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Kvarken Boat Museum: A Maritime Treasure Trove

Explore Finland's largest boat museum in the Kvarken Archipelago, showcasing Ostrobothnian maritime history and traditional boat-building from 1820-1993.

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The Kvarken Boat Museum, the largest of its kind in Finland, showcases Ostrobothnian utility boats from 1820-1993. Located in a nationally valuable cultural landscape in the Malax river delta, the museum offers a glimpse into the region's rich maritime history, islander life, and boat-building traditions.

A brief summary to Kvarken Boat Museum

  • Tuesday 1 pm-6 pm
  • Wednesday 1 pm-6 pm
  • Thursday 1 pm-6 pm
  • Friday 1 pm-6 pm
  • Saturday 1 pm-6 pm
  • Sunday 1 pm-6 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the summer months to experience the museum's full opening hours and special themed exhibitions.
  • Explore the surrounding Åminne area, a cultural landscape of national value with traditional red boathouses.
  • Check out the museum's collection of over 160 boat engines to see the technical evolution of maritime technology.
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Getting There

  • Car

    The Kvarken Boat Museum is located at Åminnevägen 433, 66100, Malax. From Vaasa, follow highway 8 south and then take road 675 towards Åminne. Parking is available near the museum. Note that parking may be limited during peak season.

  • Public Transport

    While direct public transport to the museum may be limited, you can take a bus from Vaasa to Malax and then a local taxi to Åminnevägen. Check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information. A taxi from Malax to the museum will cost approximately €20-€30.

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Discover more about Kvarken Boat Museum

Nestled in the scenic Malax river delta, the Kvarken Boat Museum stands as a testament to Ostrobothnia's deep-rooted connection to the sea. As the largest boat museum in Finland, it houses an impressive collection of nearly 100 utility boats, ranging from traditional wooden vessels to more modern examples crafted from aluminum, fiberglass and mahogany. The museum's exhibits span the period from 1820 to 1993, offering visitors a comprehensive overview of the evolution of boat design and usage in the region. The museum's location itself is steeped in history, surrounded by traditional boathouses and set within a cultural landscape of national significance. The museum comprises 19 buildings, each dedicated to different aspects of maritime life. Visitors can explore exhibits on fishing techniques, seal hunting practices, timber rafting, and the daily lives of islanders. Over 160 boat engines and around 4,000 artifacts further enrich the visitor experience, providing context and detail to the stories behind the boats. Among the museum's many highlights are rare vessels like Zacharias Topelius' 19th-century dinghy, "Gröngölingen," and dugout canoes dating back to 1774. A unique exhibit features a reed boat crafted in 2008 on Lake Titicaca in Bolivia, demonstrating the global connections of maritime culture. The museum also hosts various themed exhibitions throughout the summer, ensuring a dynamic and engaging experience for every visitor. With its extensive collection and picturesque setting, the Kvarken Boat Museum offers a fascinating journey into Finland's maritime past.

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