Jakobstad-Pietarsaari

This page was updated 26^th december 2001

Jakobstad

Jakobstad is located on the Finnish west coast 100 kilometers north of Vasa. Jakobstad (Pietarsaari) was founded in the year 1652. The city got its name after its founder: Jacob de la Gardie. To day there is about 20.000 inhabitants of which 55% speak Swedish.

Jakobstad has ancient sailing-, shipbuilding- and industrial traditions. Industrialism took an early start, tobacco manufacture started in the 18th century. Jakobstad has today highly industrialized in metal-, plastic industry and forest industry. Tobacco industry has been reduced heavily since a few years ago, 1998 will be the last year for tobacco in Jakobstad. There is good connections to Jakobstad. There used to be a ferry to Sweden. But no longer because: no taxfree, no ferry. Buses, trains and by air from Kronoby.

	Jakobstad is an town of continuos development. We take nature and the environment into consideration when planning the industry, traffic, services and urban structure. In the heart of Jakobstad you find the pedestrian street. It's full of activities in the summer.
	Jaakon päivät is a popular festival in the end of July. Festival gets people moving and the pedestrian street is full of dancing people. At the most there has been about 30000 visitors during this week of partying. You may choose between different activities like for example: Jakob Marathon, beach volley-tournament and musical performances.

In "Wanha satama" (Old harbor) is located FantaSea Park, it's a waterpark with wet stuff... wave and bubble pools. If you want to see the archipelago, you should take a cruise with "Kristina".

In central Jakobstad you can plunge into green tranquility. It's located by the swedish collage. About one thousand species of plants make the School Park (Koulupuisto - Skolparken) a unique attraction.

In the middle of almost untouched nature is Fäboda, whose sandy and rocky beaches stretch for miles and miles. Feel the cool breeze from the open sea.

You can find a place for camping and caravans. At the Coffeehouse (Kahvitupa) you’ll find something to drink or eat. If it’s hot, you may cool yourself down with a cool beer or ice-cream and just wait until the sun dives beneath the horizon… YEAH!

The sail pavilion or ”Pavis” as it is called is located in the Old Harbor (Wanha Satama). It’s the "headquarter" of the Jakobstad Sailing Association. Pavis is also an popular restaurant.