Discover Central Ostrobothnia

Central Ostrobothnia stretches from the sea to the wilderness. Sandy beaches, ancient forests and vast wetlands shape the region’s varied landscapes. When planning your trip, you can decide whether to focus on coastal scenery and maritime experiences, longer routes through nature, or music and historic sites.

Coasts, wetlands and trails

Hiking trails lead from the coast through ancient forests and into wetlands. Salamajärvi National Park has around 60 kilometres of marked trails, with individual routes ranging from 1.5 to 58 kilometres. This offers a choice of everything from shorter walks to considerably longer routes. The park encompasses old-growth forests, rocky heathland and vast wilderness wetlands. An observation tower on the edge of Heikinjärvenneva offers a place to watch wetland birds.

Multi-day ski treks are possible on the Peuran polku trail. Overnight options include tents, shelters, cabins and rental accommodation. Central Ostrobothnia’s flat terrain also offers suitable cycling routes. The Kaustinen region has opportunities for hiking, mountain biking and fishing. For those who want to get out on the water, the Lestijoki canoe route offers a wilderness atmosphere and rapids. These activities offer different ways to experience the landscape, with hiking, cycling, fishing and canoeing each providing its own focus.

Folk music and historic sites

Kaustinen is a destination for travellers interested in folk music. The distinctive style and playing technique of Kaustinen folk music have been around for more than 250 years. In 2021, Kaustinen fiddle playing was added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Kaustinen folk music is closely associated with the annual Kaustinen Folk Music Festival.

At Pelimannitalo, local food and music go hand in hand. The menu includes Kaustinen-style Juustopaisti and a creamy meat soup with Leipäjuusto. During the meal, local folk musicians perform Kaustinen folk music and tell stories about its origins. This visit offers a way to pair a meal with an insight into the region’s music culture.

Kokkola is home to Neristan, one of Finland’s most extensively preserved historic wooden-house districts. You can explore the district independently using a free brochure or join a guided tour. The Veikko Salkio Natural History Collection at Kieppi offers a different cultural focus. It is of national significance and comprises around 2,500 specimens.

Kokkola and Tankar

Kokkola’s compact city centre is easy to explore on foot, with services close at hand. The beach is about a half-hour walk away. Kokkola National Urban Park covers almost 20,000 hectares and consists mainly of bodies of water. This means that the city offers two distinct points of reference: a centre to explore on foot and an expansive park landscape shaped predominantly by water. Kokkola is connected by road, air and rail.

Tankar combines historic maritime landscapes with nature experiences. The island has nature trails, a birdwatching tower, cliffs and a lighthouse. During the summer season, Café Tankar serves salmon soup. Before travelling to Tankar, check the M/S Jenny timetable and choose a departure time that suits you.

For regional orientation, see Kokkola, Kaustinen, Lestijärvi, Ahomäki, Toholampi, Halsua, Lappajärvi and Yli-Lesti.