Region
West Coast
Fishing on Finland’s west coast: Kvarken, rivers and towns
From Satakunta to the coastal communities around Oulu, Finland’s west coast is a string of port towns, estuaries and islands. The travel region also includes the hinterland of Ostrobothnia. In the Kvarken Archipelago near Vaasa, the land uplift following the Ice Age is still visible today. Finnish- and Swedish-speaking towns, wooden houses and maritime traditions characterise many sections of the coast.
Places to stay and fish in West Coast
Towns and coastal resorts
Oulu is a key starting point on the northern coast. Vaasa is situated in Ostrobothnia, near the Kvarken Archipelago. Pori and Rauma characterise the southern part of the travel region, whilst Kokkola lies further north along the coast. Seinäjoki completes the route inland in South Ostrobothnia and is known, amongst other things, for its Aalto architecture.
What makes the west coast so special?
Along the west coast, harbour towns, agricultural hinterlands and river landscapes alternate. In many municipalities, Finnish and Swedish are part of everyday life. The history of the landscape is particularly evident in Kvarken: due to ongoing land uplift, coastlines, islands and shallow bays are changing over long periods of time. Together with Sweden’s High Coast, the area forms a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site.
Places of interest
The wooden old town of Rauma and the Bronze Age burial site at Sammallahdenmäki are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Near Vaasa, the Replot Bridge leads towards the Kvarken Archipelago. In Pori, Yyteri Beach and cultural events make for great day trips. For museums, festivals and information centres, please check the current opening hours and programmes.
Scenic highlights
In the Kvarken, moraine ridges, low-lying islands and shallow waters form a distinctive coastal landscape. Further south, river estuaries and sandy beaches such as Yyteri are also found. The hinterland is characterised in many places by fields and meadows. The shallow, rocky archipelago waters require careful route planning; local knowledge is helpful when boat fishing.
The region’s waters
On the west coast, numerous rivers connect the interior with the Gulf of Bothnia. The Merikarvianjoki and Kokemäenjoki in the south, as well as rivers such as the Kyrönjoki, Lestijoki, Oulujoki and Kiiminkijoki further north, offer a variety of fishing stretches. The fish species and permitted methods vary from section to section; local conditions and conservation rules are particularly important for trout and salmon. In the Kvarken archipelago and the coastal areas around Rauma and Pori, there are also boat fishing areas for pike and perch. Choose your fishing area based on your target species and the current permits.
Getting there
Flights: Oulu and Vaasa are possible arrival airports. Please check the current connections and onward journeys for your travel dates; flight schedules at smaller airports are subject to change.
Ferry: There is a direct ferry service from Vaasa to Umeå in Sweden – convenient for those travelling from Scandinavia.
Car/Cycle: A route along the coastal towns can be combined with detours into the hinterland. For cycle tours, choose suitable sections; the entire west coast covers considerable distances.
Flora and fauna
The coastal landscape provides habitats for waterbirds, white-tailed eagles and various species of fish. Liminganlahti near Oulu is a well-known destination for birdwatching. In Kvarken, reed-lined bays, coastal meadows and wind-sculpted copses alternate. Observe wildlife from a distance and observe seasonal access restrictions on breeding islands.
Activities
Boat fishing for pike or perch in suitable archipelago areas can be combined with a day’s fishing on a coastal river. The opportunities for trout and salmon depend on the specific stretch of river and its regulations. Further excursions take you to the wooden houses of Rauma, to Yyteri or to Liminganlahti for birdwatching. Kayaking and cycling tours complement individual stages of the journey.
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Local fishing regulations
Before your day’s fishing, check the permits and current conservation rules for your specific stretch of water. Your host or guide will help you with your planning; the conditions set by the relevant authorities and the fishing area are decisive.