The districts in the northern part of Vaasa are residential areas close to the sea and nature. What these areas have in common is a long history, services and diverse outdoor and recreational opportunities. The well-known Strömsö is located in Västervik.
Gerby
Gerby was still a small rural village during the 1980s, and the construction of the so-called New Gerby at the turn of the 1980s and 1990s increased settlement in the then forested area.
Gerby’s oldest part is Lillby, where the old school and the current village hall, the old youth association building and FBK’s old building are located. Gerby’s oldest buildings date from the beginning of the 19th century, partly even from the late 18th century. The oldest building stock is particularly concentrated around Lillby.
The old and traditional harbour in Gerby, a small boat harbour with 215 berths, is located in the area of the present new Gerby. Right next to the marina is the historic Villa Gerby.
Attractions in Gerby include “Rapatunturi” or “Rapis”, whose official name is Gerbynmäki (Gerby Hill). There are three hills made of earth mounds and from the highest of them you can see all the way to the Raippaluoto bridge. The area also has a dog park and extensive outdoor trails.
Västervik
Västervik is a residential area just next to Gerby. The area has a marina and the lovely Villa Strömsö, where the popular TV series Strömsö is filmed.
Västervik also has the local history museum Hanna’s cottage, which at the same time serves as a shared living room for the area’s residents. Hanna’s cottage is maintained by the Gerby-Västervik Local History Association.
Isolahti
Isolahti (Storviken) is located in the northern part of Vaasa and belongs to the Gerby large area. The area has a diverse housing stock with old and new single-family houses as well as row and multi-storey apartment buildings.
In Isolahti, tar burning was carried out at least in the 18th and 19th centuries. A depression from a tar pit can still be seen at the corner of Huvilatie and Gerbyn Rantatie. The tar burning gave the area the name Tervalaakso (Tjärdalen) and it is on the northern and eastern side of the current beach near the school. The current Miilutie was previously known as Tervalaaksontie and the area’s football team is also called Tervalaakson Teräs.
Stonemasons were also active in the area in the 19th century. Traces of their activity can still be seen in the stonemason park located at the corner of Isolahdentie and Alskatintie.
Isolahti is a nature-close and peaceful district, where the proximity to the sea is strongly present. The island Variskari outside Isolahti is a popular outdoor recreation area. The maintenance of the area is managed by the city and active residents.
The district association Isolahti-Seura ry operates in Isolahti and was founded in 1978. The association works for the interests of the area and acts as an information intermediary between residents and the city. One of its most important tasks today is to arrange video surveillance of the boats in the area’s marina.
Vetokannas
Vetokannas (Dragnäsbäck) has developed on a strip of land that connects Palosaari to the mainland. The name of the residential area probably originates from the time when fishermen and other seafarers hauled their boats over the narrow isthmus to avoid having to sail round Palosaari.
Vetokannas church was completed in 1961. The church is owned by the Vasa Church Foundation.
Pukinjärvi
Pukinjärvi (Infjärden) is a calm residential area known for its leafy environment and proximity to nature. The area is especially suitable for families with children and people who value a quiet place to live.