See the Visitor Centre

Terranova - Kvarken Nature Centre is situated in the same facilities as the Ostrobothnian Museum, in the centre of the town of Vaasa. The exhibition provides information on land uplift and the natural features of the Kvarken area. Here you can also find information about the World Heritage.

More information:Terranova Customer Service telephone 0205 64 5281

Havets Hus – Information Center

Havets Hus – Information Center at the Replot Bridge next to Berny’s restaurant opened in summer 2009. At the information center you can get information about the World Heritage of Kvarken, the sights of the area, different hiking trails as well as various cruises and treks that are held during the summer. Moreover you can get suggestions on upcoming events.

At Havets Hus – Information Center there are free maps of the Kvarken Archipelago and different hiking trails. There are also a lot of brochures of the tourist services, attractions and forthcoming events. The staff is ready to tell you more about the world heritage and the special features of the area. Also, there are good internet connections at the information center and a computer for visitors to use.

Havets Hus – Information Center is open during the summer season (7.6. - 29.8.2010): In June and August every day from 10am to 5pm, in July on weekdays from 10am to 7pm and weekends from 10am to 5 pm.

Contact information:

• Address: Raippaluodontie 2, 65800 Raippaluoto OR Replotvägen 2, 65800 Replot
• Telephone: +358 50 378 5988
• E-mail: mertentalo(a)mustasaari.fi OR havetshus(a)korsholm.fi

Walk on Nature Trails

There are four nature trails and two hiking trails in the Kvarken Natura 2000 area. If you do not own a boat, you can reach the Björköby - Panike Trail, the Bodvattnet trail and the Sommarö nature trail in the municipality of Korsholm, and Västerö Trail in the municipality of Maxmo by land.

Go Canoeing

The peaceful and sheltered inner archipelago of Kvarken is ideal for canoeing. Especially between the islands of Björköby and Replot, the labyrinth of almost closed, overgrown bays, and narrow straits is an adventure for a canoeist. You may make use of the Björkören (in Finnish) and Vargis (in Finnish) rental huts of Metsähallitus, located in the village of Panike in the municipality of Korsholm.

Nature Stations

The nature stations are former harbour pilot stations or coastguard stations, which have been renovated for visitors to use. All the nature stations offer accommodation for groups. A fee is charged. Other services of the nature stations vary. For example, there is a guide at Mickelsörarna Nature Station during the summer. There is a photo exhibition at Rönnskär Nature Station. At Molpe Nature Station, you can walk on a nature trail and see the great scenery from the tower of the station.

Mickelsörarna Nature Station (in Finnish), Maxmo

Molpe Nature Station (in Finnish), Korsnäs

Rönnskär Nature Station (in Finnish), Malax

Observation tower Saltkaret

The impressive, tar coloured Saltkaret raises to over 20 meters height in the World heritage area of Kvarken Archipelago. The tower, located in the fish harbour Svedjehamn, offers a beautiful view over the De Geer-moraines. This unique moraine archipelago affirms the enormous power of the last ice age in the Kvarken Archipelago.

The visible area from the tower is a perfect example of the De Geer areas in Finland. The tower also pleases many bird-watchers, as many of the typical bird species of the island can be spotted in the area, such as black coots, terns and sea eagles. The wooden observation tower is also an excellent intermediate stopping point for hikers, because it is located directly by the hiking trail. You can reach the lower level of the tower also with prams or wheelchairs.

Driving directions to Saltkaret:

Saltkaret is located in Svedjehamn, which is in the municipality of Korsholm, about 40-45 minutes drive northwest from the centre of Vaasa. From Vaasa: drive on road number 742 (Alskatintie) north towards Raippaluoto (Replot) approximately 20 kilometres. After Raippaluoto continue straight on road 7240 (Raippaluodontie/Björköntie) approximately 20 kilometres and you’ll arrive to Svedjehamn harbour where the road ends.

There is a free parking place in Svedjehamn. The observation tower can already be seen from the harbour and the parking place. Next to the parking place there is an information sign about the Björkö-Panike hiking trail. The observation tower is located by this trail; about 600 metres walk from the parking place.

You can find the map of the area and further information from excursion map.