Sea city Vaasa was ground by Charles IX in 1606 at the site of old trading place and a port. It is one of the most international cities in Finland. You can speak Finnish as well as Swedish there, because Vaasa is the only city in Finland, where the population speaks both languages.
This unique historic city on the west coast of the province Pohjanmaa is considered to be the “pearl” of Kvarkensky Strait.
Some history of Vaasa
The original name of this city was Mustasaari – “Black Island”; then it was called Nikolayshtadt (1855 – 1917). The city has got its present name in honor of the Swedish royal dynasty.
Throughout its history Vaasa has experienced the events of struggle for independence, the civil war and a fire.
The economy of Vaasa
The important role in the economy of this city pertains to the specialized industries: metallurgy, electronic, energy and plastics industries, environmental protection technologies. The city has many international enterprises of key industries; high emphasis is placed on education there.
Cultural life in Vaasa
“Art City Vaasa” consists of 24 local objects of different cultural fields and offers you rich cultural program in this city.
You’ll know musical and theatrical life due to the city orchestra, Opera and numerous annual music events.
Sights in Vaasa
There are 32 museums, 13 art galleries in Vaasa. There are different exhibitions, too.
Art Museum “Tikanoja” will offer you Paul Gauguin’s, Pablo Picasso’s, Edgar Dega’s works of art as well as the works of Finnish artists.
Regional and natural-science museum of Pohjanmaa will acquaint you with the history of art, culture and nature of this land; will surprise you with the large collection of coins.
You’ll see the peasant architecture of Pohjanmaa in the open-air museum Brage.
The Museum of Esterbotnia, Automobiles and Sea museums are also worth visiting.
Healthy lifestyle in Vaasa
Physical culture and sport are held in respect in Vaasa, where people appreciate the healthy lifestyle.
Park “Vassalandija” - family rest in Vaasa
Both children and adults will have the opportunity to relax in the entertaining park “Vassalandija” in the paradise Island Vaskiluoto on the border of the city. Children will get pleasure of being “pirates” aboard the schooner and will visit side-shows.
Water park “Tropiklandia” in Vaasa
Amazing nature of the sea coast will carry you away in the water park “Tropiklandia”. You’ll be able to feel all the charm of water element there: various swimming-pools with water-jet massage facilities and “artificial waves”, dizzy descending on water slides, invigorative showers, different saunas and baths.
