Plizio Visual Lab

Tankar

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

City

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Practical info — Tankar

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🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

The island is only accessible by ferry (M/S Jenny) from Kokkola in summer; book your tickets well in advance.
Weather on the open sea changes rapidly; bring windproof and waterproof layers even on a sunny day.
There are no ATMs on the island. While cards are widely accepted at the cafe, having some cash is a good backup.
Respect the fragile island nature and nesting birds; stay on the marked wooden walkways.
Consider staying overnight in the old pilot station for a unique, isolated experience after day-trippers leave.

🍽 Food

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Tankar salmon soup (Lohikeitto)

The legendary staple served at Cafe Tankar, the island's only summer cafe.

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Archipelago bread (Saaristolaisleipä)

Dark, sweet malt bread served alongside the soup.

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Cinnamon buns (Korvapuusti)

Grab a freshly baked one with coffee while waiting for the return ferry.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

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Cafe Tankar small shop

Sells unique lighthouse-themed souvenirs and local postcards.

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Sea buckthorn products (Tyrni)

A regional specialty of the Bothnian coast, sometimes available on the island or at the Kokkola departure harbor.

🧘

Tankar Lighthouse rocks

Sit on the smooth granite rocks facing the open sea, away from the ferry dock.

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The old wooden church

A tiny, historic 18th-century church that gives a completely silent retreat.

Tankar is a small, rugged island located about 15 kilometers off the coast of Kokkola. For centuries, it served as an important base for seal hunters and fishermen who lived in simple wooden huts during the hunting seasons. The most prominent landmark is the lighthouse built in 1889, which is still operational and open to visitors. Guests can explore the wooden fishing chapel from 1754, built without nails, or visit the Seal Hunting Museum, which documents the harsh living conditions of the past. During the summer months, the island is a popular destination for day-trippers and overnight guests, who can stay in the former pilot station or renovated fishermen's cottages. The island is reached by the passenger ship M/S Jenny from Kokkola harbor, with the trip taking about 90 minutes. The island's sparse nature hosts rare coastal plants and is a vital resting spot for migratory birds.