Kokkola travel guide

Photo of Kaarlela church in Kokkola in Finland by Tomisti
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Introduction to Kokkola

Kokkola, known for its incredible Jukkolanmäki Attic, and Tankar Lighthouse, is a travel destination everyone should visit once in their lifetime. This city in the region of Central Ostrobothnia in Finland, has plenty of experiences to offer curious travelers. Home to a variety of natural beauty and architecture, a unique historical background, and a culture as rich as its population of more than 47.6 thousand people, Kokkola is truly one of the main highlights of Finland.

Kokkola was founded in the year 1620.

Easily accessible from the Kokkola-Pietarsaari airport, Kokkola is the perfect base for a memorable and unique vacation in Finland. Travelers looking to experience the best of Finland often choose to stay in Kokkola.

Get ready to explore and learn more about the city of Kokkola below!

History of Kokkola

Kokkola, a vibrant city on the west coast of Finland, holds a rich tapestry of history dating back to the 17th century. Officially founded in 1620 by King Gustav II Adolf of Sweden, Kokkola flourished as a vital shipping and shipbuilding center thanks to its strategic location on the Gulf of Bothnia.

In the 18th century, the city played a key role in the Great Northern War and later, the Finnish War, marking it as a significant military site. The Battle of Kokkola in 1854, during the Crimean War, is remembered for the city's successful defense against British forces. This event is commemorated by the famous statue of the Skolth Girl, a symbol of bravery and resilience.

Despite a devastating fire in 1852, Kokkola has retained much of its original architecture, a testament to its enduring spirit. Today, it is recognized for its unique blend of Swedish, Finnish, and Russian influences, a reflection of its multifaceted past. This intriguing history, combined with its stunning natural beauty, makes Kokkola a must-visit destination for those seeking to explore Finland's rich heritage.

Top services in Kokkola

Here on this page, you'll find all the top travel services in Kokkola, Finland. Check out the cheapest and most popular flights offered by 264 airlines that fly to Finland. Compare the rates and services of the 4 types of places to stay in Kokkola and the 3 car rental companies offering CDW insurance coverage. We make it easy for you to find and book the top services in Kokkola.

Enjoy the convenience of planning and booking every detail of your trip to Kokkola, including flights, accommodations, activities, and more, in one place. Book with Guide to Europe to get an expertly-curated and fully-customizable itinerary and experience the best of Kokkola on your vacation in Finland.

Get answers to questions about the routes and services offered in Kokkola from our free 24/7 customer support. Continue reading to learn how you can enjoy a stress-free and memorable vacation in the city of Kokkola!

Best time to visit Kokkola

The best time to explore Kokkola, Finland is during the summer months from June to August. During this period, the city enjoys long days with up to 19 hours of daylight due to the Midnight Sun phenomenon, and the temperatures are pleasantly warm, averaging around 18-22 degrees Celsius. This is the perfect time for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and exploring the city's rich historical sites. The city also hosts the renowned Kokkola Summer Festival in July, which showcases a variety of concerts, theatre performances, and cultural events. However, those who prefer a quieter visit may opt for the shoulder seasons of May or September when the weather is still relatively mild, and tourist crowds are smaller. If you're interested in winter activities, such as cross-country skiing or observing the Northern Lights, consider visiting between December and March when Kokkola is clothed in snow. However, bear in mind that the daylight hours are considerably shorter during winter. Regardless of when you choose to visit, it's always a good idea to check the local weather forecast and plan your activities accordingly.

Local tip for visiting Kokkola

Kokkola, a charming city on the west coast of Finland, is a treasure trove of local cultural experiences waiting to be discovered. An insider tip for those wishing to truly immerse in the local lifestyle is to visit the K.H Renlund Museum - Central Ostrobothnia Provincial Museum. While most tourists are likely to visit the famous Neristan old town, many overlook this museum. Not just an exhibition of historical artefacts, it offers an authentic insight into the region's history, art, and culture. Additionally, try to plan your visit during a local event or festival, such as the Venetsialaiset – the Festival of Lights in August, where locals bid goodbye to the summer. Participating in these local events can give you an unparalleled, unique understanding of the region's traditions and customs. Remember, the best travel experiences in Kokkola are those that allow you to live like a local.

Learn more about Finland

There are many reasons to visit the city of Kokkola, but a trip to Finland needs no explanation.

Exploring Finland, which spans 338,424 square kilometers, is an adventure of a lifetime. Finland offers an abundance of truly magical places to discover, including cultural, historic, and scenic sites of significant value to both locals and travelers.

Click or tap the link below to discover more about Finland.

What to see in Kokkola

Kokkola has something for everyone. Regardless of age and interest, travelers have the best time exploring every corner of the city.

Read on to discover the best places to visit and find out what to expect from the city of Kokkola.

Top attractions in Kokkola

Home to plenty of top attractions, Kokkola is more than just a wonderful city in Finland. Kokkola is a travel hotspot and a great place to experience a mix of the traditional and modern culture of Finland.

One fascinating sight in Kokkola is the unforgettable Jukkolanmäki Attic. Considered one of the most well-known attractions in the city, a visit to this spectacular travel destination is something you shouldn’t miss on your trip to Kokkola.

For more information about what you can expect during a vacation in Finland, check out our list of top attractions in Kokkola below. Discover the best places to visit in Kokkola, including the fascinating Jukkolanmäki Attic, and Tankar Lighthouse.

Map of attractions

Use this map to find the location of all top attractions in Kokkola.

Things to do in Kokkola

Enrich your travel experience in Kokkola by joining tours and activities. Kokkola offers an exciting selection of top-rated tours and it's easy for every traveler to find something to their liking. Take the opportunity to catch the top attractions on a tour, stay active with an adventurous excursion, or learn something new about the local history or culture of the city.

Discover the most popular experiences in Kokkola below.

Search for things to do in Kokkola

Discover the best things to do in Kokkola.

Select your dates and number of travelers in the search bar below to receive the best recommendations for your vacation in Kokkola. Click the green button to view your options.

What to eat in Kokkola

Kokkola, a charming city in Finland, offers a rich culinary scene that beautifully marries traditional Finnish cuisine with innovative gastronomic delights. The city center, especially Pitkänsillankatu street, is one of the best places to eat in Kokkola, boasting a range of restaurants, cafes, and bakeries. Here, you can indulge in local delicacies like Kalakukko (fish baked inside a traditional Finnish bread) and Karjalanpiirakka (Karelian pie). For a more upscale dining experience, Restaurant Scola is a must-visit, renowned for its delicious and beautifully presented dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. Seafood lovers shouldn't miss out on the local favorite, Lamprey, especially during the Lamprey Festival in autumn. Street food in Kokkola is equally exciting, with stalls offering a variety of Finnish snacks, such as 'lihapiirakka' (a deep-fried doughnut filled with minced meat and rice). Don't forget to wash down your meal with a glass of 'simaa', a traditional Finnish homemade beer. Whether you're a food enthusiast or a casual diner, the culinary delights of Kokkola promise an unforgettable gastronomic journey.

Best shopping in Kokkola

When you step into Kokkola, you'll find a charming blend of old and new, reflected not only in the architecture but also in the shopping experience. The best place to go shopping in Kokkola is the bustling city centre, with its array of boutiques and specialty shops. Here, you can explore the unique Nordic design sensibilities in fashion, home decor, and more.

Chydenia Shopping Centre is a must-visit for a diverse range of retail stores, offering everything from clothing to electronics. For a more traditional shopping experience, head to the Old Town, where charming antique shops and artisan boutiques abound. Don't miss the opportunity to pick up local handicrafts as souvenirs, such as handwoven textiles and intricate wooden carvings.

Look out for market days, when the city centre comes alive with stalls selling fresh produce, local delicacies, and handmade crafts. Remember, most shops in Kokkola close early on weekends, so plan your shopping spree accordingly. With its distinct offerings and welcoming atmosphere, shopping in Kokkola is sure to be a delightful part of your Finnish adventure.

Best Free Things to do in Kokkola

Exploring the best free things to do in Kokkola, a charming Finnish town, is a journey through culture, history, and natural beauty. Start at the heart of the city, at the vibrant Market Square, where you can immerse yourself in local life, admire the surrounding traditional wooden architecture, and even enjoy free concerts during summer. Take a stroll through the Old Town 'Neristan', a well-preserved area that takes you back to the 17th century, offering a glimpse of the town's maritime past. For nature lovers, the city's parks and the nearby Kallentori nature trail are a must-visit. Here, you can enjoy a leisurely walk, bird-watching, or a picnic amidst picturesque landscapes. Don't miss the Tankar island lighthouse, accessible by a free ferry ride, offering sweeping sea views. Lastly, visit the city's libraries and churches, like the beautiful Kokkola Church, for a dose of tranquility and history. While these locations may be free, the memories you'll make in Kokkola are priceless.

Vacation packages in Kokkola

The best and easiest way to visit Kokkola is by booking a vacation package. A vacation package includes everything you need for a worry-free and perfectly planned holiday in Finland.

Booking a vacation package to Kokkola means spending less time planning and more time enjoying your vacation. A vacation package includes everything from flight tickets, accomodation, and a rental car, to 24/7 personal travel support and a carefully planned travel itinerary. You can also take your vacation in Kokkola to the next level by adding tours, tickets, and activities to each day of your trip.

Apart from providing you with everything you need to travel comfortably, your vacation package to Kokkola is also fully customizable. In other words, you can add or remove services at your own convenience, to create the perfect vacation for you and your travel companions.

On our website, you will find unique vacation packages to Kokkola, including flight tickets, hotel reservations, and recommendations for the best sightseeing spots, restaurants, bars, and activities.

Continue to the next section to learn more about what types of vacations you can book in the city of Kokkola.

Find vacation packages in Kokkola

Discover and compare vacation packages that take you to the wonderful city of Kokkola.

The best flights, hotels, and activities in Kokkola get fully booked quickly. Use the search tool below to find the best vacation packages in Finland. Your customized holiday package to Kokkola is only a few clicks away!

How to get to Kokkola

To get to the city of Kokkola the fastest way possible, travelers from outside Finland can travel by plane. International travelers can fly to Kokkola by booking flights with any of the 2 airlines that offer direct flights to Kokkola-Pietarsaari airport. Some airlines that operate flights to Kokkola-Pietarsaari airport are Ryanair, Turkish Airlines, Air China, JetBlue Airways, and Delta Air Lines. Go to this page to compare all flights to Kokkola.

To reach the city of Kokkola, travelers can choose from various airport transfer options available at Kokkola-Pietarsaari airport.

If you're looking for the best flight ticket deals to Kokkola, knowing the cheapest travel time and which airlines offer the most affordable flights is helpful. Luckily, we have this information for you. Discover more about the cheapest and most popular flights to Kokkola-Pietarsaari airport and Kokkola below.

Find cheap flights to Kokkola

Over the years, more airlines have started offering flexible and direct flights to Kokkola, making it one of the most accessible travel destinations in Finland. However, it is usually cheaper to fly to Kokkola, Finland, in May.

The cheapest one-way flight to Kokkola costs around 83 EUR and is offered by the airline Finnair.

The cheapest round-trip flights to Kokkola cost approximately 90 EUR in total. The departure flight leaves on October 12 and the return flight is scheduled on October 24. The flight time is around 1 hour per way.

The return flight is operated by Ivalo.

Use the search tool below to find the cheapest flights to Finland and the city of Kokkola from your city of departure.

Popular flights to Kokkola

Travelers visiting Kokkola in Finland can fly to Kokkola-Pietarsaari airport directly from 1109 destinations worldwide.

The three most popular routes to Kokkola-Pietarsaari airport and the city of Kokkola in Finland depart from Kokkola-Pietarsaari airport in Kokkola, Finland, Sydney airport in Sydney, Australia, and Barcelona–El Prat airport in Barcelona, Spain.

Travelers can fly to Finland by choosing from from 1 weekly flight(s) from Kokkola; from 1 weekly flight(s) from Sydney; and from 1 weekly flight(s) from Barcelona.

The airline that operates most flights to Finland is Rwandair Express. Rwandair Express offers 24 scheduled flight routes to Finland.

Discover the most popular flights to Kokkola below. Click to view flights to Kokkola, Finland from destinations all across the globe.

Where to stay in Kokkola

An essential factor to consider when traveling to a new place or country is accommodation. While visiting a city as fantastic as Kokkola is always exciting, any avid traveler knows that accommodations often make or break the vacation experience.

The best place to stay in Kokkola usually depends on travelers' needs and preferences. However, booking accommodation in downtown Kokkola offers a ton of benefits.

Staying at the heart of the city allows you to easily walk to many of the top sights and dining areas in Kokkola and cut down on your travel expenses. Centrally-located accommodations are also an excellent choice for travelers in Kokkola planning to go on a quick tour or drive to the neighboring regions.

In Kokkola, you'll find 4 different types of places to stay catering to every taste, budget, and reason for travel. For example, honeymooners or travelers on a romantic getaway in Finland can experience the ultimate relaxation at one of the 5-star or 4-star hotels in Kokkola. Travelers whose purpose is sightseeing can also find plenty of mid-range hotels to budget-friendly accommodations in the city, allowing access to many of the top attractions in Kokkola.

Learn more about the most popular places to stay and the top-rated hotels in Kokkola in the next sections.

Popular types of accommodation in Kokkola

A trip to the fascinating Kokkola, Finland, means opportunities to relax at any of the 4 different types of places to stay in the city. Overall, travelers can choose from the following: 14 hotels, 12 vacation rental apartments, 4 cottages and 2 hostels. While each type offers varying amenities and rates, there is no denying that Kokkola provides a great selection of lodging options ready to cater to every kind of guest.

Budget accommodations are also incredibly popular among travelers in Kokkola. Cheaper alternatives allow travelers to save on accommodation costs and have more to spend on other experiences.

In Kokkola, travelers looking for an economical yet top-rated place to stay usually choose Hostel 400 Kokkola. For approximately 157 EUR, guests can book a comfortable Double Room at this popular hostel.

Below is a list of all 4 different types of places to stay in Kokkola. Select the type you prefer to compare options under each category and find the best accommodation.

Top hotels in Kokkola

Hotels are travelers' go-to accommodations in Kokkola for the unique experience they provide. So if you're the kind of traveler who prefers staying at hotels, you'll be glad to know that the city is home to around 32 hotels.

Besides offering basic amenities, many hotels in Kokkola provide meals and extras, such as shuttle services, spa facilities, tour desks, and other services. But because not all hotels in Kokkola are created equal, finding the best in the city often requires careful research. For your convenience, we've done all the research to make it easier for you to check out all the top hotels in Kokkola.

Below is our hand-picked list of the best hotels in the Kokkola. Travelers are encouraged to book early as these hotels quickly reach capacity.

Click the arrows or swipe the list to see each hotel's ratings, reviews, locations, rates, and more. You can read detailed descriptions of each hotel by clicking the cards.

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All Hotels in Kokkola

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Search for accommodation in Kokkola

Use the Accommodation Search tool below to find available stays in the city of Kokkola on specific dates. This handy feature also allows you to compare prices and amenities.

Enter the preferred check-in and check-out dates. Then, select the number of guests and rooms. Click the Search button to find all the available hotels and places to stay in the city of Kokkola that match the information provided.

Car rental in Kokkola

Experience the freedom and convenience of a self-drive vacation by renting a car for your adventures in Kokkola. Kokkola has 3 car rental companies ready to provide you with the perfect vehicle for your travels.

Automatic cars for rent in Kokkola start from 52.71 EUR per day or 369 EUR per week. The cheapest automatic rental car is a Volkswagen Golf.

If you prefer driving a manual car, you’ll find multiple options for rent in Kokkola, starting from 47.14 EUR per day or 330 EUR per week. The cheapest manual rental car is a Volkswagen Polo.

Learn more about the different types of cars you can rent in Kokkola, Finland, below.

Search for car rental in Kokkola

Get ready to hit the road and explore the beautiful city of Kokkola. Find the best deals on a variety of popular car rentals in Kokkola, Finland, or any other destination in Europe by using the search tool below.

Enter your pick-up and drop-off location, driver's age, and dates. Click the green button to view your options.

Transportation in Kokkola

Kokkola offers a variety of transportation options for its visitors. The city's public transportation system, run by Kokkolan Kaupunkiliikenne, operates a network of bus routes throughout the city, providing a convenient and affordable way to explore the area.

Taxis are another popular mode of transportation in Kokkola. Reliable taxi services, such as Taksi Kokkola, are readily available and can offer a quick and comfortable ride to your destination.

For those who prefer to drive, numerous car rental services, including international brands like Hertz and Europcar, are available in Kokkola, providing a range of vehicles to suit various needs and budgets.

For a unique local experience, consider renting a bicycle and exploring Kokkola's beautiful cycling paths. The city is also well-connected by train and ferry services, offering opportunities for day trips to nearby cities and islands.

Popular destinations to visit after Kokkola

The city of Kokkola is just one of the many unique and scenic destinations you can visit in Finland. So if you're itching for another cultural adventure, a relaxing road trip, an action-filled city break, or a memorable weekend getaway, know that Finland has it all.

Finland is calling, and the country is asking you to experience its culture and diversity to the fullest! Take the opportunity to visit other captivating places in Finland that are as magical as the city of Kokkola. The most popular travel destinations in Finland are listed below. Click on the name of the place you want to explore next to learn more about it.

All the best destinations in Finland

When unsure of where to go next, use the map below. This map shows the locations of all the best destinations in Finland. Use the map to plan your trip and find the best routes.

Domestic flights from Kokkola

A taste of Finland through a visit to Kokkola can often reignite a traveler's passion for adventure. When this happens, the best way to satisfy this wanderlust is to book a domestic flight from Kokkola to another remarkable destination in Finland.

To begin your search for the best or cheapest flights from the city of Kokkola to other spectacular locations in Finland, jump to the last section of this travel guide.

Popular domestic flights from Kokkola

Travelers in Finland can catch flights to domestic airports in Helsinki, Turku, Tampere, and Kemi. Domestic flights in Finland are operated by 1 airline: Finnair. There are around 4 scheduled flight routes operating to Kokkola on a weekly basis.

From Kokkola, travelers can book scheduled flights to 4 domestic destinations.

Search domestic flights from Kokkola

Traveling to another city or region in Finland? Use the flight search tool below to quickly find the cheapest one-way or round-trip flights from Kokkola to different local destinations.

Enter all the necessary information and click or tap on the Search button to see a list of the available domestic flights in Finland on the selected dates.

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