Are you additionally a lover of the Nice North? Then, it’s best to take into account this enjoyable 1-week Bothnian Coastal Route itinerary, by way of northern Finland and Sweden!
After I was youthful, in my dad and mom’ eating room there was a poster of a Sixteenth-century map of Northern Europe. The North Sea was filled with dragons, tritons, sea monsters, and different terrors – in all probability the mythological illustration of the tough seas and harsh currents usually present in northern latitudes.
In distinction, the Bothnian Gulf (often known as Gulf of Bothnia) regarded peaceable, with wavelets, fishermen, and even an iced-over part proper throughout the center, with horse-drawn sleds crossing between the 2 shores. I remembered considering that it regarded extra like a lake than a wild, Nordic sea – and my creativeness wasn’t that removed from the reality.
The Bothnian Gulf is the northernmost stretch of the Baltic Sea, between the Finnish west coast and the northern a part of the Swedish east coast. The gulf may be very shallow, with solely 60 m common depth, and the seabed is continually rising as a consequence of the final Ice Age – I’ll let you know extra about this in a minute.
The salinity of the Gulf can also be very low – so low that freshwater fish species like pike, perch and whitefish are sometimes discovered.
In brief, the Bothnian Gulf is a really particular place, with distinctive traits, sights, and actions you received’t discover elsewhere. This led native tourism boards in each Finland and Sweden to affix up and create an itinerary to showcase the perfect of the area – a route you may journey in each summer time and winter.
The place is the Bothnian Coastal Route?
The Bothnian Coastal Route runs a loop across the northern a part of the Gulf of Bothnia, with the dual cities of Vaasa (Finland) and Umeå (Sweden) marking the southern borders of the loop.
This put up will deal with the southern a part of the Bothnian Coastal Route, from Kalajoki to Vaasa, throughout to Umeå with the tremendous sensible (and comfortable!) Wasaline ferry, after which as much as Skellefteå.
This makes the good 1-week Bothnian Coastal Route itinerary – however if in case you have additional time you may simply cowl the complete loop. Your complete size is roughly 750 km, preferrred for a 10-day or 2-week highway journey.
Bothnian Coastal Route Sensible Data
The way to Journey Across the Bothnian Coastal Route
To journey alongside the complete Bothnian Coastal Route, begin from both Vaasa or Umeå, relying on whether or not it’s extra handy so that you can fly to Sweden or Finland from your property nation.
You’ll be able to take Finnish rental vehicles into Sweden and vice-versa, however you’ll in all probability be charged an enormous price for one-way leases – it’s significantly better to take the ferry between Vaasa and Umeå and drop your automobile off the place you began.
Should you’d fairly comply with the southern a part of the loop like we did, we advocate flying from Helsinki to Vaasa, and renting a automobile to go to Kokkola, Kalajoki and the Kvarken Archipelago. Alternatively, in case you’d fairly not fly and drive, you may take a prepare from Helsinki to Kokkola after which transfer between Kalajoki, Vaasa and the Kvarken Archipelago by native bus, however this add appreciable journey time.
From Vaasa, we recommend taking the ferry to Umeå and a bus to Skellefteå – there are lots of day by day buses, and journey time is simply 2 hours.
From Skellefteå, there are two or three day by day flights to Stockholm, one in all our favorite cities to go to in winter!
Bothnian Coastal Route Climate in Winter
This route runs alongside the coast, so the climate is normally a contact hotter than inland, even in winter. Having stated that, don’t anticipate a gentle Mediterranean winter – there’s a motive why in UK English, ‘baltic’ means chilly.
In winter, the Bothnian Gulf is chilly, normally round -10/-20°C. Some days it’s even colder than that, for instance on the day we visited Umeå the temperature was -26°C, with clear blue skies however a very chilly breeze. Bear in mind to put on some good thermal base layers, a heat hat, and mittens (not gloves!)
In winter, the times are additionally very quick. On the time of our go to in January, the solar rose round 9.30 AM and set at roughly 3 PM. Most inns supply sauna entry and also you’ll discover on supply different actions that may be carried out at evening, together with Northern Lights excursions.
Bothnian Coastal Route Climate in Summer season
Our very first go to to Finland in 2014 included a while spent across the Gulf of Bothnia – we visited Maakalla Island not removed from Vaasa, and went birdwatching in Liminka Bay.
It was late August, so getting near ruska, the Finnish autumn, however the climate was nonetheless good, sunny in the course of the day however solely about 15°C max. In July, the most popular month, the median temperature in Vaasa is 17°C, and the ocean temperature is 15°C – heat sufficient for a fast dip!
The times are very lengthy in the course of the summer time all alongside the Bothnian Coastal Route. The itinerary is simply south of the Arctic Circle, so that you don’t truly get the midnight solar, however the solar units so late and rises so early that it by no means will get darkish.
Many outside actions are solely accessible in summer time, so it’s a very great time to go to the Bothnian Coastal Route!
Bothnian Coastal Route Itinerary
Day 1 – Helsinki-Kalajoki
Our journey alongside the southern a part of the Bothnian Coastal Route began in Kalajoki, a coastal resort about 180 km north of Vaasa. To get there, you may both fly to Vaasa and drive/take a bus for the remainder of the best way, or take a prepare to Kokkola and proceed to Kalajoki by automobile or bus.
It was our second go to to Kalajoki – in summer time, it’s a enjoyable place to go to for a seaside vacation, to stroll or cycle alongside the well-known sand dunes and watch limitless sunsets at 11 PM. A collection of enjoyable weird Finnish events additionally takes place in Kalajoki in summer time, like a tractor-pulling competitors and an Irish dance pageant.
One other attention-grabbing sight to go to in case you’re in Kalajoki in summer time is Maakalla Island, a distant fishermen island ruled by a particular statute, the place I’ve had the perfect smoked fish of my complete life!
In winter, the sand dunes of Kalajoki are blanketed with snow, the ocean freezes over and it’s doable to discover the world on fatbikes or cross-country skis. There’s nobody round, save for just a few hardy Finns braving the inflexible temperatures, and the wintry panorama is simply beautiful.
The place to remain in Kalajoki – Hotel Rantakalla, one of many longest-running inns proper by the seaside. We stayed of their newly-opened Sapphire flats, all with personal sauna and sea view.
The place to eat in Kalajoki – Sandy Kelt, an Irish pub with a menu of Irish and Finnish favourites, and Café Rose, a connoisseur café proper on the seaside.
Day 2 – Kokkola
After a day of enjoyable and outside adventures in Kalajoki, the subsequent cease on this Bothnian Coastal Route itinerary shall be Kokkola, a coastal city about 70 km south.
The principle sight in Kokkola is Neristan, one of many largest and best-preserved wood home districts in Finland, relationship again to 1650. Neristan spans 12 blocks and it survived largely unscathed for near 12 centuries, despite the fact that fires and metropolis developments did alter the neighbourhood a bit.
It’s a enjoyable place to stroll round admiring the colorful wood homes, much like those we saw in Naantali. Preserve your eyes peeled for small particulars, such because the ‘gossip mirrors’ that allowed girls to watch the road with out being seen, and porcelain canines by the home windows, initially introduced by sailors to look at over their home whereas they have been at sea.
There’s a helpful brochure with a recommended Neristan self-guided route map mentioning all the principle sights, or you may be a part of strolling excursions led by native guides.
The place to remain in Kokkola – Hotel Seurahuone, an eco-friendly property with comfy spacious rooms simply steps away from Neristan.
Day 3 – Vaasa
Depart Kokkola behind and journey an additional 120 km to Vaasa, the capital of the Ostrobothnia area and largest metropolis on this a part of Finland.
Vaasa can also be a spot the place you may hear a number of languages along with Swedish and Finnish, and breathe a multicultural vibe – town is a crucial inexperienced vitality hub, with a wide range of companies using individuals from everywhere in the world.
It’s additionally a relaxing and enjoyable place to go to. In winter, you may go Alpine snowboarding in Öjberget, simply 10 km from the centre of Vaasa, and also you’ll additionally discover a wide range of cross-country tracks throughout town, in addition to ice-skating rinks and snowshoe itineraries.
Should you’d fairly spend time indoors, there are a number of museums to discover in Vaasa – the Ostrobothnian Museum, with exhibitions about nature, historical past and artwork from the area; the Kuntsi Museum of Trendy Artwork, with rotating exhibitions of up to date Finnish artwork; and the Museum of Outdated Vaasa.
The place to remain in Vaasa – Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna Vaasa, a spacious and comfy resort with enjoyable themed rooms – keep of their ‘cabin’ or ‘forest’ room to really feel as in case you have been spending time in nature!
Day 4 – Kvarken Archipelago
Vaasa can also be the right base to discover the Kvarken Archipelago, a group of islands simply off the coast and one in all Finland’s UNESCO World Heritage sites. It’s not possible to know precisely what number of islands are there within the Kvarken Archipelago, as a result of the world is present process a strategy of land uplift on account of the final Ice Age.
This space is the place the ice sheet was at its thickest, pushing the Earth’s crust beneath the ocean. After the ice melted, the floor of the Earth began rising from the depths, like a spring bouncing again – a course of that has been ongoing for over 150,000 years, and can proceed till Finland and Sweden are linked by a land bridge. To know extra about this course of, try our Kvarken Archipelago post the place we clarify it in additional element.
Are you aware how a lot land emerges from the Gulf of Bothnia yearly? The equal of 150 soccer fields! So in case you spend time crusing and wandering across the Archipelago, chances are you’ll discover a new island and be the primary to set foot on that piece of land.
We advocate beginning your go to from the Kvarken Archipelago Customer Centre, positioned on the foot of the well-known Replot Bridge, the longest in Finland. Relying on what time of the yr you’re visiting, you will get data on the Archipelago and manage your go to.
The place to remain in Kvarken – Kalle’s Inn, positioned on the westernmost level in Finland that may be reached by automobile. Lodging is in cabins or beautiful glass igloos, there’s a wooden sauna with the opportunity of ice bathing, and the restaurant menu focuses on contemporary, native merchandise. I’m nonetheless dreaming of their roasted beetroot salad!
Day 5 – Umeå
It’s time to set sail from Finland to Sweden to proceed your journey alongside the Bothnian Coastal Route. Head again to Vaasa and take the day by day Wasaline ferry to Umeå – their new vessel Aurora Botnia is a hybrid ferry running on sustainable fuel, and it’s aiming to grow to be carbon impartial by 2030.
Journey time between Vaasa and Umeå is simply 3 and a half hours, and so they’ll fly by as you admire the view of the Kvarken Archipelago as you cruise. We advocate spending an additional €15 to get entry to the enterprise lounge, the place you may have limitless espresso, quicker Wi-Fi and comfortable seats.
Umeå is a really attention-grabbing metropolis, with a thriving cultural scene after having been European Capital of Tradition in 2014. You’ll be able to begin your go to from Rådhusesplanaden, a pedestrian avenue resulting in town corridor, after which proceed all the best way to the river, the place you’ll see Nineteenth-century brick homes and fashionable buildings facet by facet.
We advocate strolling by way of the Väven Tradition Home, related to the U&Me Resort. The constructing’s structure was planned by the Snöhetta studio, well-known for the structure of the Oslo Opera Home. On the Go to Umeå web site you’ll discover an itinerary you may comply with for a self-guided architecture walk.
On the day we visited Umeå it was freezing, and after an hour spent strolling across the metropolis we felt it was time to go again inside. Fortunately, there’s a very distinctive museum in Umeå! Guitars – The Museum was opened in 2014 to show the guitars, basses and amps collected by the Åhdén brothers all through their lives.
The brothers run day by day guided excursions to showcase their assortment and introduce probably the most significant items to guests. There are additionally some actually enjoyable tales about a few of these guitars and the way they discovered their technique to Umeå, however I received’t spoil something. Be sure to go to this museum!
The place to remain in Umeå – Stora Hotellet, an award-winning sustainable resort that blends fashionable facilities with a historic seafaring vibe. Their restaurant Gotthard Krog serves greens grown of their greenhouse.
Day 6 – Skellefteå
Our final cease on the Bothnian Coastal Route was Skellefteå, about 120 km north. As quickly as you attain this small city surrounded by nature and forest, you’ll discover a tall constructing towering over the one/two story homes of the centre. What’s it, chances are you’ll ask.
Some years in the past, Skellefteå was present process extreme depopulation. The north of Sweden may be very sparsely inhabited, and there have been few alternatives for younger individuals apart from coming into the timber trade. It was determined to construct one thing to make individuals pleased with their metropolis – and that’s how the Sara Cultural Centre got here to life.
Sara Cultural Centre and the adjoining Wooden Resort make up the tallest wood constructing on the earth, with a complete of 20 tales. The design and structure prioritize sustainability, making it one of the first climate-positive buildings in the world.
The Cultural Centre homes an auditorium, a museum, artwork gallery, and town library. There are guided excursions if you wish to know extra in regards to the building strategies and pursuit of sustainability, or you may simply go to freely, see a present or participate in a wealthy calendar of occasions (together with yoga courses on Sunday mornings!)
Nonetheless, you received’t simply discover fashionable wood buildings in Skellefteå. Between two church buildings you’ll discover Bonnstan, a wood home neighbourhood and one in all Sweden’s final remaining kyrkstad, or ‘church cities’.
Church cities have been constructed within the Nineteenth century to accommodate worshippers from the nation visiting cities to attend Sunday companies. These fundamental wood cottages are nonetheless in glorious situation – most of them at the moment are privately owned and other people like staying there in the summertime.
On the time of our go to all homes have been closed, however in case you’d prefer to see one from the within, Café Lanthalden is open year-round and serves scrumptious soups, bread and pastries.
The place to remain in Skellefteå – The Wood Hotel! Not solely was it our favorite sight on the town, it’s additionally a beautiful resort the place EVERYTHING is made out of wooden, together with your room key! Mandel Restaurant serves glorious meals all made with native components, and there’s a spa on the highest flooring with views over town. It could be great to see the Northern Lights from there!
Day 7 – Skellefteå-Stockholm
Earlier than ending this itinerary alongside the Bothnian Coastal Route there’s time for yet one more exercise in Skellefteå – Alpine rodel!
Alpine rodels are conventional wood sleds originating from Tyrol, utilized by individuals of all ages to have enjoyable sliding down ski slopes. Nonetheless, rodel can also be a sport – and Skellefteå is residence to fairly just a few rodel champions!
The Skellefteå rodel club has simply began providing rodel crash programs, to permit first-timers to take pleasure in this eco-friendly different to snowboarding in whole security. They’re positioned just some km exterior the centre of Skellefteå – you’ll be supplied with helmets, goggles and a sledge, and proven how you can flip and how you can cease.
We had just a few runs on a small slope, after which even had a go on a a lot greater one. We didn’t fairly zip down as quick as the professionals did, nevertheless it was actually nice enjoyable. The Skellefteå rodel membership is open for apply each Sunday (for freshmen) at 4.30 PM and Wednesday at 7 PM, and it solely prices 100 SEK to affix!
From Skellefteå you may simply fly again to Stockholm. The town airport is the one one on the earth with a wood management tower, and gives 2/3 day by day flights to the Swedish capital.
Do you have got extra time to discover the Bothnian Coastal Route?
This 1-week Bothnian Coastal Route itinerary retraces the steps of our journey in January 2024, alongside the southern a part of the Gulf of Bothnia.
With 10 or 15 days, you might discover the whole thing of the Bothnian Coastal Route, beginning in Vaasa, heading north to Kokkola and Kalajoki, after which proceed to Oulu – we’ve got a helpful guide about Oulu in winter in case you’re heading that approach.
Then, continue north to visit Kemi (don’t miss the snow fortress and icebreaker ship!), then try the border city of Haparanda/Tornio and journey south alongside the Swedish coast, by way of Kalix, Luleå and Piteå, earlier than reaching Skellefteå.
The Bothnian Coastal Route web site has loads of data that will help you plan your time within the Gulf of Bothnia, with concepts for all seasons!
Our time alongside the Bothnian Coastal Route was organized and supported by Toolbox Consulting and the native tourism boards as a part of the Uncover Finland, Estonia and Sweden 2024 media tour undertaking.
