Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WORTH A TRIP
KVARKEN ARCHIPELAGO
Listed as a Unesco World Heritage site in 2006, Kvarken stretches across to the Umeå re-
gion of Sweden and includes the sea and islands between the two countries. The land
here is rising at an astonishing rate - around 8mm per year. During the last ice age, the
weight of the ice covering Kvarken depressed the earth's crust by up to 1km. Since the ice
melted, the pressure has been released and new islands are emerging - it's estimated
that by the year 4500, a land bridge will join Sweden and Finland. Vaasa's
Terranova
is a
great place to learn more; information is also available online at
Kvarken's most accessible point is
Replot
(Finnish: Raippaluoto), a large island just off
the Vaasa coast, linked by Finland's longest bridge (1.045km), which opened in 1997. By
Fri, 10am-5pm Sat & Sun Jul, 10am-7pm early-mid-Aug) has maps and information on activities
including fishing, kayaking and canoeing. Alongside it, the
M/S Corina
( 050-026-0751;
www.berny.fi
;
adult/child €16/8; 2pm Mon, Wed, Fri & Sat late Jun-mid-Aug) runs two-hour
cruises of the archipelago. It's a great cycle out here with bridges connecting smaller is-
lands.
There are a handful of accommodation options on the archipelago, including the beau-
1089;4-/6-person cabins €100/120). Its timber cabins come with en suite bathrooms, kit-
chenettes equipped with fridges, microwaves and coffee makers, and covered terraces
overlooking the private beach. Great facilities include a beach sauna, rowboats and fish-
ing equipment.
The only really decent place to dine on Kvarken is
Cafe Arken
( 06-352-0329;
www.cafearken.fi
;Byhamnvägen 194;dishes €9-13, lunch buffet €13, mains €17-29; noon-10pm
Mon-Thu, to midnight Fri & Sat, to 4pm Sun Jun-mid-Aug), a delightful summer pavilion with a
terrace overlooking a small harbour. The menu ranges from light bites like burgers to
mains such as schnitzels, steaks, fish and filling veggie casseroles. You can just stop by
for a drink at the bar, which has occasional live music.
Jakobstad
06 / Pop 19,670
