Place to see: Vaasa, Vasa, Finland

About this place:

Vaasa is a striking city located on the western coast of Finland's Ostrobothnia region. Because it is less than 50 miles across the water to Sweden, there is a strong cultural affinity between neighboring countries. Greater than a quarter of the people in Vaasa speak Swedish as their native tongue.

The genesis of the city was in the 14th century when explorers from Sweden crossed the Baltic to establish forts and churches. The city was officially established with the approval of the Swedish king in 1606. The city seafaring flourished under Swedish, and later, under Russian rule. For a few months during the Finnish Civil War the city was the nation's capitol.

Today Vaasa boasts three universities and is a leader in various industries (nautical, technological and manufacturing). Vaasa's citizens are proud of its heritage and its collection of Gothic Finnish architecture. But it is also a great place to see some very early Bahaus and Modernist buildings from the early 20th century.