Pre-tour to Vaasa and Kokkola and Midnight Sun Workshop 05.-12.06.2026

In the Vaasa region, you won’t need to choose one or the other, as beautiful nature and urban city life can be easily combined on a single visit. Everything in the Vaasa region is close by, and moving from one sort of atmosphere and experience to another is effortless.

The unique Kvarken Archipelago is Finland's only Natural World Heritage Site on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Together with Sweden's High Coast, the Kvarken Archipelago is the best place in the world to experience and understand the land uplift phenomenon caused by the last Ice Age.

Flights to Helsinki

Last connecting flight HEL – VAA on Saturday 00.05 – 01.05

Transfer to Vaasa

Overnight at  Sokos Royal Vaasa
Like a small town within the city!
Original Sokos Hotel Royal that will be completely renovated during the years 2023-25, is like a small city within the city, a dynamic meeting place for locals and travelers. Enjoy the services of our restaurants, meet friends, or work in the vibrant atmosphere of our impressive lobby. Walk across the sky bridge to go to the movies or shopping. On our magnificent rooftop sauna area, you can indulge in gentle steam and enjoy breathtaking views over the maritime city of Vaasa. This is the floor everyone wants to be on! Welcome to the sunny Royal Vaasa!

Late breakfast served at Sokos Royal until 12-noon.

11.00 Program in Vaasa starts

11.00 – 13.00 Walking Tour + Guide around Vaasa by foot

13.00 – 14.00 Late lunch in Strampen
Restaurant Strampen is located by the beautiful inner harbor in Vaasa and is one of Finland's oldest restaurants, with over 150 years of history. The restaurant seats around 220 people, and in summer we also have an additional 400 seats on the terrace, out of which aprox. 40 are located in our glazed terrace.

14.00 - 15.30 Change and charge for Sunset Cruise / TBC

15.30 – 16.00 Transfer and check in at Wasaline

16.45 – 01.00 Sunset Cruise with dinner at Aurora Botnia
Wasaline – the northernmost international shipping line in the world, offers daily, sustainable ferry service between Vaasa, Finland, and Umeå, Sweden. With the modern Aurora Botnia ferry, travelers can enjoy a fast, comfortable, and sustainable journey across the UNESCO-listed Kvarken Sea in under four hours. Wasaline combines scenic beauty with quality dining, cozy lounges, and local products, making every trip a memorable experience. With Wasaline you connect two countries in one day.

Overnight at Sokos Royal Vaasa

11.00 – 12.00 Late breakfast & Check Out

12.00 – 17.00 UNESCO World Heritage and Archipelago

• Replot Bridge
• Visitors Center
• Svedjehamn
• Bodvattnet Nature Trail
• Saltkaret

The unique Kvarken Archipelago is Finland's only Natural World Heritage Site on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Together with Sweden's High Coast, the Kvarken Archipelago is the best place in the world to experience and understand the land uplift phenomenon caused by the last Ice Age.

16.00 – 16.30 Snack at  Salteriet
When you drive over the Replot bridge and continue as far as the road ends, you will reach Café Salteriet Svedjehamn in the atmospheric harbor of Björköby. The maritime location in the middle of a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site offers unforgettable experiences to all travelers. Welcome to experience the atmosphere of the old fish harbor cafe and enjoy fresh baked goods and delicious dishes from our kitchen, which you can also take with you to enjoy nature!
Björköby’s nature and Café Salteriet Svedjehamn is a wonderful destination for travelers of all ages. We can also serve larger groups.
On top if the beautiful scenery, close by there are hiking trails as well as the observation tower Saltkaret.

17.00 Kalles Inn Resort

• Sauna Experience 
• 3-course dinner
• Accommodation in Glass Houses

Kalle’s Inn a restful stay in the arms of nature, a magical sea environment shaped by the Ice Age. Here, one can truly feel the wild sea, the beauty of the four seasons, the magical darkness, and the never-ending summer nights.
The beautifully bare sea nature, the courage to throw yourself out into the warm and cold, taste sensations and sharing the moment with others are things that make a stay at Kalle’s Inn so special.
When you want to choose to be present and unleashed, throw a party, organize a customer event or a meeting at Kalle’s Inn, or spend the night at the heart of nature – in an igloo made of glass.

10:00 Bus pick-up from Kalles Inn Resort

Along 7 Bridges Road to Kokkola

12:00 Café Bryggan: guided walk in archipelago “The smugglers’  tour” 
Cosy coastal cafe at traditional Öja fishing village.
We will enjoy a drink and do an easy 45 min walk in the archipelago trail to hear the exciting history of smugglers in the area.

13:30 Lunch at Hickarö Resort by lake of Öja
Hickarö Resort is a unique sauna destination located in Kokkola, where a high-quality restaurant, immersive sauna experiences, and the peace of nature come together by a beautiful artificial lake.
Hickarö Resort offers experiences for both everyday moments and special occasions – all year round.
We will enjoy lunch here.

15:30 Check in at Original Sokos Hotel Kaarle 

17:00 Bike tour to Mustakari Sailing Club for dinner & drinks at midnight sun 
Mustakari is one of the most beautiful places in Kokkola. It is the fourth oldest yacht club in Finland, situated three kilometres from the centre of Kokkola – by the sea. Summer restaurant Mustakari is well known for its natural and local food. Mustakari’s maritime location offers a spectacular setting for memorable experiences. 

09:00 Breakfast and presentation of new Sokos Hotel in Kokkola – opening spring 2027

10:00 Guided walking tour at old wooden town of Kokkola

12:30 Lunch Cruise with M/S Jenny in Kokkola archipelago

14:00 Visit Rödsö reindeer farm for wood-fire afternoon coffee
With the reindeer and goats pasturing near by the place gives an unforgettable experience for visitors. On guided tours visitors have a chance to meet the animals and maybe even have a chance to hug them. The unique buildings tell their own story and are perfect for a relaxing coffee break.

17:13 – 21.39 Train from Kokkola to Helsinki

Check in to hotel and late evening snack

Breakfast

08.00 -17:00 Helsinki – Espoo Destination Day 
Details sent via email by Helsinki Partners and Visit Espoo (sent on 2nd of June)

Program organized by Visit Espoo and Helsinki Partners

17:00-20:00 Get-together event in Temppeliaukio Church (Lutherinkatu 3, Helsinki)
and dinner at Restaurant Töölö (Runeberginkatu 14–16, Helsinki)

Evening hosted by Visit Finland, Finnair, Visit Espoo, and Helsinki Partners

Breakfast

9:00-17:00 Workshop day - see program  here

18:30-00:30 Party Like a Finn - see program  here

Breakfast

Optional Helsinki Day

Helsinki Day is an annual celebration in Finland, held on 12 June, to celebrate the city of Helsinki. 

Helsinki Partners offers the opportunity to participate in various events held in Helsinki: Explore and unwind the day after. This optional day offers a light, flexible program with a focus on summer vibes and memorable city experience during the birthday of Helsinki. Dip into depths of local sauna culture and enjoy a dinner experience under the open sky.

Expect:
• Slow morning & free time with tickets to Allas Sea Pool
• Casual lunch with Helsinki hosts and fellow guests
• Recreation and city experience in laid-back setting
• Relaxed dinner (under the sky if weather permits) to close the week

Flights back to home.

Thank you for visiting Finland!