Vaasa, a sunny, well-run city halfway up Finland’s west coast, combines history, modernity and nature in an enticing package. Vaasa was created in the 17th-century and then again after a fire in the 19th century. Today it is a chic city sprinkled with interesting heritage buildings. Especially in the atmospheric Old Town centre (the remnants of the town’s first version). World-class, contemporary spaces and a thriving university culture express themselves in impressive art galleries, plenty of entertainment options, and world-class restaurants and services.

Along with this, Vaasa is also known for its eco-friendly initiatives and way of life. Nearby, the UNESCO-listed Kvarken Archipelago offers a magnificent natural destination, where traces of the Ice Age float between picturesque villages. Make sure to visit the Pohjanmaan Museo, offering insight into both natural and cultural history.