Kaskinen, also known as Kaskö in Swedish, is a small bilingual town and island municipality located on the west coast of Finland in the Ostrobothnia region. As Finland's smallest town by population with official town status, it offers a unique blend of maritime heritage, wooden architecture, and coastal tranquility. Situated along the Gulf of Bothnia, Kaskinen is often described as an "island town of artisans, fishermen, and sailors," emphasizing its historical roots in fishing, trading, and seafaring. With a population of around 1,278 as of June 2025, the town spans a modest land area but boasts significant water surroundings, making it a picturesque spot for those seeking a quieter side of Finnish life.
Kaskinen is positioned at coordinates 62°22′N 21°15′E, occupying an
island connected to the mainland by two bridges. Its total area is
175.36 km², with only 10.64 km² being land and the rest predominantly
water (164.87 km²), leading to a population density of about 120.11
people per km². The town borders only the municipality of Närpes and
features a natural harbor that has been central to its identity. The
name "Kaskinen" derives from older forms like "Kaskisöyen," meaning
"slash-burn island," reflecting early agricultural practices on the
island.
The climate in Kaskinen is typical of coastal Finland,
classified as subarctic with continental influences. Summers are mild
and short, with average July highs around 20°C (68°F), while winters are
cold, with January averages dipping to -5°C (23°F) or lower. Annual
precipitation is moderate at about 600 mm, and the region experiences
long daylight hours in summer (white nights) and polar twilight in
winter. The Gulf of Bothnia moderates temperatures somewhat, but fog and
mist are common, as seen in aerial views of the area. Snow cover
typically lasts from November to April, and the coastal location exposes
it to strong winds and occasional storms.
The city of Kaskinen was founded in 1785 by Gustav
III, and is thus the second youngest Swedish-speaking city in
Ostrobothnia and the last city founded in Finland during the Swedish
rule. Kaskinen was a locally significant port even before this.
Merchant Johan Bladhilla and his family play a significant role
in the history of the city. Bladh moved from Vaasa to Benvik Farm
north of Kaskinen and worked hard in front of the city. Kaskinen at
the time had a good harbor, with a well-protected deep waterway and
good access to the open sea. By Bladh, a customs and loading dock
was established in the port. I signed the city’s founding
declaration two years after Bladh’s death.
Johan’s son,
Petter Johan Bladh, developed the city’s business community.
Benvik’s farm developed into a model space for trying new ideas.
Bladh built his own merchant ship, which traveled to many foreign
ports. The merchant fleets were destroyed during the Napoleonic Wars
and the Bladhi's wealth was destroyed during the Finnish War.
Benvik's farm was partially destroyed and Bladh was imprisoned.
Until the 19th century, fishing and trade were the most
important occupations. In the 20th century, a railway and a larger
port were built in the city, sawmilling, large boarding houses for
the shipment of sawn timber, other industry and a fish salting
plant. The Defense Forces operated in the city after the wars when
the Optical Department was located in the locality.
Metsä-Botnia's current Metsä-Fiber established a pulp mill in the
city in the 1970s. It changed the city greatly, as many
Finnish-speakers moved there and Swedish-speakers remained a
minority. M-real has a factory completed in the autumn of 2005 in
the city. On January 14, 2009, Botnia announced that it would close
the Kaskinen plant. In August 2013, Metsä Wood, part of the Metsä
Group, decided to close down its processing operations in Kaskinen
and lay off 60 employees.
In the 1980s, the city had a
KG-Line ferry connection to Gävle, Sweden. On 6 October 2008, the
Estonian Baltic Scandinavian Lines started regular services from
Kaskinen to Härnösand, Sweden, by the ro-ro cargo ship M / S
Gutella. The ferry connection was discontinued in early 2009.
In Kaskinen and Närpiö, the local government was voted on 18
November 2019. The Kaskinen council rejected the joint by 9 votes to
8.
The economy revolves around the Port of Kaskinen, a key asset for
cargo and quick sea access. In the first half of 2025, the port handled
341.2 thousand tonnes of cargo, a 12.6% increase year-over-year, with
ro-ro traffic surging 412% to 1,235 units. Employment in 2015 broke down
as 5.2% in primary production, 39.7% in processing (above national
averages), and 53.7% in services. Major employers include fish
processing firms like Oy Sonnfish Ab and Kuivaniemen Kala Oy, alongside
Kaskitek Oy.
The Suupohja Railway connects to Seinäjoki but is
freight-only, supporting port operations. Unemployment stands at 6.5%,
and recent developments include offshore wind projects and energy
acquisitions. In February 2025, Adven acquired Kaskisten Energia to
advance sustainable district heating. Metsä Group announced potential
job cuts of up to 800 in October 2025 as part of restructuring,
impacting sites like Kaskinen.
Kaskinen's culture is steeped in its maritime past, with a focus on
artisans, fishermen, and sailors. The traditional dish is "gubbe ronka"
(or "gubbe runka"), mashed potatoes with salted Baltic herring,
lingonberry, and butter. Bilingualism fosters a mix of Finnish and
Swedish influences, seen in local events and heritage.
In June 2025,
Kaskinen was awarded the BSR Cultural Pearl for its cultural vibrancy,
celebrated with a public event on June 16. The youth department provides
services for young people, including volunteering opportunities through
the European Youth Portal.
Specific details on education are limited, but as a small
municipality, Kaskinen likely offers basic schooling integrated with
regional systems, focusing on bilingual instruction given its linguistic
makeup.
Transportation includes two mainland bridges and the
freight-focused Suupohja Railway. The port handles surveillance and
patrols for security. No passenger rail exists, so travel relies on
roads and ferries for broader connections.
The town's uniform wooden townscape, with its 18th-century grid plan, is a nationally significant cultural environment recognized by the Finnish Heritage Agency. Key landmarks include the Kaskinen Town Hall and the natural harbor. Visitors can explore the port area, enjoy coastal walks, and experience the serene island atmosphere. The tourism site highlights it as a wooden town known for its small size and charm.
As of 2025, Kaskinen is advancing green initiatives. In June, the PBI Foundation launched an offshore wind project with the port as a partner, funded by AKKE. A February MOU with Tahkoluoto Offshore Oy explores logistics for wind power. Broader Finnish efforts, like a national pavilion at COP30 in Brazil (November 2025), align with local sustainability pushes. Cities including Kaskinen are accelerating green transitions via new climate investment frameworks. Employment services transferred to municipalities in January 2025, affecting local job markets. No major earthquakes were reported near Iso-Kaskinen in September 2025.