northeast of Vaasa.

What can you do in Kokkola?

So what can you do in Kokkola? First and foremost, you'll want to check out the beautiful wooden town, but there are also plenty of great excursions to be had. Here are our top tips.

1. check out the wooden town of Neristan

The wooden house district of Neristan covers 12 blocks, with hundreds of wooden houses and courtyards. The oldest buildings date back to the 18th century, and you'll find plenty of charming and colourful houses. You can wander around on your own, preferably with an explanatory brochure from the tourist office in hand.

Some of the buildings you can discover include Snellman House, where the philosopher J.V. Snellman lived during his youth, and Rahmska farm which was built by the shipowner Johan Rahm.

Att göra i Karleby i Finland
Att göra i Karleby i Finland
Att göra i Karleby

2. Discover the Museum Quarter and the Rooska Estate

In Neristan you will find the Museum Quarter which houses buildings from four centuries and is part of the K.H. Renlund Museum. The red building Pedagogiet, completed in 1696, is Finland's oldest surviving secular wooden building in an urban environment.

Opposite Pedagogiet you will find the Lassander house from 1748. In the new building of the museum quarter you will find "Kieppi", the Kokkola Natural History Museum. In addition, the historical home "Fredrik and Anna Drake's home" is located here, which can only be viewed by appointment.

Nearby is the Rooska Farm, with the K.H. Renlund Museum. It houses a valuable art collection and the camera collection of photographer Leo Torppa.

Att göra i Karleby i Finland
Pedagogy in the museum district

3. eat waffles

There is a very cosy and very popular waffle café in the courtyard of the museum quarter, where you can eat sweet waffles with jam and ice cream or savoury waffles, for example with salmon.

Att göra i Karleby i Finland - våffelcafé

4. Fascinated by the church

Kokkola has had several different churches. The first wooden church was demolished in 1876 to make way for a larger church, which was destroyed in a fire in 1958. The current church was designed by architect Aarne Nuortila and was completed in 1960.

Kyrka
Kyrka

5. Eat ice cream at the Market Square

The Market Square in Kokkola surprised us by accommodating the likes of a huge number of ice cream parlours. We think we counted six or seven ice cream parlours in this little square. So here you can enjoy an ice cream and take your time to find your favourite. Our favourite ice cream in Finland is "vanilla and cloudberry" from Ingman. So God!

Ingman glass

6. Strolling in the English Park

Kokkola has a marvellous English park. The park was created in the area where the old tar square was located, during the period between the 17th and 19th centuries when tar was the city's most important export product.

Today it is a great place to stroll around the park - or perhaps walk or cycle through it on the way from the campsite. The park has been planted with all the tree species found in Finnish nature, and there are also a few different sculptures, including a wooden statue of Gustav II Adolf.

The park also displays an English barque, a landing craft captured at the Battle of Halkokari during the Crimean War in 1854. Nine Englishmen died in the battle and are buried in Marie Cemetery in Kokkola.

Att göra i Karleby i Finland
Att göra i Karleby i Finland
Att göra i Karleby i Finland

7. Hang out in Havsparken

Havsparken is a very nice area by the water in Kokkola, right next to Kokkola Camping. There is a beach, barbecue areas, beach volleyball courts, frisbee golf course, outdoor gym, paddle court and playground. In the summer, the Burger Village beach restaurant is open. M/S Jenny's cruises to the archipelago and the lighthouse island of Tankar also depart from Havsparken.

Att göra i Karleby i Finland
Att göra i Karleby i Finland - havsparken

8. Visit the Tankar lighthouse

One of the most popular places to visit in Kokkola is the lighthouse island Tankar, and many people told us to take a trip here. Unfortunately, we didn't make it because the weather was so rainy, but maybe you'll find it on a sunnier day!

On Fyrön Tankar, beautiful nature meets a charming red and white lighthouse. The island also has a Café Tankar, a seal hunting museum, a hotel, a sauna, a nature trail and a small church. During the summer season, the boat M/S Jenny runs regularly to Tankar from Havsparken at Kokkola Camping.

9. Discover Kokkola National City Park

Finland has national city parks that emphasise urban life, culture and nature. Kokkola National City Park was established in 2020 and promotes archipelago life and maritime cultural heritage. Most of the area is a water area that extends from Kokkola railway station out into the archipelago to the Tankar lighthouse.

The area can be explored by bike or by boat, and there are harbours, birdwatching towers and beaches. In summer you can visit the sandy beaches of Rödbergen and Vitasand on Trullön.

10. Check out the Kokkola local history museum

The Kokkola Homestead Museum is located in the Kyrkbacken neighbourhood and showcases local culture from the 19th century. Here you can see a variety of buildings from the past, such as a smithy, smokehouse, windmill and vicarage. The museum and its exhibitions are open a few days a week during the high season.

Att göra i Karleby i Finland - hembygdsmuseum
Att göra i Karleby i Finland - hembygdsmuseum
Att göra i Karleby i Finland - hembygdsmusuem

Near the local history museum, you can also check out Kokkola's medieval stone church, the oldest parts of which date back to the 1460s. In the late 18th century, the church was expanded under the direction of Anders Chydenius to become a cross church.

kyrka

11. Shopping at Caravanlandia

Are you travelling with a motorhome or caravan? Then we can recommend checking out the Caravanlandia camping shop in Kokkola to replace or replenish what you need. Here you can find everything from spare parts to cleaning products, and we got a lot of good help here.

Caravanlandia
Caravanlandia

12. Ride the Road of Seven Bridges

The Seven Bridges Road (regional road 749) runs from Kokkola southwards, via Larsmo and Pietarsaari, to Uusikaupunki. This is a very nice stretch to drive along the coast, which is ideal if you want to continue your journey to Pietarsaari and Uusikaarlepyy. On the way, you can also experience Café Bryggan, Köpmanholmen and the Santa Claus world "Tyynelän Tontut".

Sju broars väg

13. Coffee at Café Bryggan

Café Bryggan is a fantastic cosy café located in the archipelago. Here you can have coffee on the jetty and it is also possible to swim and rent a canoe or SUP board.

Att göra i Karleby i Finland - Cafe bryggan

14. Take a trip to Larsmo.

Larsmo is a municipality and an island located in the sea belt between Kokkola and Pietarsaari. Here, we can highly recommend two experiences: a boat trip to Köpmanholmen with lunch and a visit to the Tyynelän Tontut gnome farm. You can read more about both of these experiences in our report on Pietarsaari.

15. Visit Toivonen Zoo and Farmers' Museum

Just northeast of Kokkola you will find the Toivonen Zoo and Farmers' Museum. Here you can learn more about rural life in Central Ostrobothnia in the past and also see traditional farm animals. In the summer, there are various exhibitions and a cosy café in the area.

Toivonens djurpark och bondemuseum

16. See art and have a coffee at the Jukkolanmäki barn

Jukkolanmäki barn is located on Jukkolanmäentie on the way to Vattaja and Ohtakari, north of Kokkola. This is a barn that has been converted into a beautiful party venue. In the summer there is a cosy café here and when we were here there was also a really cool art and design exhibition with fashion designer Jukka Rintalan.

17. Discovering Vattaja and Ohtakari

Approximately 4 miles north of Kokkola you will find the amazing sand dunes of Vattaja. The sandy beach, which is over 15 kilometres long, is one of the longest in the Nordic countries. However, do not expect any tourist complexes or large tourist flows. This is a relatively unspoilt natural area suitable for anyone who wants to hike, cycle, birdwatch, surf the waves or sunbathe and swim in peace. Very beautiful!

Vattaja
Husbilen Freedom
Vattaja

Right next to Vattaja is Ohtakari, a charming little island with a fishing village. Today there are small holiday homes as well as a guest harbour, a summer café, a nature trail, an observation tower and a caravan park. There should be a small fishing museum as well, although we missed this.

Othakari

More to see and do in Kokkola

There is of course even more to see and do in Kokkola than our suggestions. You can find some more tips here.

  • Fishing village in Öja can be visited by boat or bicycle, for example. There is a summer café, a beach, a diving tower and a museum.
  • Kelviå local history museum is located 1.5 km from Kelviå church village and is open on request.
  • Lochteå local history museum has an extensive collection of artefacts.
  • Sand Magpie offers a nature trail, birdwatching tower, frisbee golf, sandy beach and more.

Where can you stay in Kokkola, or park your caravan?

There are several different hotels to choose from in Kokkola. There are also rooms and apartments and, for example, the possibility of staying on the lighthouse island of Tankar. We are travelling by motorhome and stayed at Kokkola Camping. This campsite is nicely located by the Sea Park, within walking and cycling distance to the centre of Kokkola.

The campsite has everything you need, including a miniature golf course. Right next door there is a marina, a sandy beach, a summer restaurant and various activities such as padel and an outdoor gym.

More things to do around Kokkola

From Kokkola, it is relatively close to the beautiful city. Jakobstadwhich has a lot to offer. If you're travelling north instead, you can get to the beautiful the sandy beaches of Kalajokior perhaps to the charming little town of Brahestad. Below you will find even more tips for things to see and do in Finland.

All our top tips about Finland. Click on the image!

More tips for things to do in Kokkola?

Have you visited Kokkola in Finland? Do you have any other tips on what to see and do in Kokkola? Let us know!

Facts about Karleby

  • Country: Finland
  • Landscape: Central Ostrobothnia
  • Population: Around 48 000 (2021)
  • The name: Kokkola in Swedish and Kokkola in Finnish.
  • Language: 84 % Finnish and just over 12 % Swedish
  • Currency: Euro
  • Read more: You can find more information at tourist office website.

Getting around in Kokkola

  • Walking/cycling: You can enjoy walking or cycling in Kokkola. For example, there is a nice walking/cycling path between the campsite and the city centre.
  • Car/caravan: It is possible to drive a car or camper van in the city and it is relatively easy to find parking spaces.

History of Karleby

  • 1375: The place name is documented from this time. There is a story about a girl from "Karlaby" who got lost and wandered alone in the forest for 10 days. The girl's father promised St Birgitta that he would make a pilgrimage to Vadstena if the girl was found, and the next day she found her way home. The family made a pilgrimage to Vadstena, where their story was recorded.
  • 1620: Old Kokkola was one of the 15 towns founded by King Gustav II Adolf that year. The foundation letter for 'Gamble Karlebij' was issued on 7 September and on the same day he founded another town next door called Nykarleby.

You might also like:

Att göra i Uleåborg i FinlandWhat to do in Oulu, Finland - 20 tips Att göra i HelsingforsWhat to do in Helsinki - 30 sights and experiences What to do in Turku - 30 sights and experiences Att göra i Vasa i FinlandThings to do in Vaasa in Finland - 20 sights and experiences What to do in Jakobstad, Finland - 20 tips Things to do in Raahe, Finland - 10 tips

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06 August 2023 6:00
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  1. Lena - gott för själen says:

    So nice to see and experience so you get all dizzy on what you want to prioritise 🙂 The city also seems very nice and worth seeing.

    Hug Lena

    06 August 2023 - 12:47

    Reply

  2. Monica says:

    Very funny and nice you see. Thought a little about whether you bathe and if it is cold in the water. Remember, but small children bathe anyway, we adults thought it was more beautiful to look at the clear water😄.

    Do you think there is much that is different from here? I think that there are not so many people in Finland and maybe not so many tourists either. On the other hand, Sweden is also a bit sparsely populated compared to other countries, but Finland has a small population.

    Nice to do a trip like this in the summer and see so many places. One more question😄, is the food more expensive than here both in shops and restaurants?

    Wishing you a continued great tour.

    07 August 2023 - 23:09

    Reply

    • Comment by post author

      Helena says:

      Hi Monica! Many good questions!

      We're not that keen on bathing really and mostly bathe when it's super hot, so we haven't bathed. The water is probably a bit cold. As you say, you first and foremost see children bathing. But when the weather is nice, we see adults in the water too.

      Much in Finland is similar to Sweden. Similar system, culture and nature ... What is different is the bilingualism and some other store chains. (The offer: there are lots of fresh perch at ok price but fresh shrimps we found nowhere ...) Very quiet and relatively few tourists. Always easy to get a place on the campsite and pitch, even in high season, which we thought was nice.

      Yes, food is a bit more expensive in general. I guess it's because they have the euro and the krona is weak. Ok price on campsites compared to Sweden, but ice cream is expensive ...

      08 August 2023 - 6:56

      Reply

  3. Gunn says:

    There was a slight error here. Karleby in Swedish, Kokkola in Finnish. It is 12 kilometres between Vaasa and Kokkola!
    I am now on my way down, after a trip up the Lappish arm to Kilpisjärvi. Reading your blog to find gems you recommend, things I missed before! ❤️

    16 August 2023 - 17:46

    Reply

    • Comment by post author

      Helena says:

      Hi Gunn! Thank you very much for your comment! Yes, exactly, Kokkola in Swedish and Kokkola in Finnish. Have I made a mistake somewhere? I have tried to look in the text ... but can't find it? Maybe I'm confused 😉 Please explain where it's wrong and I'll correct it! Have fun! Warm greetings from us!

      16 August 2023 - 20:05

      Reply

    • Gunn says:

      Kokkola, or Karleby as it is called in Finnish, is located in Central Ostrobothnia, Finland, about 12 kilometres northeast of Vaasa.

      This is very strange. I wrote Karleby in Swedish but K o c k o l a in Finnish, but the text was automatically changed to Karleby/Karleby. 12 miles between Vaasa and Karleby, not kilometres.

      18 August 2023 - 19:16

      Reply

      • Comment by post author

        Helena says:

        Hello again Gunn! Yes, of course it should be 12 miles! We had written 12 miles, and have thought and thought to understand what you mean. However, we discovered that 12 miles was translated incorrectly in Finnish (to 12 kilometres), so we wondered if that could be what you mean? We have now changed it to 120 kilometres. Then it should be correct in all languages, we think ... (If we still haven't understood what you mean, please let us know ;)).

        19 August 2023 - 8:27

        Reply

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