WELCOME TO VAASA!
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More than
20
cultural destinations within a kilometre of the market square
97
The Kvarken Archipelago is the
only
native languages are spoken in Vaasa
natural heritage site in Finland
More than
140 energy companies
In Vaasa, energy is a positive force that is not only visible in business, but also in people’s everyday lives and the development of the city. The Nordic Energy Capital is a unique combination of modern interÂnationalism, young enthusiasm, innovative know-how as well as peace and tranquillity.
A PASSION FOR SAVING THE WORLD WE ARE DRIVEN BY A combination of steady determination and a positive craziness. The background to our character is the long history of the region, the pride of the inhabitants, persistence and a strong competitive instinct. The people’s passionate attitudes regarding their own affairs are reflected in high employment rates and a courage to attempt the seemingly impossible. Innovation and saving the world require work and actions. We dare to inspire and solve the global challenges together. In this way, we can compete internationally. IT IS NATURAL FOR US to combine knowledge, languages and cultures. Vaasa is the second most international city in Finland. A strong history in international trade and in the building of boats, ships and their engines has created a global hub for energy technology. POSITIVE ENERGY AND A FORWARD-LOOKING ATTITUDE are found everywhere. Things are done smoothly and we are not stuck in rigid boxes. Everyone here has the freedom to live their own lives as part of a strong community. TECHNOLOGIES ARE BEING DEVELOPED in the Vaasa region for a cleaner, more sustainable and more energy efficient world. Regional industry produces more than 30% of Finland’s energy technology exports, a significant part of which is renewable energy technologies. The largest energy cluster in the Nordics is located in the Vaasa region, and Vaasa is the Nordic energy capital. Our work is about new energy technologies and our daily passion is to save the world.
The
sea
is a source of renewal and part of our daily life It’s in our DNA!
The courage to live, try new things and strive for greatness.
ENERGY IS FEELING, PASSION & COMMON ENTERPRISE. Inhabitants approx.
67,500
Finnish speaking approx. 69% Swedish speaking approx. 23% Other languages approx. 8% Coastline
473 km
It is a force to change the world.
Vaasa was founded by Charles IX in 1606 The city burned down in 1852 and was moved to its present location in 1862 Acted as the capital of Finland from 29.1.–3.5.1918 When speaking Finnish in Vaasa, we use our very own superlative expression ‘Ylihyvä!’ (literally translated as Over-Good) You can impress the locals by using this.
179 km
Approximately 10 flights daily to Vaasa Airport from Helsinki and Stockholm. Direct train connection from Helsinki to Vaasa only
3.5 h
of cycle paths.
By boat from UmeĂĽ to Vaasa
4h / 80 km
840
There are parking spaces at Toriparkki in the city centre.
Vaasa is easy to reach by land, sea and air!
It is easy to get to Vaasa regardless of the means of transport or direction. Known as the Pearl of the West Coast, Vaasa is the provincial centre of Ostrobothnia, which is located along the Blue Road that runs through the Nordic countries. There are short flight connections to the world from Vaasa, thanks to many direct flights, and you will arrive to the centre of Vaasa from the airport in only 10 minutes. Train connections to Vaasa are also excellent; from Helsinki to Vaasa in just 3.5 hours. Trains and coaches arrive directly into the city centre. From Umeå to Vaasa, you can travel the shortest and northernmost year-round sea route in just four hours.
”
Everything is nearby in Vaasa! Since most people can travel to work within 10–15 minutes, commuting doesn’t affect valuable leisure time. Cycle paths run along beautiful beach routes, and local transport is conveniently located within the city, including to the airport. For those travelling by car, it’s worth parking at Toriparkki in the city centre, which is at the heart of the shopping malls, boutiques, restaurants, cafés and services. As a Vaasa resident, I have the opportunity to attend a meeting abroad and still pick up my daughter from the kindergarten in time, during the same day. There is a wide choice of transportations and destinations to choose from, so I can be both efficient and eco-friendly.” ANNA MÅTTS-FRANSÉN, VASEK
A home with a scent of the sea air In Vaasa, your home can be located in the middle of the city, by the sea or in real countryside, and yet you are close to quality services. Residential areas blend into the landscape in harmony with the nature. Historical industrial buildings, such as the Vaasa Cotton Mill have been converted into residential use, and new residential areas are constantly being developed, such as in the Purola neighbourhood. Since the home is an important place, Vaasa residents appreciate good quality housing. That’s why we focus on living comfort by keeping services, parks and the nature nearby. Onkilahti Activity Park, Crown Court Forest and the jogging trail along the shore are all actively used by residents. Vaasa has a beautiful archipelago with a lively maritime summer-cottage culture; the cottages are an extension of the home for Vaasa residents. The bright midsummer, summer holiday months and the closing of the cottage season at the end of August are all celebrated by the sea, either at your own cottage or at your friend’s. Many Vaasa residents go to their cottages by boat even during September. And when winter comes, the trip is made over the ice. The quality of life can also be measured with material values: homes, summer cottages and business premises are far cheaper in Vaasa than in the congested parts of Finland.
PARKS Edvin Trail (Edvinin polku) playground, Onkilahti Activity Park (Onkilahden toiminta puisto), Arboretum Frisbee Golf Course.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES Vaskiluoto jogging trail, sledging hill at the Old Vaasa ruins, Alkula Farm.
”
Our dream was to have our own house with all the necessary services nearby. That’s why we built in the Purola neighbourhood. A nice-sized plot guaranteed good outdoor opportunities and things to do in our own backyard.” ANNE, THE MOTHER OF A FAMILY WHO BUILT THEIR HOME IN THE NEW PUROLA NEIGHBOURHOOD
EnergyVaasa 140
More than energy companies
11,000 employees
1/4 of the Finnish energy workforce Total turnover of approx. EUR 4.4 billion
Export share over
80%
12% of Finland’s total technology exports and
30%
of Finland’s energy technology exports
Vaasa EnergyWeek is an internationally significant event held in March
Energy is the power to change the world
”
In Vaasa, we have found the World’s best model of co-operation. Companies, sometimes even competing companies, are able to develop Finland together. Vaasa is a good example. Companies, universities, schools, the surrounding society, the City of Vaasa and the people there, have always been building on this co-operation and developing a functional ecosystem” JAAKKO ESKOLA, PRESIDENT AND CEO, WÄRTSILÄ
Technologies are being developed in the Vaasa region for a cleaner, more sustainable and more energy efficient world. Regional industry produces more than 30% of Finland’s energy technology exports, a significant part of which is renewable energy technologies. In Vaasa, we dare to face the toughest challenges, and the city aims to be carbon neutral by 2035. EnergyVaasa companies have significant expertise in decentralized power generation, as well as solutions for energy distribution and use, such as electric motors, power plants, wind and solar power, power distribution and smart grids. There are unusually good levels of trust between the people and the companies in Vaasa. The networks work, as can be seen by the hundreds of local subcontractors successfully working with the big global companies of the region. These subcontractors are able to get their products onto world markets through their association with multinational companies. The atmosphere for entrepreneurship is encouraging and creates the basis for growth. This concentration of energy technology makes the region a global growth area. Moreover, genuine bilingualism is an excellent way to internationalize. Energy use, the ecosystem and natural phenomena are highlighted from early childhood education to university. Universities in Vaasa are increasingly focusing on energy technology, an area where graduates quickly find work.
People are happy, the sun shines and everything runs smoothly
�
I think the events and activities organized for seniors are good. I especially like our helpers! They are always so helpful and nice!� TAIMI, LUCIA-GRANDMOTHER 2018.
We are characterized by a strong sense of community and development in the region for the benefit of the residents. Everyday life runs smoothly also in English and services are developed and provided according to needs. It is good to live here, at all stages of life. We provide early childhood education in kindergartens and family daycare for children, as well as open day-care activities according to family circumstances and needs. Vaasa is a forerunner in Swedish language-immersion learning, and in addition to the main languages, there are also English-language kindergartens on offer. The kindergartens in Vaasa also have other special focus areas, such as music, exercise and environmental education. In Vaasa, basic education is provided by the 14 Finnishspeaking schools and five Swedish-speaking schools maintained by the city, as well as by the state-run school Vasa Ă–vningsskola, and the independently-run schools Vaasan Kristillinen Koulu and Vaasa Rudolf Steiner school. You can also spice up compulsory education with music classes or a language immersion class. Bilingual vocational schools and upper-secondary schools provide vocational skills and the skills needed for postgraduate studies. During the free time, all residents have the opportunity to study at adult education centres and at the university of the third age. Services for senior citizens include communal senior club activities, sports services, practical meetings and day-club activities in the service home units.
Six youth clubs and a youth cafĂŠ.
Rock School (Rokkikoulu): 13–17year-olds have rock and pop lessons, including gigs and song writing.
Strong multilingualism is a wealth of early childhood education and training
Influencing the decision making in Vaasa, through, youth-, disabled-, immigrantand senior councils
Local career paths, international challenges A vibrant business structure is one of the key factors in Vaasa’s high employment rate. The business structure is rather versatile, since jobs are not only built around one factory or sector. The internationality of the companies in the Vaasa region and their significant energy expertise make this an important area for Finland. The employment situation in the Vaasa region is among the best in Finland; here, employment self-sufficiency is up to 126%. The income level is almost at the level of the Helsinki Metropolitan Area. The Vaasa region is the densest business area in Finland proportionally. Vaasa’s business life reveals prosperous companies, sustainable development and lively start-up operations. Here, the threshold for setting up your own business is low as you are supported by a broad spectrum of experts and a close multidisciplinary entrepreneurial network. The Vaasa Region Development Company (VASEK) provides free company and industry advice, training and networking opportunities. Vaasa’s largest employer is the City of Vaasa, which constantly needs new professionals; young summer workers, student placements, graduates and experienced professionals for important tasks.
”
We have a working culture in terms of making things happen and developing them further. There are longestablished practices in Vaasa that are still only being planned elsewhere. For example, we involve customers in the planning and development of operations. We know and support each other, both now and in the future!” ARJA TUOMAALA, CHIEF NURSING OFFICER, VAASA CENTRAL HOSPITAL
SIGNIFICANT EMPLOYERS City of Vaasa, Wärtsilä Corporation, Vaasa Hospital District, ABB Oy, Danfoss
GROWTH COMPANIES Ampner, Arcteq WE Tech, Gambit
6
university faculties
30
More than degree options
13,000 students
We educate the authors of change
It is no coincidence that the people you meet on Vaasa’s streets seem surprisingly young, - every fifth resident is a university student. In relation to the population, Vaasa is Finland’s largest university city. Our strengths are found in the close cooperation between universities, internationalization and strong links with companies in the region. International companies in the area are present in the studies; companies offer course assignments, visits and thesis assignments, and students are offered internships and summer jobs. Working together is a strength that challenges you to develop, think differently and create new opportunities.
”
Studying in Vaasa is smooth, eventful and the city is just the right size. Many of us fall in love with this Ostrobothnian Paris and will remain here by the sea forever.” EMMA, STUDENT, UNIVERSITY OF VAASA.
In Vaasa you can complete your degree in three different languages. International teaching staff and students create a multicultural learning environment. For example, you can find a ‘language buddy’ with whom you can learn a new language and culture. Here students want to be influential and active. Student organizations are easy to get involved with to have fun or benefit from. Take part in the Shrove Tuesday Sledge Race, the Pampas Day Music Quiz or the Vaasa Game Days event tournaments. The Vaasa Entrepreneurship Society (VES) supports and encourages entrepreneurship among students. As a student here, you are genuinely influencing your environment, networking across the faculty lines, and getting a unique start to working life!
The sea gives energy
If a Vaasa resident is asked what the best thing about Vaasa is, the answer is nearly always the sea. From the sea we get our strength all year round. The sea is part of our daily life and it rejuvenates us. In the summer, archipelago cruises, floating saunas or stand up paddle boarding (SUP) are organized in Vaasa. Experience Vaasa from the sea by renting a canoe or a faster water ski jet. After a working day, the locals go swimming or head for the beach with a picnic blanket. During the summer evenings, Vaasa residents can often be found by the Hovioikeudenpuisto waterfront, which is a great place to enjoy the sea, the sun and good company. In the winter, everyone waits for the sea to freeze over. Long walks can then be made on the ice and it is also possible to ski around the familiar islands. Bolder residents try kite skiing or kite boarding. In Vaasa you can also take a dip through a hole in the ice just outside the city centre! Brave icefishermen only accept that their winter fishing season is over when they see ducks floating on the water.
”
For us, the sea gives a lot, both calmness and storms. That’s precisely why we wouldn’t change the smell of the sea air, excursions in the archipelago and the local fish for anything. Ice swimming gives me an experience I can’t get anywhere else. I’m in my element in ice cold water. Everything is washed away.” TERO, VAASA PENGUIN WINTER BATHERS
7
Ski tracks on the winter ice approx.
There are over
BEST PICNIC SPOTS WITH SEA VIEWS:
beaches within 3 km of the market square.
2,000
boats in the city and a guest harbour on Vaskiluoto.
25 km
Hietasaari, Hovioikeudenpuisto, Palosaari campus area.
Dozens of cultural experiences within a kilometre of the market square TIPS FROM A LOCAL
”
A sure sign of spring are the choirs flocking to the city. In the summer, you can dance the summer night away at the Vaasa Festival event by the shore. During autumn, laugh yourself silly at the ‘little-Christmas’ theatre shows. In the winter, a cozy way to end your Sunday walk is a visit to a museum.“
Vaasa offers plenty of cultural experiences for every day of the year. The city invests more on culture than other Finnish cities in relation to its population.
Enjoy gigs at the fabulous retro theatre Skafferiet Ritz or catch the groove in the Doo-Bop jazz cellar. The city orchestra’s symphony concerts in the wonderful City Hall will give you goose bumps. In addition, major music events lasting several days, such as the Vaasa Choir Festival and the Vaasa Festival, bring music lovers from all over the world to the streets of Vaasa. Enjoy quality theatre and musical performances at two professional theatres in Vaasa, Vaasa City Theatre and Wasa Theatre. High-quality theatre experiences are also available at the Student Theatre and Children’s Theatre. For children and youngsters, cultural immersion programmes and art education are provided at education centres and hobby groups. Be amazed by the history and contemporary art of 13 museums in Vaasa. Collections of the Ostrobothnian Museum include works by Helene Schjerfbeck, Hugo Simberg, and Fanny Churberg who is originally from Vaasa. Works by Schjerfbeck are especially popular, and travel a lot, even all the way to Japan! The most remarkable lent out treasure at the Tikanoja Art Museum is the work by Henri Matisse, which is especially admired by visitors from abroad during the summer months. You can also explore the city’s 400-year history through the city architecture. For example, the Hietalahti Villa, which was completed in 1845, is now a restaurant. The old military barracks area is now home to dance schools, a puppet theatre, art galleries and many more.
Experience the relaxed tone of the city and the warmth of village communities ALSO TRY THESE EXPERIENCES:
Rompetori junk market on the market square on summer Sundays. 27-hole golf course and numerous outdoor courts for football, baseball and hockey. Botnia Hall is Finland’s largest athletic, ball-game and multipurpose hall. Experience strong sporting experiences: support the ice hockey team, Vaasa Sport, in the Finnish league and the Vepsu (VPS) football team in the Finnish League! In the summer, Cafe Kanttorila in Vähäkyrö is open in the courtyard area of Savilahti House, which dates back to the mid-19th century.
When you visit Vaasa, you can choose from high-quality hotel accommodation right by the market square, a seaside spa hotel or camping just a short walking distance from the city centre. The market hall and the market square are next to the shopping malls and boutiques, cosy cafés and restaurants. There are several local cafés and restaurants in the city centre that produce world-class taste experiences with locally grown produce. In the summer, cafés and restaurants open-up their terraces, and the market square is filled with local farmers selling their freshly grown produce. You can experience village life in Bock’s Corner Village (Pukinkulma), Sundom or Palosaari. Bock’s Corner Village has its own brewery, Bock’s, conference rooms, a restaurant, events and markets. In Sundom, you can enjoy the nature and watch the birds at the Söderfjärden meteor crater. The exception to the flat Ostrobothnian landscape is Öjberget’s small but invigorating ski centre, where you can ski in the winter and try to run up the hill in the summer. Palosaari, also known as Präntöö, is a district known for its strong self-esteem, because the annual neighbourhood carnival chooses its own “mayor”, who playfully proclaims Palosaari’s independence from the rest of Vaasa. You can enjoy a cup of coffee and a waffle in a traditional Ostrobothnian farmstead at the Bragen OpenAir Museum area. In Västervik, you can take a backstage guided tour of the Strömsö lifestyle programme.
KUVA Elina Manninen
Kvarken – Finland’s only UNESCO natural heritage site
Every year, the area of the Vaasa region grows by the equivalent of 150 football fields, thanks to the fastest rising land in the world (8 mm/year). Due to this unique phenomenon, the Kvarken Archipelago has been selected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the only natural heritage site in Finland. Our archipelago is one of the youngest landscapes on earth, since much of present-day Vaasa was underwater 500 years ago. The landscape is constantly changing: new rocks rise from the sea, islands grow onto the mainland and docks have to be moved along the shoreline as it recedes. The uniqueness of the archipelago lies in its pristineness, rich nature and bird life, as well as the special culture of the traditional archipelago inhabitants. The Kvarken Archipelago includes 16 indigenous species on the shores of the Baltic Sea that are not present anywhere else in the world. There is a lot to experience in the World Heritage Area, from land, sea and air. For example, you can rent a bicycle from the Salteriet café, climb the nearby Saltkaret observation tower, continue walking on the Bodvattnet nature trail and end the day with a dip in the sea or rent a canoe for a paddle. The observation tower is also a good destination for a small day trip with the family, as the car park is close by and the campfire site is at the foot of the observation tower. You can also experience the natural heritage area at the Kvarken Nature Centre, Terranova, which is located at the Ostrobothnian Museum in the centre of the city.
NATURE TRAIL TIPS:
Visit the nature and culture trail on the island group known as Valsรถrarna, which is located in the outer archipelago of the Kvarken. The 2.5 km route passes through a bird protection area.
Take a look at the De Geer moraines on the Bodvattnet nature trail. The circular nature trail is about 3.5 km long.
The 13 km long Bjรถrkรถ-Panike hiking trail begins near the Saltkaret observation tower.
Passionately developing the city of the future
”
Students, researchers and other partners create a working community that enhances innovation. Working together comes to us naturally.” MARI K. NIEMI. DIRECTOR, INNOLAB
We are already today creating a successful Vaasa. Our sustainable economy is built on growing business areas, the development of logistics on land, sea and air, as well as innovation and regional cooperation. New innovations, as well as training and workplace opportunities, make us the Nordic energy capital. One of Vaasa’s latest innovation projects is Wasa Station, an urban meeting place and event centre. Wasa Station will include a music and congress centre, a hotel, apartments, business premises and sports and multipurpose facilities. In addition, the project will incorporate the strong energy expertise that Vaasa is famous for. Modern energy solutions are planned for the complex to make it virtually self-sufficient in terms of energy consumption. Companies are investing in Vaasa, raising the region’s expertise and creating innovations. Wärtsilä’s new Smart Technology Hub, which will operate as a research, product development and production centre, will be at Vaskiluoto in Vaasa. Unique opportunities have been created for the Vaasa region on a European scale, now that a site for a large battery factory has been approved. The joint port and shipping company of Vaasa and Umeå is called Kvarken Ports, whose activities ensure good traffic connections and logistics across the Kvarken, both now and in the future. A new, eco-friendly ferry for intercity transportation will be ready for service in 2021. Dynamic Vaasa is always looking ahead!
ENERGYLAB – This laboratory
creates new opportunities for researching the entire energy system.
SUNDOM SMART GRID – One of
the aims of the smart grid pilot area is to improve the reliability of electricity distribution.
TECHNOBOTHNIA is a teaching and research laboratory that provides a channel between universities, companies and other technology centres. The laboratory also runs a variety of research and development services.
The City of Vaasa is part of the FINNISH SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES network. THE IRIS PROJECT tests new urban development solutions in the fields of energy, mobility and information and communications technology (ICT).
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