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Vaasa Region's Hidden Gems

This place was definitely worth a visit! Fun destinations you might not have known about in and around Vaasa.

A local guide always knows where to go when visitors are looking for something special. But what if you don’t (yet) know a local who can show you the places only the residents know about? Not everything can be found on Google either—but no worries! We’ve put together a list of the Vaasa Region’s best hidden gems. Food, drinks, experiences, history, nature, and wonderful gifts. Check out our list and feel free to share your own hidden gems! #visitvaasa @visitvaasa

KAJ WAS HERE – where comedy meets theatre magic!

Think you’ve seen everything KAJ has to offer? Think again. Now you can step right into their wonderfully wacky and creative universe at Wasa Teater!

At KAJ WAS HERE, you’ll get up close with costumes, props, and the lightning-fast scene changes from hits like “Beverly Hills.” Take a seat on Kurt Byman’s iconic throne, learn dance moves from Mäskis-Gunnar, or rebel with the knitting circle. It’s part theatre, part nostalgia trip – and 100% fun for all ages!

Welcome to an exhibition where KAJ left more than just a mark – they left behind the whole wardrobe, the set… and a whole lot of laughs!

📍 Hietasaarenkatu 7, Vaasa (Three blocks from the square, 10 min on foot)
🎟️ €6 / €4 – laughter and stage magic included
📅 April 30 – August 31, 2025 (closed during Midsummer)

Stundars – Where History Becomes an Adventure

Welcome to Stundars, a place where the doors of history (literally!) stand open. Here, you can step right into the village life of Ostrobothnia from 1870–1920 and stroll through an idyllic setting with over 60 historical buildings – from farms to a village school and artisan workshops. You might even spot a blacksmith hard at work or a schoolmaster raising an eyebrow!

During the summer, you’re free to peek inside most cottages and imagine how people managed without Wi-Fi. Children can play their way into history in Play & Learn environments, and for picnic lovers, there’s plenty of grass to spread out a blanket. But Stundars isn’t just a summer fling – it’s an oasis all year round! Ski between the houses on a frosty winter day, take a peaceful evening stroll through the museum village in spring, or simply sit down and enjoy the tranquility.

Want to add something special to your workplace’s recreation day or host a meeting with character? Stundars offers inspiring venues and programs – everything from guided tours to clever competitions. For coffee contact Lyckans Café or a three-course dinner, Restaurant Hemmer.

So, if you want to travel back in time without having to invent a time machine – Stundars is waiting for you, all year round!

Where: In Solf, Korsholm
From Vaasa Market Square: 15 km to the south. 20 min by car, 50 min by bike

A Splash of Colour – Wasa Graffitilandia 2025

Welcome to the place where the walls don’t just talk – they shout in colour! Wasa Graffitilandia is Vaasa’s own kingdom of street art: over 3000 m² of exhibition space packed with graffiti, murals, installations, sculptures, photographs, UV and video art. There’s also an on-site spray can shop (yes, it’s legal!) and a public wall where anyone can try their hand – come and see how not easy it is to create a masterpiece!

This exhibition is not just eye candy – it’s a tribute to graffiti and the artists behind it, aiming to challenge outdated prejudices. Artists from Finland and abroad have contributed, including the legendary Bates and 1UP.

🗓️ Open from June 6 to August 31, 2025.

Where: Opistokatu 8, Vaasa
From Vaasa markesquare: 10 min on foot 

A Rustic Brewery for the Whole Family

Can the whole family have fun at a brewery? Yes, they can! Bock’s Corner Brewery in the Bock’s Corner area is like its own little village. In this rustic setting, you’ll find a village shop full of locally produced products and gifts, as well as a restaurant serving locally sourced food.

There’s also a small playground and an animal enclosure with goats and sheep. And of course, let’s not forget the brewery itself, where they craft award-winning beer, cider, and lemonade. Join a brewery tour to learn more about the brewing history of Bock’s Corner and the magic behind brewing beer.

At Bock’s, you can enjoy food and drinks with a clear conscience. Thanks to its own solar panel system, the brewery is energy self-sufficient. So, in this little village, you can sip on a zero-emission drink – and even try the restaurant’s homemade ice cream.

Where: Bock’s Corner, Vaasa
From Vaasa Market Square: 10 min by car or bike, 35 min on foot

A Visitor Center in the Middle of a Massive Meteorite Crater

Did you know that one of the world’s 200 most famous meteorite craters is in Vaasa? This 520-million-year-old impact crater is now an agricultural plain with a diameter of 5–6 km. In the middle of the crater, in the village of Sundom, you’ll find Meteoria Söderfjärden, a visitor center where people of all ages can learn about Earth’s history, space, and natural phenomena – and even see meteorites from around the world.

Söderfjärden’s fertile farmlands attract thousands of migrating birds every year. In September, birdwatchers have counted up to 15,000 cranes in a single day!

Where: Marenvägen 294, Sundom, Vaasa
From Vaasa Market Square: 12.5 km south. 15 min by car, 40 min by bike

Norrvalla – a green retreat and the perfect base for exploring “KAJland”

In the peaceful landscapes of Vörå, you’ll find Hotel Norrvalla – a place where nature, wellbeing, and small adventures go hand in hand. Stay in comfortable, modern rooms surrounded by forest and endless possibilities on the horizon.

From here, it’s easy to set off on a tour of “KAJland” along Ostrobothnia’s very own Route 66, visiting locations made famous by KAJ’s song “Kom ti byin”. Take a dip at Gubbholmsbadi in Maxmo, feel the thrill at Hoppamäki in Komossa, and don’t miss a visit to the legendary Las Palvis. Each destination has its own charm and is perfect for a day trip.

After the adventures, Norrvalla welcomes you back with a relaxing sauna, delicious food, and cozy beds. Here, there’s time to unwind – and dream of tomorrow’s discoveries.

Where: Vöråvägen 305-307, Vörå
From Vaasa: 39 kilometer to the north (30 min by car, 2 hours by bike)

A Cultural Venue in a Nostalgic 1950s Cinema

Looking for something to feed your soul? At Ritz Cultural Venue, you can experience music, theater, stand-up, lectures, cultural events, and movie nights – all in a nostalgic 1950s cinema in the heart of Vaasa. Ritz is run by a non-profit association, ensuring a broad and unique repertoire. The venue has a personal and intimate atmosphere – it feels like the artist on stage is performing just for you. Often, the artists even join discussions in the Ritz Café after the show.

During Kino Ritz nights the auditorium really shines, with a wide assortment of movies. Everything from new high quality releases, to old classics.

Where: Central Vaasa, Kirkkopuistikko 22.
From Vaasa Market Square: One block from the square, 5 min on foot

Also, have a look at our other tip lists

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