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) 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, to the west of the town centre.
Get around
See
- 🌍 Kaskinen Church, Kirkkokatu 37.
- 🌍 Sälgrund Lighthouse.
- 🌍 Local History Museum, Raatihuoneenkatu 48, ☏ +358 50 3024211, kaskohbm@gmail.com.
Do
Buy
- 🌍 Sale Kaskinen, Marianrannankatu 1. M–F 07–21:00, Sa 07:00–20:00, Su 11:00–20:00.
- 🌍 Herring Market of Kaskinen, Raatihuoneenkatu 6. Yearly in October.
Eat
- 🌍 Café Kung Gustav, Raatihuoneenkatu 39 (at the main square of Kaskinen). A café-restaurant with grill food and hamburgers.
- 🌍 Kaskiranta, Herrmansintie.
- 🌍 Michelle's Kitchen, Kirkkokatu 51.
Drink
- 🌍 Café M&R, Raatihuoneenkatu 47.
Sleep
- 🌍 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.
- 🌍 Sininen Hetki, Satamakatu 37, ☏ +358 40-548-0171, info@sininenhetki.com.
- 🌍 Poppelus, Aleksanterinkatu 20, ☏ +358 44-767-3965, alekser@alekser.fi.
Connect
Internet
Many businesses have Wi-Fi for customers (although it's usually called "WLAN"); ask the staff for details. For free Wi-Fi and internet terminals, check the library: