Onkilahti is located north of the city in a valley area about 1.5 kilometres from Vaasa city centre. On the west side of the bay, about 1.5 kilometres long, lies Palosaari and on the east side Vöyrinkaupunki. The shores are green areas from which it is easy to experience and observe the local nature. The predominant tree species in the shore forests is birch, and in summer the area has abundant cow parsley growth. The bay’s shores are encircled by walking and cycling paths that can also be accessed with prams or wheelchairs. The water area can be crossed by a bridge. Among locals in Vaasa this is known as the “Putusillan”. Next to the bridge an area for recreational anglers has been completed, which is a popular spot in spring and autumn.
About 70 breeding bird species have been recorded at Onkilahti during the breeding season. The number of species is very large considering the area’s proximity to Vaasa city centre. In the northern part of the bay there is a small artificial island that is a popular site for ducks and gulls. Near the island you can see mallards, common goldeneyes and tufted ducks. Among the gulls, herring and black-headed gulls as well as terns nest on the island. On some of Onkilahti’s reed-rich shores you may hear a reed warbler or willow warbler singing in May–July. The most recent newcomer species is the marsh warbler, which may be observed in the reedbeds.
The forests of Onkilahti are important breeding areas for birds. The species composition of the forests leans towards those typical of deciduous woods, such as the wood warbler and lesser spotted woodpecker. The shore forests also host more common woodland species such as magpies and redwing, great and blue tits, chaffinches and willow warblers. Less common species that sing in the forests include the nightingale, goldcrest and blackcap.
Onkilahti can be recommended as an easily accessible place in the middle of the city that offers a lot to see and hear. The area can be visited in any season. The finest birdwatching experiences at Onkilahti are offered between May and August. Exploring nature is best done early in the morning before the city wakes up.