The Onkilahti Outdoor Day kicks off Cycling Week in Vaasa – a week packed with cycling-themed activities!

The family-friendly outdoor day will take place on Friday 8 May from 15 to 20 at the Onkilahti Activity Park. The first 400 participants will be treated to free traditional Finnish griddle crepes and campfire coffee, and the Traffic Park with its pedal cars will open to the public. The Trail It professional team will offer guidance on using the pump track and put on high-energy skills demonstrations. The theme of the day is ‘Get your bike ready for the summer’: you can have your own bike checked free of charge and carry out minor maintenance with guidance from experts.

The Vähäkyrö Outdoor Day will take place on Thursday 14 May, featuring the opening of the Kolkki nature trail, the inauguration of a new lean-to shelter, and the launch of Vähäkyrö’s digital cycling route network. Visitors will be able to buy treats to cook over a campfire while enjoying the springtime surroundings.

Cycling Week culminates on Saturday 16 May with Bike Touring Day, featuring a group bike ride open to everyone to the Närvänmutka lean-to shelter at Pilvilampi. The relaxed 17‑kilometre bike ride sets off from in front of the Vaasa swimming hall at 9, and at the lean‑to shelter cyclists will be welcomed with grilled sausages and a café run by Vaasan Latu. You are also welcome to make your own way to Pilvilampi if group rides are not your thing.

The events of Cycling Week celebrate Vaasa’s Green Leaf 2026 year as well as the Child-Friendly Municipality recognition. Promoting cycling plays a major role in delivering both themes: it boosts the wellbeing of people of all ages while also reducing emissions from transport.

Full programme for Cycling Week

The events are part of the National Cycling Week, during which a wide range of cycling-themed activities will take place in Vaasa.

Friday 8 May

Family-friendly outdoor day at the Onkilahti Activity Park from 15 to 20

Participants are encouraged to leave their cars at home and arrive on foot, by bike, or by bus. The Onkilahti Activity Park car park will be closed for the duration of the event.

• The first 400 participants will be treated to free Finnish griddle crepes and campfire coffee!
• In the Traffic Park, children can enjoy pedal‑car driving in a miniature version of Vaasa for free.
• The Trail It professionals will offer guidance on how to use the pump track and put on high‑energy skills demonstrations. If you want to try out the pump track, please bring your own bike.
• Bike maintenance station: carry out minor bike maintenance, with spare parts available for purchase.
• You can also try out the outdoor gym with guidance from the City of Vaasa’s Sports Services staff.
• Bicycle inspections at the Finnish Road Safety Council stand. Find out if your bike passes the inspection!
• Local bike shops will be showcasing their new models and offering the chance to test ride bikes.
• Try American football at the Wasa Royals passing stand.
• The Trail Riders Vaasa mountain biking club will demonstrate how they build and maintain nature trails and mountain bike routes, including winter trails.
• Red Cross first aid station and Teddy Bear Hospital.
• Waasa Watt Warriors will showcase the activities of the ‘I Love Cycling’ women’s cycling community.
• City of Vaasa info stand, with members of the Youth Council also present. The city will organise a wellbeing‑themed orienteering activity in the park.
• Taikon offers art workshops from 16 to 18

Tuesday 12 May

On Bike to Work Day, the City of Vaasa, and the Finnish and Swedish parishes in Vaasa will offer breakfast to cyclists from 6.15 to 8.30, or as long as supplies last.

Breakfast stations:

• At the intersection of Järvikatu and Wolffintie opposite Vaasan Sähkö
• On Kirkkopuistikko in front of Vaasa Church
• On Ruutikellarintie at the parking lot by the multipurpose sports field

Wednesday 13 May

On Cycle to School Day, students, teachers, and other staff are encouraged to travel to school by bike. In Vaasa, schools have been encouraged to organise activities such as bike inspections and road safety education throughout the day.

Thursday 14 May

Vähäkyrö Outdoor Say starting at 15, at Kolkinsilta 55 / Kolkinsilta 61, Merikaarto

Participants meet at the new Kolkki nature trail and lean‑to shelter for good company, an opening‑day atmosphere and campfire treats.

From 15 to 15.30 at the Kolkki lean-to shelter

• Official opening of the new Kolkki lean-to shelter
• Inauguration of the Kolkki nature trail and the launch of Vähäkyrö’s digital cycling route network
• Vähäkyrö Fyrrypolokaasu – the summer 2026 cycling challenge kicks off!

Starting at 15.30: Grilling treats over the campfire

• Sausages, buns on a stick and marshmallows available for purchase (remember to bring some small change).
• Self‑guided exploration of the nature trail and cycling routes
• A bake sale organised by class 8C from Savilahti Comprehensive School
• Pop‑up safety point: what to do if something goes wrong during a forest outing?

Hybrid bikes are available to rent at Kolkki Manor from 11 to 20. Advance bookings: www.kolkinkartano.fi / 0400 698 573

Saturday 16 May

Bike Touring Day features a group bike ride to the Närvänmutka lean-to at Pilvilampi! Join the group ride or make your own way there by bike.

The group ride starts at 9 from the Vaasa swimming hall (Hietalahdenkatu 8). The pace is relaxed and set by the slowest rider. The route follows the shoreline via the Suvilahti landfill site, continues through Höstvesi via the Old Vaasa post road, and then past Pilvilampi to the Närvänmutka lean‑to shelter. The route is approximately 17 kilometres long.

At the destination, participants can enjoy a well‑earned break:

• Starting at 10, the City of Vaasa will offer grilled sausages to the first arrivals while supplies last.
• Vaasan Latu will run a café at the lean‑to shelter, selling coffee, sweet buns, and other treats from 10 to 16.

The European Commission has awarded Vaasa the Green Leaf Award in recognition of its work for sustainable development and for the environment and climate. UNICEF has awarded Vaasa the Child‑Friendly Municipality recognition as a sign that children’s wellbeing and rights are at the top of the city’s priorities.