Founded in 1620 by King Gustav II Adolf of Sweden, Kokkola is a vibrant town in the Central Ostrobothnia region of Finland. It developed into an important shipping hub, making it one of the richest towns in Finland in years gone by. In 1854, it was the site of the Skirmish of Halkokari, a brief coastal battle of the Åland War.
Things to do in Kokkola
Don’t miss the Kieppi Museum of Natural History, which is based on the collections of Veikko Salkio. In addition to specimens of native animals, it exhibits more than 1,500 minerals from across the globe. Also of note is the Lepidoptera collection of Armas Järvelä, which includes several rare butterfly species.
Finland’s 19th-century peasant culture is showcased at the Kaarlela Museum of Local History and Culture, which centres around an 18th-century stone building of the Kaarlela vicarage. It features a historic stable, sauna and drying barn, as well as a leather tannery and a windmill. At the Hunting Museum, you can learn about the role of hunting in Ostrobothnian life since prehistoric times.
Hugging the banks of the Sunti River is Brita Maria Park, where you’ll find a skate park, a roller skating rink and a climbing net. Admire some of the 90 different species planted in the arboretum or take advantage of the barbecue facilities. At the nearby VesiVeijari leisure centre, you can relax in one of the swimming pools, ride the 80-metre-long water slide or sweat it out in the saunas.
Getting around Kokkola
Kokkola-Pietarsaari Airport is a 20-minute drive from the city centre and has regular flights to Stockholm and Helsinki. Trains connect to the Kokkola railway station and buses travel throughout the city. The centre of Kokkola is compact enough to explore on foot.