The sandy beaches of the Vattajanniemi cape are found approximately 40 kilometres away from the Kokkola city centre. The Vattaja dune area is a valuable landscape also by European standards. Vattaja is Europe’s largest coastal dune area in the boreal region, and with 15 kilometres of shoreline, it is also one of the longest sandy beaches in the Nordic countries. The beach of Vattaja is the longest one in Finland, and the magnificent natural-state shoreline provides visitors with something new to see every time. Vattaja is a perfect place for sunbathing, hiking, nature photography and even wind surfing. The area has several trails for walking and cycling.
Right next to Vattaja is the island and fishing village of Ohtakari, with a road flanked by sandy beaches and the sea leading to the island. Ohtakari is an important base camp for fishermen, and visitors can learn more about the local fishing history at the Ohtakari Fishing Museum. There is a nature trail and a lookout tower on Ohtakari with magnificent views over the sea and the dunes of Vattaja. Today, there are around 50 holiday homes on Ohtakari, along with a public grill shelter, a guest harbour and a summer café.
Vattaja and Ohtakari are located along the main migration route of many bird species, and the area is particularly rich in birdlife. The area provides birdwatchers with unique opportunities to observe different species, particularly in the spring and autumn. Certain parts of Vattaja also serve as a military exercise area for the Finnish Defence Forces, which is why access to the area is occasionally restricted. Information about ongoing exercises can be found here.
