Making the most of Vaasa
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Vaasa lies about 10 km from the harbour, and taxis are available.
Bring a printable map with you.
The fairly compact city places most sights within walking distance. Commercial activity and nightlife centre on the market square.
The market place is the centre of Vaasa city life and contains Finland's Statue of Freedom. Unveiled during summer 1938, the statue stands at the market square's northern end.
Old Vaasa, or Vanha Vaasa and Gamla Vasa, lies about 6km south-east of today's city. It contains ruins from the original Vaasa, destroyed by fire in 1852, and an 18th century courthouse that survived but became the Church of Korsholm when the town was rebuilt nearer the sea. Banks from 14th century Korsholm castle remain visible west of the Church of Korsholm.
Getting around
Taxis can be booked by telephone or taken from ranks, with payment by cash or major international credit card. The standard basic fare is 4.50 euros. It then rises gradually by kilometre, as displayed on the meter, and according to the number of passengers.
Finnish Railways operates a reasonably extensive railway system.
Car hire is available in Finland but generally costs a lot, with rates usually above € 80/day.
Nearby places
Stundars at Stundarsvägen 5, Solf (fi: Sulva) is a large open-air museum in neighbouring Korsholm municipality (fi: Mustasaari), formed from about 60 buildings. It is a living centre for culture and art.
Food and shopping
Vaasa has three shopping centres, two beside the market square. Rewell Center, named for architect Viljo Revell, who designed the modern block built in 1962, stands on its western side. Smaller HS center occupies the east, while Galleria Wasa is a small shopping centre on Pitkäkatu
The gothic-style Market Hall, built in 1902, sells meat, fish, cheese, sweets, art and souvenirs from the market square's southern end.
Money
Finland's currency is the euro (EUR), split into 100 cents. Finland does not issue 1 and 2 cent coins, instead rounding every sum to the nearest 5 cents.
Staying connected
Finland's two official languages are Finnish ( 93%) and Swedish (7%), while English is widely spoken too.
The national emergency number is 112 for every service, including police.
Customer cafés with free WiFi are scarce because people across Finland connect at home and the office. However, nearly all public libraries offer free internet access, and WiFi hotspots are increasingly common.
Opening Hours and
For weekdays:
hours run from 07.00 - 09.00 until 20.00 - 21.00.
For Saturdays:
hours run from 09.00 until 15.00 - 18.00.
For Sundays:
shops remain closed.