Kaskinen
Kaskinen (Kaskö in Swedish) is an idyllic harbour town on the shores of the Gulf of Bothnia in Ostrobothnia, Finland.
Understand
The town was founded in 1785.
In the early 20th century, Kaskinen grew and modernized, with new infrastructure and transportation links being established in the area. The construction of a new harbor and railway station in the town helped to boost its economy, while the establishment of new businesses and industries created jobs and opportunities for local residents.
Pulp industry played an important role in the history of Kaskinen, and the town was home to a major pulp factory for many years. The factory was established in the 1930s and became one of the largest employers in the region, providing jobs for hundreds of local residents. The pulp factory produced a range of products, including paper, cardboard, and other materials, and helped to fuel the growth and development of the local economy. In 2009, the decision was made to close the pulp factory, which was a major blow to the local economy and led to the loss of many jobs in the town.
Kaskinen covers an area of 30 km², of which the water area is 18.5 km². The town has about 1,300 inhabitants, of whom about 70% are Finnish-speaking and about 30% Swedish-speaking. The town is an enclave of Närpes and the smallest town of Finland.
Get in
The main routes to Kaskinen are Highway 67 (from Kauhajoki via Teuva, both in Southern Ostrobothnia in the east) and Regional road 676 (from Närpes centre in the north). From farther away E8 is the main road. The railway does not carry passenger traffic.
By bus
Direct bus routes are available from Vaasa and Närpes. Timetables are available from Matkahuolto.
By ferry
There is also a ferry connection to the island Eskilsö (Eskö), Närpes, immediately to the west of the town centre.
By boat
There is a guest harbour in the centre, just north of the Eskö ferry, at a 3.4-m boating route. The route connects to the fairways to the freight port (usable also if coming from Kristinestad), to boating routes to Närpes countryside and to fairways northward.
Get around
The town centre is two kilometres long and less than a kilometre across. Even the farthest points of the main island (the one reachable by bridge) are just a few kilometres away. If you like walking or stay in the centre, you don't need but your feet. A bike is convenient if you want to get around more.
While Kaskö has a large sea area, Sälgrund is across a 300 m sound from the centre and other islands you might want to visit are equally easy to reach with a rowing boat. The archipelago continues though in the neighbouring municipalities.
See
- 1 Kaskinen Church, Kirkkokatu 37.
- 2 Local History Museum, Raatihuoneenkatu 48, ☏ +358 50-302-4211, kaskohbm@gmail.com.
Do
- 1 Mariestranden Beach.
- 2 Sälgrund Lighthouse (The guest harbour, Laxhamnen, is 1 km from the lighthouse, 5.5 km south from Kaskö guest harbour by the main fairway; tours from there or from the fishing harbour, a 1-km boat tour plus the 1 km walk), ☏ +358 50-518-5138, info@salgrund.fi. Transport and café Su Jun–Jul; tours W 11:00 in season, 2023: 7 June–2 Aug; private tours May–Sep. Lighthouse and former pilot station, now used for accommodation of tourists, meetings and get-aways. The lighthouse was built in 1875, 25 m heigh, with petrol-fuelled light – a new development. It was automated 1967 and is still in use. Visits can be had during the opening hours of the café or lodging, or by agreement. Guiding by request. Book beforehand. The interior is original, including the Fresnel lens. The pilot station has heritage from the 18th century, closed in 1985. Private tours for groups of six or more. Programme services, such as fishing trips, seal safaris and snowmobile tours (in season). The western shore of the large Sälgrund island faces the open sea. A visit should include enjoying the wood (through which you'll walk) and the shore. Nature trail. Transport €10 (return); entrance €6; tour with transport and lunch included €55, children under 12 years €35.
Buy
- 1 Sale Kaskinen, Marianrannankatu 1. M–F 07–21:00, Sa 07:00–20:00, Su 11:00–20:00.
- 2 Herring Market of Kaskinen, Raatihuoneenkatu 6. Yearly in October.
Eat
- 1 Café Kung Gustav, Raatihuoneenkatu 39 (at the main square of Kaskinen). A café-restaurant with grill food and hamburgers.
- 2 Kaskiranta, Herrmansintie.
- 3 Michelle's Kitchen, Kirkkokatu 51.
Drink
- 1 Café M&R, Raatihuoneenkatu 47.
Sleep
- 1 Hotel Kaske, Raatihuoneenkatu 41 (close to the market square), ☏ +358 6 222-7771, fax: +358 6 222 7410, hotel.kaske@pp.inet.fi. The hotel has 20 double rooms and one suite, all with bathroom facilities and TV. Some of the rooms have a fridge and Wi-Fi connections. The hotel has a sauna, which includes a cabinet for 14 persons. The sauna-cabin can be reserved separately. Single €83, double €100.
- 2 Sininen Hetki, Satamakatu 37, ☏ +358 40-548-0171, info@sininenhetki.com.
- 3 Poppelus, Aleksanterinkatu 20, ☏ +358 44-767-3965, alekser@alekser.fi.
Connect
Internet
For free Wi-Fi and internet terminals, check the library: