Nestled along Finland's west coast, Jakobstad (Pietarsaari) is a town where history meets natural beauty. With a population of around 20,000 people, Jakobstad offers a welcoming small-town feel. Known for its enchanting wooden buildings, Jakobstad's old town, Skata, transports visitors back to the 19th century with narrow, winding streets lined with traditional homes that preserve the town's unique heritage. The town’s coastal location is ideal for those looking to unwind by the water, whether it’s through leisurely walks in the lush Koulupuisto park, exploring the tranquil harbors, or discovering nearby islands.

Jakobstad also boasts a thriving cultural scene, with museums like the Jakobstad Museum offering insight into local history and the lives of seafaring communities that once thrived here. The town is dotted with artisan shops and cozy cafes, perfect for soaking up the relaxed atmosphere and enjoying local delicacies. In summer, the open-air markets come alive, providing a taste of Finland’s northern charm through seasonal produce and handcrafted items.

Aspegrens Trädgård

For nature lovers, a visit to Aspegrens Trädgård and the nearby Rosenlund estate is a must. Aspegrens Trädgård is a beautiful 18th-century garden, part of the Rosenlund parish house, offering a peaceful setting to explore diverse plants, historic gardening techniques, and lovely walking paths. The garden and estate together provide a glimpse into traditional Finnish horticulture, and visitors can take their time enjoying the tranquility and historical surroundings.

The Arctic Museum Nanoq

The Arctic Museum Nanoq was inaugurated in June 1991 in Jakobstad (Pietarsaari) in Finland and is the first Arctic museum in Europe. Nanoq displays the Arctic and Antarctica, as well as surrounding areas and is a tribute to the cultures of the last Arctic peoples. Over the years the museum has grown to become a vibrant Arctic cultural centre, which is visited annually by thousands of guests from all over the world.

The museum’s name Nanoq comes from Greenlandic and means polar bear. At Nanoq you can get acquainted with Arctic peoples, cultures and customs, and hear exciting stories from famous expeditions to the North and South Pole. The museum area is situated in the middle of the forest and consists of different cottages that have been built over the years. Each cottage has their own story to tell.

As an added bonus, a visit to Jakobstad can easily be combined with a trip to the nearby city of Vaasa, just over an hour away by bus. From Vaasa, the new Aurora Botnia ferry offers a scenic and convenient route to Sweden, adding an extra adventure to your coastal Finnish experience.

How to Get There

The city is accessible by various modes of transport. It’s easy to include Jakobstad in your travel plans whether you’re coming from Finland or abroad.

By Air: The closest airport is Kokkola-Pietarsaari Airport, located about 30 kilometers (20 miles) from the town center. The airport offers regular flights to and from Helsinki, making it convenient for both domestic and international travelers. From the airport, you can reach Jakobstad via taxi or shuttle bus, with the journey taking approximately 30 minutes.

By Train: Jakobstad is served by the Bennäs (Pännäinen) railway station, located about 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the town center. VR (Finnish Railways) operates trains connecting Bennäs to major cities like Helsinki, Tampere, and Oulu. From the station, you can take a local bus or taxi to Jakobstad.

By Bus: Long-distance buses operated by Matkahuolto and Onnibus provide affordable and convenient connections to Jakobstad from various locations in Finland. The bus station is centrally located in Jakobstad, making it easy to start exploring the town upon arrival.

By Car: For travelers who enjoy driving, Jakobstad is easily accessible via Finland’s well-maintained road network. The town is near Highway E8, which runs along Finland’s western coast, connecting cities like Vaasa, Kokkola, and Oulu.

By Ferry and Sea: Though Jakobstad does not have a major ferry terminal, the nearby city of Vaasa (about 100 kilometers / 60 miles south) offers ferry connections to Umeå in Sweden. From Vaasa, you can drive or take a bus to Jakobstad, with the journey taking around 1.5 hours.

Once in Jakobstad, the town is compact and easy to explore on foot or by bike. For those with a car, nearby attractions like Larsmo’s lake-filled landscapes or the historical village of Kokkola are just a short drive away.