Discover the Tranquility of the Kvarken Archipelago: A UNESCO World Heritage Gem

Explore the Kvarken Archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity await your discovery.

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Kvarken Archipelago | Unesco World Heritage

The Kvarken Archipelago, a stunning UNESCO World Heritage site, welcomes tourists with its breathtaking landscapes, unique geological features, and rich biodiversity. Located in Malax, Finland, this archipelago is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. From serene walks through lush parks to engaging in water sports, visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of this remarkable location.

A brief summary to Kvarken Archipelago | Unesco World Heritage

Malax, 66100, FI

Local tips

Visit during the summer months for the best weather and to enjoy outdoor activities.
Bring binoculars for birdwatching, as the archipelago is home to many unique bird species.
Consider taking a guided tour to learn more about the geology and ecology of the area.
Pack a picnic to enjoy by the water, as there are many scenic spots to relax and take in the views.
Check local ferry schedules in advance if you plan to explore multiple islands.

Getting There

Car

From Archipelago National Park, you will want to head towards the nearest main road, which is Route 1 (E18). Drive northeast on Route 1 towards Malax. The journey will take approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, depending on traffic. Once you reach Malax, follow the signs to 66100 Malax, where Kvarken Archipelago is located. The exact coordinates are approximately 62.9720455 latitude and 20.8375205 longitude. Ensure you have a GPS or a map app for the final stretch as the area can be rural.
Public Transportation

If you prefer public transportation, start by taking a bus from one of the nearest towns in Archipelago National Park to the city of Kokkola. Check the local bus schedules for routes that connect to Kokkola. Once in Kokkola, switch to a bus heading towards Malax. Buses run regularly, but it’s advisable to check the latest timetable as they may vary. Upon arriving in Malax, you may need to take a local taxi or rideshare service to reach Kvarken Archipelago at 66100 Malax.
Taxi or Rideshare

If you're in Malax and prefer not to walk, consider using a local taxi or rideshare service to reach Kvarken Archipelago. Taxis can be booked via local cab companies or through rideshare apps. The trip from Malax city center to Kvarken Archipelago should take about 10 minutes, covering a distance of approximately 8 kilometers. This option is particularly convenient if you are traveling with luggage or in a group.

Discover more about Kvarken Archipelago | Unesco World Heritage

The Kvarken Archipelago is a mesmerizing collection of islands in the Gulf of Bothnia, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its unique geological features and breathtaking natural beauty. This stunning archipelago offers a rich tapestry of landscapes, from rocky shores and lush forests to tranquil inland lakes, making it a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. Visitors to the archipelago can explore its diverse ecosystems, which are home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including many rare and endangered species. The area is also known for its unique post-glacial landscape, which continues to evolve as the land rises due to tectonic activity. This dynamic environment provides endless opportunities for exploration and learning. Adventurers will find plenty of activities to engage in, such as hiking, kayaking, and birdwatching, all set against the stunning backdrop of the archipelago's rugged beauty. The charming towns scattered throughout the islands offer a glimpse into the local culture and history, with cozy cafes, artisan shops, and welcoming communities that enhance the travel experience. Whether you're looking to relax in nature or embark on thrilling outdoor pursuits, the Kvarken Archipelago promises an unforgettable experience filled with natural wonders and cultural richness.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Aava Kertun Kotitila

32.5 km

Experience the charm of Finnish farm life at Aava Kertun Kotitila, an animal park where you can connect with nature and friendly animals.

Jannes Saloon

36.0 km

Experience the taste of Finland at Jannes Saloon, where local flavors meet a warm, inviting atmosphere in the heart of Vaasa.

Öjberget

37.6 km

Explore the winter magic of Öjberget, a premier ski resort in Vaasa, offering thrilling slopes, stunning views, and family-friendly activities.

Wasaline Terminal

38.5 km

Experience the gateway to Finland's stunning archipelago at Wasaline Terminal, a modern hub for your cruise adventures.

Sandö

40.6 km

Experience the breathtaking landscapes and tranquil beaches of Sandö Island in Vaasa, a perfect escape for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Vaasa city sign

40.9 km

Explore the iconic Vaasa city sign, a picturesque landmark surrounded by stunning marina views and rich local culture, perfect for every traveler.

Inre Hamnen Terrace

40.9 km

Discover the flavors of Finland at Inre Hamnen Terrace, a waterfront restaurant in Vaasa offering a delightful dining experience with stunning harbor views.

Design Center Muova (Western Finland)

40.9 km

Discover the heart of innovation at Design Center Muova in Vaasa—where creativity meets cutting-edge research and product development.

Fiskdisken

40.9 km

Experience the best of Finnish seafood at Fiskdisken in Vaasa, where fresh catches and a welcoming atmosphere await every seafood lover.

Korv Görans

41.0 km

Experience the best of Finnish fast food at Korv Görans in Vaasa, where delicious grilled favorites meet a vibrant atmosphere.

Long Van Jäätelö

41.0 km

Experience the sweet delight of artisanal ice cream at Long Van Jäätelö in Vaasa, where every scoop is a moment of joy.

Setterberg Park

41.0 km

Explore Setterberg Park in Vaasa, a tranquil city park perfect for picnics, family fun, and leisurely strolls amidst nature's beauty.

Gustavsborgs strand

41.1 km

Experience the scenic beauty and tranquility of Gustavsborgs Strand, a perfect beach getaway in Vaasa, Finland, for relaxation and leisure activities.

Kustaanlinnan Päiväkoti

41.2 km

Discover Kustaanlinnan Päiväkoti in Vaasa, a nurturing after-school program that promotes children's development in a safe and engaging environment.

Vaasa Church or Trinity Church

41.3 km

Explore the stunning Vaasa Church, a beautiful Lutheran landmark in Finland that blends architectural elegance with rich cultural history.

Unmissable attractions to see

Åminne Folkpark

32.7 km

Experience the vibrant culture and enchanting dances of Åminne Folkpark, a unique tourist attraction in Finland's picturesque Maalahti.

Kvarken Boat Museum

32.9 km

Explore maritime heritage at Kvarken Boat Museum, showcasing a rich collection of boats and artifacts in a scenic Finnish setting.

Södersunds Väderkvarn

36.7 km

Experience the beauty of Södersunds Väderkvarn, a historic windmill in Vaasa offering stunning landscapes and a slice of Finnish heritage.

Meteoria Söderfjärden Visitor Centre

37.1 km

Explore the geological marvels and stunning landscapes at Meteoria Söderfjärden Visitor Centre in Vaasa, Finland.

Söderfjärden Torrläggning

37.1 km

Explore the serene beauty of Söderfjärden Torrläggning in Vaasa, Finland – a haven for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Öjen Nature Trail

38.3 km

Explore the Öjen Nature Trail, a serene hiking area near Vaasa, Finland, perfect for families and nature enthusiasts seeking stunning landscapes.

Tropiclandia

39.9 km

Experience the thrill and relaxation of Tropiclandia, Vaasa's premier water park, where adventure meets tropical paradise in Finland.

Zip Adventure Park

39.9 km

Experience the thrill of outdoor adventure at Zip Adventure Park in Vaasa, where excitement meets nature for an unforgettable day.

Wasa Graffitilandia

40.1 km

Explore Wasa Graffitilandia in Vaasa, Finland, a vibrant outdoor gallery showcasing stunning street art and interactive experiences.

Ukkokari uimaranta

40.5 km

Discover Ukkokari Uimaranta, a serene beach in Vaasa, Finland, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and experiencing nature's beauty.

Maritime museum of Vaasa

40.6 km

Discover the maritime history of Finland at the Vaasa Maritime Museum, featuring engaging exhibits and a rich collection of maritime artifacts.

Landhöjning

40.6 km

Discover Landhöjning in Vaasa, Finland—a stunning natural phenomenon showcasing post-glacial rebound and scenic coastal landscapes.

Post-glacial Rebound (the Rise of Land)

40.6 km

Explore the captivating post-glacial rebound in Vaasa, where nature's resilience shapes the land and invites adventure.

Sea Eagle - Finnish Aviation Monument

40.7 km

Explore the Sea Eagle - Finnish Aviation Monument in Vaasa, a stunning tribute celebrating aviation history amid beautiful parkland.

Kuntsi Museum of Modern Art

40.9 km

Explore contemporary creativity at the Kuntsi Museum of Modern Art in Vaasa, where innovative exhibits and engaging art await every visitor.

Essential places to dine

Åminne Restaurang

32.7 km

Discover authentic Finnish cuisine at Åminne Restaurang in Malax - where local flavors meet warm hospitality.

Ravintola Seglis - Restaurang Seglis

40.0 km

Discover the essence of Scandinavian cuisine at Ravintola Seglis in Vaasa – where tradition meets modern dining.

Saaristoravintola Ukkokari

40.3 km

Experience exquisite dining at Saaristoravintola Ukkokari, where local flavors meet breathtaking views in Finland's stunning archipelago.

Berny's Cafe & Restaurant

40.9 km

Experience delightful dining at Berny's Cafe & Restaurant in Replot - where local flavors meet warm hospitality.

Faros Restaurant Ship

40.9 km

Discover exquisite dining on water at Faros Restaurant Ship in Vaasa – where culinary delights meet stunning harbor views.

Restaurant Hejm

40.9 km

Experience authentic Scandinavian flavors at Restaurant Hejm in Vaasa - where local ingredients meet innovative culinary artistry.

Strampen

40.9 km

Discover the essence of Finnish cuisine at Strampen in Vaasa - where tradition meets modern flavor in a cozy atmosphere.

DB Wasa Restaurants AB Oy

41.0 km

Experience the best of Finnish cuisine at DB Wasa Restaurants AB Oy in Vaasa – where tradition meets modern dining.

Bacchus & Svenska Klubben

41.0 km

Discover exquisite dining at Bacchus & Svenska Klubben in Vaasa - where culinary artistry meets elegance in every dish.

Food House Power Bay,Vaasa ravintolat Oy

41.1 km

Discover authentic Finnish flavors at Food House Power Bay in Vaasa - where local ingredients meet culinary artistry.

Food House Power Bay,Vaasa ravintolat Oy

Teatterinaiset

41.2 km

Discover the authentic flavors of Finland at Teatterinaiset in Vaasa, where every dish tells a story of local heritage and culinary excellence.

Sulvan Kestikievari

41.3 km

Discover authentic Finnish cuisine at Sulvan Kestikievari – where every meal tells a story of local flavors and heartfelt hospitality.

Pizzabistro Marco Polo

41.4 km

Discover delicious Italian cuisine at Pizzabistro Marco Polo in Vaasa - where authentic pizza meets inviting ambiance.

Nordic Abyssinia/Abyssinian Livingroom

41.4 km

Savor authentic Ethiopian cuisine at Nordic Abyssinia in Vaasa—where every meal tells a story of tradition and flavor.

Bank Food & Wine

41.4 km

Discover the culinary treasures at Bank Food & Wine in Vaasa - where Finnish flavors meet fine dining in a cozy atmosphere.

Explore Avocas in Vaasa for an unforgettable shopping experience filled with trendy women's fashion, unique accessories, and excellent customer service.

Doo-Bop Club: A vibrant jazz haven in Vaasa offering unforgettable live music experiences in an intimate setting.

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

Discover Kvarken Archipelago | Unesco World Heritage with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide. Explore attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more with ease and convenience.

Discover the Tranquility of the Kvarken Archipelago: A UNESCO World Heritage Gem

A brief summary to Kvarken Archipelago | Unesco World Heritage

Local tips

Getting There

Car

Public Transportation

Taxi or Rideshare

Unlock the Best of Kvarken Archipelago | Unesco World Heritage

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Kvarken Archipelago | Unesco World Heritage

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Aava Kertun Kotitila

Jannes Saloon

Öjberget

Wasaline Terminal

Sandö

Vaasa city sign

Inre Hamnen Terrace

Design Center Muova (Western Finland)

Fiskdisken

Korv Görans

Long Van Jäätelö

Setterberg Park

Gustavsborgs strand

Kustaanlinnan Päiväkoti

Vaasa Church or Trinity Church

Unmissable attractions to see

Åminne Folkpark

Kvarken Boat Museum

Södersunds Väderkvarn

Meteoria Söderfjärden Visitor Centre

Söderfjärden Torrläggning

Öjen Nature Trail

Tropiclandia

Zip Adventure Park

Wasa Graffitilandia

Ukkokari uimaranta

Maritime museum of Vaasa

Landhöjning

Post-glacial Rebound (the Rise of Land)

Sea Eagle - Finnish Aviation Monument

Kuntsi Museum of Modern Art

Essential places to dine

Åminne Restaurang

Ravintola Seglis - Restaurang Seglis

Saaristoravintola Ukkokari

Berny's Cafe & Restaurant

Faros Restaurant Ship

Restaurant Hejm

Strampen

DB Wasa Restaurants AB Oy

Bacchus & Svenska Klubben

Food House Power Bay,Vaasa ravintolat Oy

Teatterinaiset

Sulvan Kestikievari

Pizzabistro Marco Polo

Nordic Abyssinia/Abyssinian Livingroom

Bank Food & Wine

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Södra Vallgrund Handelslag

Sommaröhallen

Replot Närköp innehavare Bjarne Back

Ashabi Luovuus

Rose Madeleine

Taiga Chocolate Oy

Sisustus Säde

JACK & JONES

PENTIK

The Body Shop

Clas Ohlson

Flying Tiger Copenhagen

Marimekko Vaasa

Onnen Sydän

Avocas

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Smuggler's Nest

Sundom Wine

Navetta bar