Vaasa is home to Finland’s greenest pedestrian street

Vaasa’s pedestrian street stood out in particular thanks to its magnificent old lime trees. According to the comparison, Vaasa is home to Finland’s most verdant pedestrian street, and its integration into an esplanade was seen as a nationally unique solution.

The assessment also took into account other hallmarks of a successful pedestrian street, including its central location at the commercial heart of the city centre, a strong presence of specialist shops and boutiques, and high-quality street surfaces.

Greenery enhances the appeal

Jukka Talvi, Director of Public Utility Services, sees the recognition as important for Vaasa. The national recognition shows that Vaasa’s city centre has been developed with long-term commitment and a clear sense of direction.

– The pedestrian street is the heart of Vaasa’s city centre and a vital part of a vibrant urban environment. Greenery is not merely an aesthetic feature; it enhances comfort, draws people into the city centre, supports brick-and-mortar businesses, and makes the urban environment more pleasant even during heatwaves and in changeable weather.

Vaasa’s pedestrian street is a form of climate action

Vaasa is a 2026 European Green Leaf city, with the goal of achieving carbon neutrality during the 2020s. The city’s environmental and climate efforts are visible in everyday life, for example through solutions such as the pedestrian street in the city centre.

A pleasant, welcoming environment encourages people to walk and cycle, thereby reducing emissions from transport. Moreover, trees, plantings and other forms of urban greenery enhance biodiversity by providing habitats for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife.

Development work continues

Work to enhance the appeal and functionality of Vaasa’s pedestrian city centre continues. This year, the focus is on refurbishing Teräksenkuja, renewing the area’s structures and urban environment to create a more pleasant setting. In addition, the annual summer promenade will once again create more space for street cafés and beer gardens, making the city centre a more pleasant place to spend time and run errands during the summer.

– A verdant, safe, and welcoming pedestrian environment supports residents’ everyday lives, the vitality of the city centre and Vaasa’s Green Leaf goals. We want to continue developing the city centre as a place that’s easy to get around and pleasant to spend time in, Talvi says.