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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.
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Places to eat

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Indulge in delightful dining experiences, from charming cafes serving freshly brewed coffee to restaurants offering delicious local cuisine.
Club house
Sustainable Travel Finland
Noormarkku
Restaurant at Ahlström Noormarkku
Open fire
Sustainable Travel Finland
Turku
Restaurant Kakolanruusu
Café Cornelia
Sustainable Travel Finland
Närpes
Café Cornelia
Restaurant Olivo Food Factory
Sustainable Travel Finland
Pori
Olivo Food Factory
Restaurant Ruben
Sustainable Travel Finland
Turku
Restaurant Ruben
Cafe-Restaurant Savipakari in Leineperi ironworks
Sustainable Travel Finland
Ulvila
Cafe-Restaurant Savipakari in Leineperi ironworks
Jungman
Sustainable Travel Finland
Kristiinankaupunki
Jungman Restaurant Café Bar
KBC Taproom
Turku
KBC Taproom
"Nordic risotto"
Vaasa
Restaurant HEJM
Ravintolan ulkokuva, merenrannalla
Naantali
Restaurant Snickari
Restaurant Smör
Turku
Restaurant Smör
Serving
Rauma
Wanhan Rauman Kellari
Restaurant Crazy Cat
Kristiinankaupunki
Restaurant Crazy Cat
CABINET
Vaasa
Villa Sandviken
Gastrobar Krouvi
Rauma
Gastrobar Krouvi
Asparagus, Hollandaise Sauce and Prociutto Crudo
Turku
Restaurant Brahen Kellari
seglis
Vaasa
Seglis restaurant

Places to stay

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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
Sustainable Travel Finland
Turku
Hotel Kakola Accommodation - Standard Room
The yellow Krepelin main building and the red Bakery
Sustainable Travel Finland
Kristiinankaupunki
Hotelli Krepelin
Hotel room
Sustainable Travel Finland
Noormarkku
Hotel at Ahlström Noormarkku
Riverview Room
Sustainable Travel Finland
Turku
Radisson Blu Marina Palace Hotel, Turku
Camping cottages at Yyteri Resort & Camping
Sustainable Travel Finland
Pori
Camping Cottages at Yyteri Resort & Camping
Standard room
Sustainable Travel Finland
Rauma
Scandic Rauma
Mini Suite room
Sustainable Travel Finland
Naantali
Accommodation in Kultaranta Resort
Talvipuutarha Scandic Hamburger Börs
Sustainable Travel Finland
Turku
Scandic Hamburger Börs
Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna, Pori
Sustainable Travel Finland
Pori
Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna, Pori
Lovely Accommodation at Eleonora Bed & Breakfast
Kristiinankaupunki
Lovely Accommodation at Eleonora Bed & Breakfast
Kylmäpihlaja lighthouse hotel by night
Rauma
Kylmäpihlaja Lighthouse Hotel
100 years old building
Naantali
Tammiston B&B
Kapteeni
Pori
Reposaari Floating Villas
Camping cottages by the sea
Naantali
Naantali Camping
Ruissalo Spa aerial summer
Turku
Ruissalo Spa & Hotel - The Natural Choice
Christmas in Wanha Tupa
Kristiinankaupunki
Wanha Tupa Farmhouse
Panorama Suite
Pori
Yyteri Hotel & Spa
Willa Viktor from 1922
Kristiinankaupunki
Willa Viktor
Hotel Raumanlinna Lobby
Rauma
Hotel Raumanlinna

Attractions to visit

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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
Sustainable Travel Finland
Naantali
Moominworld Theme Park
Sawmill museum
Sustainable Travel Finland
Noormarkku
Sawmill museum at Ahlström Noormarkku
Naantali old wooden town main street
Naantali
Old Town of Naantali
Wooden house street in wintertime
Uusikaupunki
The wooden houses of Uusikaupunki
Kallo lighthouse island
Pori
Kallo lighthouse island
Kikanberget Nature trail
Vaasa
Kikanberget Nature trail
Yyteri Beach
Pori
Yyteri Beach
Leineperi ironworks
Ulvila
Leineperi Ironworks
Kesäinen ilta-auringon valaisema saaristomaisema Merenkurkun maailmanperintöalueella. Etualalla puinen kalamaja. Kuva: Pekka Lehtonen.
Mustasaari
Kvarken Archipelago World Heritage Site
Vanhan Raatihuoneen edessä seisoo ihmisiä aurinkoisena kesäpäivänä.
Rauma
UNESCO World Heritage Site Old Rauma
Don't miss this when visiting the Vaasa Region
Vaasa
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.
Pori
Bothnian Sea National Park
Villa Mairea
Noormarkku
Villa Mairea
Kirjurinluoto Park
Pori
Kirjurinluoto Park
Risö Nature trail
Vaasa
Risö Nature trail
Reposaari landscape
Pori
Reposaari island

Activities to explore

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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
Sustainable Travel Finland
Pori
Sauna at Yyteri Resort & Camping
Following in the footsteps of Alvar and Aino Aalto - The collaboration between the Aaltos and Ahlström
Sustainable Travel Finland
Noormarkku
Following in the footsteps of Alvar and Aino Aalto - The collaboration between the Aaltos and Ahlström
Erik Holmström from 1810
Sustainable Travel Finland
Kristiinankaupunki
Historical town tour with Erik, Josef or Hans
Pedal cars and rental equipment spot at Yyteri Resort & Camping
Sustainable Travel Finland
Pori
Activities at Yyteri Resort & Camping
Turun Sanomat Building
Sustainable Travel Finland
Turku
Aalto in Turku Walking Tour
Former Kakola prison
Sustainable Travel Finland
Turku
Guided Tours - Former Kakola Prison

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