How to get to Kvarken

Every year thousands of people visit the unique archipelago of Kvarken. 10 thousand years ago, Finland was coverd by thick ice. The thick ice pressed the surface for many years. That's why there is a unique natural phenomenom in Finland especially in Kvarken, or in Finnish, Merenkurkku. Kvarken was Finland's first UNESCO world destination, nowadays there are six others.

It takes around 40 minutes to get from Vaasa city centre to Björköby by car. The distance is 40km (24 miles).

On your way to the island Björköby you have to drive through three islands. The islands are connected by bridges, the longest bridge is called Raippaluoto bridge. It is the longest bridge in Finland (1045m). The view from the car window is really peaceful. You can see many traditonal Finnish houses, built out of wood with a tin roof, usually painted red. The farther you go from Vaasa you can see more of the beautiful seascape.

Before you go, make sure you have good clothing and some food. The weather in Vaasa and Björköby is nearly never the same because the cold sea breeze cools the air down. In the winter make sure you have a beanie, outdoor pants, a warm jacket, mittens and shoes for slippery duckboards. In the summertime be prepared for a cool wind otherwise it's often warm. You're probably going to spend a while there so take some food along with you. For example ryebread, Finland's national food and a bottle of water. In the summertime you can also go and eat in cafe Salteriet, in the wintertime it's closed.