The old town Neristan has been the heart of Kokkola since the 17th century. Kokkola has numerous museums also for families with children. Meripuisto is suitable for a summer picnic and the Tankar lighthouse island for an archipelago excursion. Ostrobothnia is strongly represented on our holiday in Finland, which will continue next to the city of Kokkola. In 2020, Kokkola celebrates its 400th anniversary, so it is one of the oldest cities on our trip. What can you do in this old and charming city? The centre of Kokkola and the pulsating heart of the city is the old town called Neristan, whose well-preserved wooden house area is an absolute must-see destination in the centre of Kokkola. The Old Town is full of details for an adventurous explorer. Many windows are still decorated with porcelain dogs that sailors used to bring back home as souvenirs from England. A dog peeking onto the street meant that the man of the house was away on his travels, while a dog looking towards the house communicated to others that the husband was at home. In Neristan, you should stop by Kieppi, the Kokkola Natural History Museum, in the western part of the area. The museum's collection is extensive and covers almost all Finnish mammals and butterfly species as well as much more worth studying. A visit to Kieppi is a much more fun way for most children to learn new things about Finnish nature than by reading from a book! The second spot-on choice for families with children is The Toivonen Animal Park and Peasant Museum, located just over ten kilometres from the centre of Kokkola. The countryside milieu presents peasant life with various exhibitions and work shows. The entire range of domestic animals in Finnish farmhouses also live in the area, from piggies to cats. Children have their own playground in the area, and there’s also a sympathetic little café for some snacks. Kokkola is a coastal town, meaning that maritime travellers have a lot to explore here. The most idyllic destination in the archipelago is the rugged lighthouse island Tankar, located about 15 km from the coast of Kokkola. The lighthouse, which is still in operation, dates back to the late 19th century, but the island's oldest cottage is about 100 years older. In the beautiful fishing village and small museum, you can explore the lives of former fishermen and seal hunters in stunning scenery. You can extend your stay by booking accommodation, which also allows you to enjoy the gentle steam of the island’s wooden sauna. If your holiday is during the summer months and the idea is to stay in the centre of Kokkola, it is worth taking time for a picnic in Meripuisto (literally “sea park”). You can walk to the park in about half an hour from Neristan and you can expect a spacious and green seaside landscape once you get there. After a break and packed lunch, it might be a good idea to try a round of frisbee golf on the nearby track. The old town and the proximity of the sea bring an idyllic old-fashioned atmosphere to Kokkola. OnniBus is your way to reach this beautiful destination comfortably and affordably on your next holiday in Finland. Book your seat and start planning your trip!
