Neristan - the old wooden town

Neristan is a tranquil and colorful gem in the center of Kokkola. During the summer, guided walking tours are available where you can learn about the fascinating stories and details of what has happened inside the town's historic buildings. Neristan is one of Finland's most well-preserved wooden city areas, offering a unique look into the past.

The lighthouse island of Tankar

Tankar is a must-see year after year. A 1,5-hour boat ride takes you to the picturesque lighthouse island, where you can find a café, a church, nature trails, a bird tower, a small beach, and of course, the lighthouse. Tankar is an excellent destination for all ages, with guided tours and lighthouse days where visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse.

Summer Restaurant Mustakari

In May, the charming seaside restaurant Mustakari opens its doors. Here, you can enjoy lunch from a buffet, bask in the sun on the terrace, watch the sunset, and taste summer treats. Mustakari also features a beach sauna, which is open to locals on summer Thursdays and available for private rentals the rest of the time. The restaurant hosts brunches, live music, and other events throughout the summer. Read more here. Mustakari is also home to its own festival—Mustakari Memories. This two-day event in June features performers such as KAJ, Robin Packalen, Mirella, and Kaija Koo. During the festival there's also a free event for kids!

Explore the City by Bike

Kokkola is small enough to explore by bike, and at Kaarle, you can rent a bike. Ask the reception for the best routes; there are options for both easy and more challenging bike trails. The city also has nature trails that are great to explore in any season, ranging in length from short to longer routes. Read more here. In Kokkola, there are plenty of playgrounds and activity areas. Don’t miss the Wednesday evening market during summer months, which is full of life.

For families, other favorites include the Waterpark VesiVeijari, which has an outdoor pool and water slides in the summer. Animal lovers should head to the Toivonen Animal Park to admire farm animals in a traditional countryside setting.

Venetsialaiset – An All-Age Music Festival in August

On August 29–30, Kokkola's Event Park comes alive. As the evening sets in, the stage will host top performers like Turisti, Averagekidluke, Mirella, Hooja (Swe), Sexmane, Ares, and Isac Elliot, among others. This festival welcomes everyone, with special ticket prices for adults and youth. Children under 10 get in free with a guardian. Check out the full artist lineup and more details here.