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Route

West Coast Wonders

West Coast Wonders invites you on an unforgettable journey along Finland's breathtaking western coastline, guiding travellers from Turku to Vaasa. Along the way, discover charming towns like Naantali, Rauma, and Kristinestad (Kristiinankaupunki in Finnish), celebrated for their picturesque wooden houses and vibrant cultural heritage. This route is perfect for exploration by bike or car.

Credits: Visit Vaasa

Where coastal beauty meets Finnish culture

Immerse yourself in a voyage of seaside allure, where lively Finnish towns along the scenic western coastline charm you with their rich blend of culture and natural beauty. The vibrant university cities of Vaasa and Turku offer an array of gourmet delights, fascinating museums, and year-round events. Explore quaint villages and towns adorned with colourful wooden houses, echoing the influence of Swedish heritage.

Route overview

Starting Point: Turku
Length of route: 520 kilometres
Duration: 5 days
Summer
By car: 4,5 hours
By bike: 20 hours

Travel tip

This route forms a piece of the EuroVelo 10, Baltic Sea cycle route, which follows the scenic coastline of the Bothnian Bay. Cyclists have the unique opportunity to pedal around the entire bay, enjoying breathtaking sea views and charming coastal towns. The route also seamlessly connects to the Archipelago Trail, allowing for an extended adventure through Finland's stunning archipelago, renowned for its countless islands and serene natural beauty.

Route highlights

Sunny day at the grand Turku Castle. - Julia Kivelä

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Turku – where history meets modern vibes

Explore Turku, Finland's oldest city and former capital, home to 13th-century landmarks like Turku Cathedral and Turku Castle, and the 18th-century Qwensel House. The city’s vibrant culinary scene flourishes along the Aura River, with flavours from the Turku Market Hall and local restaurants. Turku also serves as a gateway to the Finnish Archipelago, perfect for island-hopping adventures.

Colorful wooden houses in Old Rauma, a UNESCO World Heritage site. - Jussi Hellsten

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Charming wooden towns

Discover the enchanting wooden towns of Naantali, Rauma, and Kristinestad, each boasting colourful wooden houses, quaint streets, and a variety of attractions like museums, artist workshops, and charming boutiques. Naantali, one of Finland's oldest towns, showcases its origins as an abbey settlement, while Old Rauma, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a glimpse into history.

Scenic sandy beaches of Yyteri in Pori. - Anssi Koskinen

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Sandy shores and lighthouses

The West Coast boasts picturesque lighthouses and beautiful beaches, inviting exploration of iconic sites like Utö Lighthouse, part of the Archipelago of Pargas (Parainen in Finnish) and Kylmäpihlaja Lighthouse along the coast of Rauma. Yyteri in Pori stands out with its soft sands and sweeping dunes, offering a perfect seaside escape that blends natural beauty with the coastal charm of Finland.

Charming red wooden house in Kristiinankaupunki. - Sanna Wallenius

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Dive into rich bilingual heritage

The two official languages of Finland are Finnish and Swedish. In the coastal regions, you’ll encounter a rich Swedish heritage reflected in language, traditions, and cuisine. Stroll through the historic town town of Kristinestad, named after Queen Christina of Sweden, and admire its narrow streets and charming wooden houses from the 1700s, including the notable Lebell’s Merchant House.

Landscape of the Kvarken Archipelago in Vaasa. - Ann-Britt Bada

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Discover Kvarken Archipelago in Vaasa

While in Vaasa, be sure to explore the Kvarken Archipelago, Finland's sole UNESCO-listed Natural World Heritage Site. This remarkable destination features ancient moraine formations from the Ice Age that continue to rise from the sea, shaping the breathtaking landscapes that have earned the archipelago its prestigious world heritage status.

Places to eat

Indulge in delightful dining experiences, from charming cafes serving freshly brewed coffee to restaurants offering delicious local cuisine.

Restaurant at Ahlström Noormarkku

Restaurant Kakolanruusu

Café Cornelia

Restaurant Olivo Food Factory

Olivo Food Factory

Restaurant Ruben

Restaurant Ruben

Cafe-Restaurant Savipakari in Leineperi ironworks

Kristiinankaupunki

Jungman Restaurant Café Bar

KBC Taproom

"Nordic risotto"

Restaurant HEJM

Ravintolan ulkokuva, merenrannalla

Restaurant Snickari

Restaurant Smör

Wanhan Rauman Kellari

Kristiinankaupunki

Restaurant Crazy Cat

Villa Sandviken

Gastrobar Krouvi

Asparagus, Hollandaise Sauce and Prociutto Crudo

Restaurant Brahen Kellari

Seglis restaurant

Places to stay

From cosy bed & breakfasts to boutique hotels and picturesque resorts, the accommodations along this route cater to every traveller's needs, ensuring a restful retreat after a day of exploration and adventure.

Hotel Kakola Accommodation - Standard Room

The yellow Krepelin main building and the red Bakery

Kristiinankaupunki

Hotelli Krepelin

Hotel at Ahlström Noormarkku

Radisson Blu Marina Palace Hotel, Turku

Camping cottages at Yyteri Resort & Camping

Camping Cottages at Yyteri Resort & Camping

Scandic Rauma

Mini Suite room

Accommodation in Kultaranta Resort

Talvipuutarha Scandic Hamburger Börs

Scandic Hamburger Börs

Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna, Pori

Kristiinankaupunki

Lovely Accommodation at Eleonora Bed & Breakfast

Kylmäpihlaja lighthouse hotel by night

Kylmäpihlaja Lighthouse Hotel

100 years old building

Tammiston B&B

Reposaari Floating Villas

Camping cottages by the sea

Naantali Camping

Ruissalo Spa aerial summer

Ruissalo Spa & Hotel - The Natural Choice

Christmas in Wanha Tupa

Kristiinankaupunki

Wanha Tupa Farmhouse

Yyteri Hotel & Spa

Willa Viktor from 1922

Kristiinankaupunki

Willa Viktor

Hotel Raumanlinna Lobby

Hotel Raumanlinna

Attractions to visit

Uncover a mixture of fascinating attractions, including the Moominworld Theme Park, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Old Rauma, engaging museums, and immersive coastal experiences.

Moominfamily with friends

Moominworld Theme Park

Sawmill museum at Ahlström Noormarkku

Naantali old wooden town main street

Old Town of Naantali

Wooden house street in wintertime

The wooden houses of Uusikaupunki

Kallo lighthouse island

Kallo lighthouse island

Kikanberget Nature trail

Yyteri Beach

Leineperi ironworks

Leineperi Ironworks

Kesäinen ilta-auringon valaisema saaristomaisema Merenkurkun maailmanperintöalueella. Etualalla puinen kalamaja. Kuva: Pekka Lehtonen.

Kvarken Archipelago World Heritage Site

Vanhan Raatihuoneen edessä seisoo ihmisiä aurinkoisena kesäpäivänä.

UNESCO World Heritage Site Old Rauma

Don't miss this when visiting the Vaasa Region

Punatakkinen potkukelkkailija meren jäällä. Taustalla näkyy suuri siirtolohkare ja pienempiä kiviä. Taivas on sininen, on aurinkoinen talvipäivä. Kuva: Timo Nieminen.

Bothnian Sea National Park

Villa Mairea

Kirjurinluoto Park

Risö Nature trail

Reposaari landscape

Reposaari island

Activities to explore

Dive into a world of adventure with activities such as exploring the stunning archipelago, visiting lighthouses, relaxing in traditional Finnish saunas, and wandering through quaint wooden towns.

Sauna at Yyteri Resort & Camping

Sauna at Yyteri Resort & Camping

Following in the footsteps of Alvar and Aino Aalto - The collaboration between the Aaltos and Ahlström

Erik Holmström from 1810

Kristiinankaupunki

Historical town tour with Erik, Josef or Hans

Pedal cars and rental equipment spot at Yyteri Resort & Camping

Activities at Yyteri Resort & Camping

Turun Sanomat Building

Aalto in Turku Walking Tour

Former Kakola prison

Guided Tours - Former Kakola Prison

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