Finland's West Coast is a captivating region renowned for its picturesque archipelago, rich maritime heritage, charming wooden towns, and a thriving culture of coastal traditions, making it a delightful destination for exploration and relaxation.

Our 5th road trip takes you to the West Coast of Finland where you’ll find one of Finland’s most stunning archipelago roads. Start your trip in Pori and head towards Yyteri. Yyteri is a stunning sandy beach stretching over six kilometres along the Baltic Sea coastline. If beach living is not your cup of tea, follow in the footsteps of world-famous architect Alvar Aalto and visit one of his most famous building, Villa Mairea, in nearby Noormarkku. Continue north from Yyteri towards the small village of Ahlainen on a stunning coastal road. Ahlainen is renowned for its cultural and historical significance, showcased by its meticulously crafted wooden houses and charming traditional picket fences. For unique accommodation in this area, try Sustainable Travel Finland labelled Yyteri Holiday Cottages, or the Ahlström Noormarkku hotel near Villa Mairea.

From the Pori and Ahlainen region, drive one-hour north towards Kristiinankaupunki (“Kristinestad” in Swedish) via Merikarvia for more coastal views. Nearby you'll also find the Bothnian Sea National Park. Swedish-speaking Kristinestad holds a special place as one of the best-preserved wooden towns in the country. Its historic centre, with its wooden buildings and cobblestone streets, offers a glimpse into the past and showcases the town's unique architectural heritage.

Next stop on this West Coast road trip is Vaasa, 1,5 hours north of Kristinestad. Vaasa is one of the most famous coastal cities in Finland with plenty of things to do and see. Don’t miss a visit to the Kuntsi Museum of Modern Art, Ostrobothnian Museum, Kyrö Distillery, or the Kvarken Archipelago, one of Finland’s many UNESCO sites. In regards to accommodation, try the sustainable GreenStar Hotel Vaasa, or one of the beautifully decorated rooms at Scandic Vaasa.  

On day three of this journey, the trip continues up along the coast to the popular beaches of Kalajoki. The drive from Vaasa to Kalajoki takes about 2,5 hours. On the way north, don’t miss stops at the traditional wooden towns in Jakobstad (“Pietarsaari” in Finnish) and Kokkola. In addition to the unique wooden architecture, you’ll find many boutique-style shops, cafes, and restaurants to explore. Once you get to Kalajoki, it’s time to stretch your legs and relax on the beach – there is 15 kilometres of soft golden sand and shallow waters to enjoy.

The last stop on this road trip is Oulu. The drive from Kalajoki to Oulu takes less than two hours. On the way north, stop by at Raahe’s Old Town, which is one of the best-preserved 19th-century wooden towns in Finland. Oulu, located 1-hour north of Raahe, is a vibrant and modern city in the northern part of Coast and Archipelago, known for its unique blend of urban amenities, cultural attractions, and beautiful natural surroundings. Some of the best things to do in Oulu include visiting the traditional market square Torinranta, the market hall, Turkansaari Open Air Museum, and the Nallikari beach. Don’t forget to say hi to the iconic “Toripolliisi” – the Bobby at the Market Place statue. If you’re visiting in the end of August, pay a visit to the Air Guitar World Championships! End your visit to Oulu by touring the Hailuoto island, also known as the Pearl of the Bothnian Bay. You can go trekking on the trails, spot birds, and even visit an old lighthouse from the 1800s. If you want the spend the night, there are multiple options from cottage and hotel accommodation to farm and guest houses.