The city of Kokkola stands in the west of Finland, on the coast of the Gulf of Bothnia, 3 miles north of Helsinki. It is the capital of the Central Ostrobothnia region. Visitors who hire a car here can explore the highlights of the area, including the pretty little lighthouse island of Tankar in the outer archipelago. The Toivonen Animal Park and Peasants' Museum presents an intriguing mix of family fun and rural history. Tourists should look out too for fishing museums at both Öja and Ohtakari seaside villages.
Kokkola grew up as an important and wealthy merchant trading centre. If you hire a car it's easy to find the rich heritage in Neristan, the old quarter. These narrow streets of old wooden houses are a major tourist attraction and date back to the 17th century. You'll find a museum of art and history in a restored merchant's house, a restored 18th-century home and various galleries and exhibitions. The Kieppe Museum of Natural History houses a wonderfully eclectic collection ranging from butterflies to deer antlers. Elsewhere look out for the Vesi-Veijari Waterpark; it's one of the most popular in Finland.
