Kokkola: A Centuries-Old Town with an Urban Charm
The municipality of Kokkola, Finland, is a town of 47,000 residents in the region of Central Ostrobothnia. It was founded back in 1620 and is now 400 years old. Kokkola is considered the capital of the region and the biggest city, as well.
Best Time to Visit
While February might still be a bit chilly for most tourists, it is one of the months that locals look forward to, as this is the time of year for the Kokkola Winter Accordion Festival. The event celebrates the founding of the city with Finnish music and performances. Luckily, tourism is relatively slow during this month as well, so expect cheaper Kokkola, Finland hotels.
What to Do & Area Attractions
While in Kokkola, you can both enjoy the outdoor and indoor attractions in the town. Explore the Kieppi-Kokkola Museum of Natural History and its three collections: the natural history collection, mineral collection, and butterfly collection. Afterward, marvel at the stunning architecture of the Kaarlela Church, which dates back to the 1500s. If you’re a beach bum, you will enjoy Halkokari Beach, which sits on the northern side of the town.
If you like staying close to these attractions, check out the Finlandia Hotel Seurahuone. It is conveniently located within a half-hour walk from the beach and the church and just a three-minute walk from the museum. Guests staying here can enjoy the sauna and restaurant on the property, as well. Another top-rated hotel close to the city center is Hotelli Nukkumatti, which serves a free hot/cold buffet breakfast.