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West Coast Route
sand Dunes and Pine Forests
1069 km, 7 days/6 nights, self-guided
71 km, 6 days/5 nights, guided
The West Coast route presents one of the most beautiful of the Finnish seaside routes. The trip includes two Unesco World Heritage Sites, the old district of Rauma and the Kvarken Archipelago. The route is also ideal for bird enthusiasts as there are plenty of birdwatching towers on Liminka Bay and Hailuoto Island. The landscapes of the Salamajärvi National Park bring Lapland to mind.
Kalajoki and Hiekkasärkät on the coast of the Northern Gulf of Bothnia are known for sand dunes, sun and sea. The geographical forms and the nature around the area tells you interesting story of the rising of the land from the sea. The tourism area offers many activities to spend a good time.
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TURKU–OULU
KALAJOKI
7 DAYs/6 NIGHTs
6 DAYs/5 NIGHTs
1069 KM eAsY The terrain varies from flat to rolling hills, but it is not too challenging.
Pori Region tourist information www.maisa.fi/en www.pori.fi Kokkola Region tourist information www.kokkola.fi Kalajoki Region tourist information www.kalajoki.fi Hailuoto tourist information www.hailuototourism.fi Oulu Region tourist information www.oulu.fi
Day 1. Turku–Pori, 155 km The Pori region contains a uniquely large number of natural sights, the most cherished of which are the coastal waters of Yyteri-Preiviikinlahti with their diverse range of waterfowl, the Kokemäenjoki estuary and Lake Enäjärvi, which are all located just a few kilometers from each other. The 1,8 km long nature trail will introduce you to the incomparable nature around the famous Yyteri beaches. Day 2. Pori–Raippaluoto, 248 km Around the Kvarken area, the land rises from the depths of the sea. A diverse range of geological formations can be witnessed along the hiking and nature trails in the area. Each of the 13 trails present varying signs of geological processes that have formed, or are in the process of forming, the Kvarken Archipelago. On the island of Replot, you can enjoy the atmosphere of the archipelago and learn about post-glacial rebound at first hand. Day 3. Raippaluoto–Kokkola, 154 km The trip continues along small roads on the seven-bridge archipelago route. The route runs through beautiful wooden towns as well as Nykarleby and Jakobstad. However, the time to take a trip to the seas is at hand upon our arrival in Kokkola. Tankari Island contains an old lighthouse and fishing village, as well as a church, birdwatching station and pilot station. The rocky island served as a base of operations for seal hunters and fishers. Day 4. Kokkola–salamajärvi National Park, 135 km Salamajärvi is located in the beautiful rugged watershed region of Suomenselkä. This large, uninhabited area is especially known for its diverse mire ecosystems and its set of wilderness animals. There are also old-growth forests and peaceful forest lakes in their natural state. The national park featuresnumerous trails of varying lengths. Day 5. salamajärvi-Kalajoki sand Dunes, 153 km Kalajoki is famous for its magnificent sand dunes. The Marine Nature Centre maintained by Metsähallitus introduces visitors to nature on the coast of the Bothnian Bay, the sand dunes of Kalajoki and their habitats, as well as traditional fishing culture. The area features trails and routes of varying lengths for hikers. Day 6. Kalajoki–Hailuoto, 171 km Hailuoto is known for its unique nature and national landscapes. In addition to this, the island itself is a sight to be seen. The island began to take shape nearly 2,000 years ago as a result of post-glacial rebound, and is still growing at a rate of about one centimetre a year. The sand, wind, sea and human efforts have shaped the island to its current state. The island is also famous for its birdlife, and the Liminka Bay Visitor Centre, along with its nature trails and birdwatching towers, are located nearby.
71 KM eAsY
Day 1. Arrival in Kalajoki Arrival at Hiekkasärkät Tourism Centre. Hiekkasärkät (Sand Dunes) is a popular holiday resort well known for its large sunny beach. Accomodation in a rustic atmosphere in an old Ostrobothnian style house, the Tapion Tupa. Sauna and dinner, traditional Finnish food. Day 2. Hiking on the beach and exploring Nordic walking, 15 km Getting acquainted with the area on the walking tour along the wooden trails andother tracks. In the afternoon introduction to Nordic walking. It is easier than cross-country skiing but more effective than conventional walking. The route network passes through beautiful marine scenery. Day 3. The valley of siiponjoki stream, 18 km Siiponjoki is a small river with a varying terrain. There you can find steep sand bluffs and groves of the canyons. Observing the nature and hearing the stories of the history of the river we hike along paths in the woodland and then take the southern side of the river. Day 4. Vihasniemi, 18 km Hiking to Vihasniemi, a part of the route along the wooden trails. Varying terrain and scenery from the woods and the sand banks to the sea. In Vihasniemi you can watch birds from a tower and see old sand dunes in the forest. Day 5. Tapion Tupa path, 20 km A day in the varying woodland. Hiking in a dry peaty forest with lichen cover and pines, over small swamps along wooden tracks and stopping by log-fire places for a break. Lunch in the nature by fire. Day 6. Departure Own programme, visit in the Kalajoki centre, in the Old centre called Plassi, a boat trip to the Rahja Archipelago etc.
Suitable for couples, seniors, people who like outdoor activities and nature. The participants should have own outdoor gear: comfortable shoes, wind and waterproof gear. starts and ends: Kalajoki, Hiekkasärkät season: 15 Apr–15 Nov Group size: 2–10 persons
fememare Ltd Tel. +358 (0)40 7226401 E-mail: kaisa-leena.korhonen@ fememare.fi www.fememare.fi www.visitkalajoki.fi Closest airport: Kokkola (Kruunupyy) and Oulu Closest harbour: Turku (connection to Aland Islands and to Stockholm) and Vaasa (connection to Umeå in Sweden) Train: Helsinki–Kokkola, 5 h 30 min express bus: Helsinki–Kokkola, 9 h Price/person 640 € The price includes accommodation in shared double room, breakfast (5), lunch (4), dinner in the first evening, guide. Supplement for single room 80 €
Day 7. Hailuoto–Oulu, 53 km 12
Visit www.outdoorsfinland.com /307
Visit www.outdoorsfinland.com /308
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