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The Maritime Museum of Vaasa
When founded in 1606, Vaasa was the first city to be founded north of Pori and it is thereby the oldest port and trade city of Ostrobothnia. Vaasa city was granted staple rights (also known as control of goods) in 1765, that is the right to trade freely with other countries, and it quickly became a significant location as regards seafaring and the shipping industry.
The Maritime History Museum of Vaasa is situated on the coast at Palosaari strait. This spot was the centre of Vaasa’s outer harbour for 150 years, and there was previously a shipyard at Mansikkasaari nearby.
At the Maritime Museum of Vaasa, visitors can enjoy glimpses of maritime life in bygone days that are on display in one of the four well-preserved warehouses. The oldest of the museum buildings originates from the 1700s, and was moved here from Old Vaasa after the great fire of 1852.
At the museum, which previously served as a salt warehouse for shipowner C.G. Wolff, you can experience something of the local seafaring tradition, from the shipbuilding of the 1800s to today’s cruise ferries. Here, you can view miniature models of ships, a diving suit, and paintings of various lighthouses. The museum has a large collection of photographs and also displays artifacts salvaged from the wreck of the steamer Vestkusten, which sank just off Rönnskär in 1892. The finds are tastefully displayed under the special roof window that was also rescued from the shipwreck. You can also admire over 100 engines at the museum, made by 14 Vaasa-based engine manufacturers that no longer exist.
Welcome to Palosaari strait to enjoy the atmosphere in the old warehouse buildings!
