Things To Do
in Korsholm
Korsholm (Mustasaari in Finnish) is a coastal municipality in Ostrobothnia, western Finland, made up of coastal farmland, villages and a rich archipelago that forms part of the Kvarken UNESCO area. The area is bilingual with a strong Swedish-speaking identity, traditional wooden villages and many outdoor opportunities from birdwatching to boating. Korsholm sits a short drive from the regional city of Vaasa, making it a peaceful rural base with easy access to urban services.
Visitors come for scenic sunsets over the Kvarken, local seafood, and quiet cultural sites rooted in coastal Ostrobothnian life.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at the airport in Vaasa and take a short drive to Korsholm, soaking in the scenic Finnish countryside along the way. Once settled in your accommodation, enjoy a traditional Finnish breakfast at a local café, featuring rye bread and fresh berries. Spend some time exploring the charming streets of the town and get acquainted with your surroundings.
Visit the Korsholm Church, a remarkable wooden structure that stands as a testament to Finnish architectural heritage. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a waterfront restaurant, where you can indulge in local fish dishes while taking in the view of the archipelago. Afterward, take a stroll in the nearby Kvarken Archipelago UNESCO World Heritage Site to appreciate its stunning landscapes.
As the sun sets, return to the town center for dinner, perhaps trying some local game dishes. After dinner, explore the vibrant nightlife scene, stopping by a cozy pub for a taste of Finnish craft beers. Conclude your evening with a peaceful walk along the waterfront, listening to the gentle lapping of waves.
Begin your day with an early breakfast and then set off for an excursion to Ostrobothnia. First, visit the Ostrobothnian Museum in Vaasa to gain insight into the region's history and culture. Take a guided tour or wander the exhibits at your own pace, appreciating the artifacts that showcase local traditions.
For lunch, enjoy a meal at one of Vaasa's bustling eateries, where you can savor local specialties such as Kalakukko. Afterward, visit the beautiful Merenkurkun Archipelago for some outdoor activities like hiking or biking through the pristine nature. Keep an eye out for the unique wildlife that inhabits this picturesque setting.
Return to Korsholm in the evening and treat yourself to dinner at a restaurant offering traditional Finnish cuisine. After your meal, partake in a cultural event, if available, such as a folk dance or music performance in the quaint town. Wrap up the night with a visit to a local sauna, a quintessential Finnish experience.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-18 |
| ☕Coffee and pastry (café) | $4-7 |
| 🚌Local bus fare (single) | $2-4 |
| ⛽Gasoline (per liter) | $1.5-2.0 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (double, per night) | $80-140 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful coastal and archipelago scenery, part of the Kvarken UNESCO landscape.
- Quiet, authentic village life with strong Swedish-Finnish culture and easy access to nature.
- Limited nightlife and dining options within Korsholm itself; for more variety you need to go to Vaasa.
- Public transport is limited in rural areas—having a car or bicycle makes exploration much easier.
- "Hej / Moi" - Hello (Swedish / Finnish)
- "Tack / Kiitos" - Thank you (Swedish / Finnish)
- "Ursäkta, var ligger ...? / Anteeksi, missä ...?" - Excuse me, where is ...?
- "Kan du prata engelska? / Puhutko englantia?" - Do you speak English?
- "Hjälp / Apu" - Help (Swedish / Finnish)
Places to Visit in Korsholm
Visit one of these nice places.
Wide coastal views, skerries and low islands produce dramatic seascapes and sunsets—excellent for golden-hour photography and capturing UNESCO-listed land uplift features.
Observation towers and hides allow close views of migratory birds and wetland landscapes—ideal for wildlife photography in spring and autumn.
Traditional wooden houses, churchyards and farmsteads showcase coastal Ostrobothnian architecture and atmospheric street scenes.
When conditions allow, frozen sea and ice roads create unique minimalist winter scenes—take care and check safety before venturing onto ice.
Flat farmland and open skies near Korsholm produce striking light and wide-angle landscape opportunities, especially during long summer evenings.
Food in Korsholm
Korsholm Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Locally smoked salmon is widely available in restaurants and markets—try it on rye bread or as part of a seafood platter at coastal eateries.
Must-Try!
Small freshwater fish, lightly battered and fried—a popular local treat often found at markets and summer food stalls.
Sweet braided buns flavored with cardamom, sold in village cafés and bakeries throughout the region.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The main market in the regional center, a short drive away, offers fresh fish, local cheeses, baked goods and seasonal produce—great for picnic supplies.
In summer, look for roadside stands and small stalls near beaches offering grilled fish, pastries and berry jams made by locals.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
People tend to be polite and reserved—greet with a friendly 'hej' or 'moi' and allow for personal space; small talk is less common than in some cultures.
It's customary to take off shoes when entering private homes; some cafés or homes may provide slippers.
You can responsibly roam, camp briefly and pick wild berries on public land, but do not disturb wildlife, stay off private property without permission and leave no trace.
Korsholm is bilingual (Swedish and Finnish). Locals may prefer Swedish—using basic greetings in Swedish is appreciated; English is widely understood.
Safety
Tipping in Korsholm
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not obligatory in Finland; a small tip or rounding up for good service is appreciated but most places include service in the price. Cash is accepted but card payments (chip and contactless) are widely used and often preferred.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Bird migration peaks in spring—bring binoculars and waterproof layers; temperatures are cool but daylight increases quickly. Some coastal trails may be wet or muddy.
Long daylight and mild temperatures make summer ideal for boating, kayaking and hiking; expect busy weekends at beaches and boat harbours. Mosquitoes can be present in marshy areas—bring repellent.
Autumn migration is excellent for birdwatching and dramatic skies; temperatures drop and daylight shortens—pack warm layers and waterproofs for wind and rain.
Cold, snowy and dark with short daylight hours; good for cross-country skiing and occasional northern lights displays—prepare for icy roads and dress in warm layers.
Korsholm at Night
Hiking in Korsholm
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A birdwatching and coastal trail with observation towers, boardwalks and short loops—ideal for wildlife viewing and easy hikes.
Various island and coastal routes around the Kvarken area provide hiking, beach walks and opportunities to explore the UNESCO land uplift landscape—many routes are best accessed by boat.
Numerous local dirt roads and marked rural paths connect villages and farms, offering flat, scenic walks suitable for all levels.
Short drives to Vaasa-area reserves (like Söderfjärden) offer additional boardwalks and viewpoints for landscape photography and birdwatching.
Airports
How to reach Korsholm by plane.
The closest airport (roughly 15–25 km depending on your destination in Korsholm) with flights to Helsinki and seasonal connections; ground transport by taxi, car or regional bus links to Vaasa and surrounding municipalities.
Smaller regional airport to the north with limited connections; about 1–1.5 hours' drive depending on route—useful for some domestic flights.
Finland's main international hub; roughly 4–5 hours by car or rail plus connections—best option for many international travelers.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Korsholm has a significant Swedish-speaking majority and cultural institutions and everyday life often operate bilingually.
Finnish speakers are also present and local services generally accommodate both languages.
The area combines family farms and small communities with an aging demographic typical of rural municipalities, alongside commuters to Vaasa.
Many residents commute to Vaasa for work or education, and students contribute to regional cultural life.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A leading winter sport across Finland; local teams, youth hockey and community rinks are common in the region.
Very popular in winter with groomed trails and backcountry options for fitness and recreation.
Coastal and archipelago life supports strong sailing, motorboating and small-boat cultures—marinas and clubs are active in summer.
Popular amateur sports with local clubs and weekend matches, especially among families and youth.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Korsholm.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian choices are generally available at cafés and larger restaurants (salads, soups, grain bowls), but rural menus can be fish- and meat-heavy—ask staff for modifications and look for vegetable-based seasonal options.
Vegan options are less common in small villages but increasing; plan ahead, check menus or call restaurants, and stock up on plant-based snacks in supermarkets in Vaasa.
Gluten-free bread and items are widely available in supermarkets and many cafés; always confirm with staff, as traditional pastries contain wheat and rye.