Photo: Elisa Karhula
Culture and nature combine to give an unforgettable experience of the Nordic summer Who says you can’t have the best of both worlds? The small town of Pietarsaari gives you the chance to enjoy both the stillness of the untouched nature in the north of Finland and the culture of a town where a spontaneous jazz concert is never far away. By Nina Bressler
For those who can’t choose whether to go for a city break or a serene natural escape this summer, Pietarsaari, or Jakobstad in Swedish, might provide the perfect answer. Situated along the northern coastline of Finland, this small town makes up for what it lacks in size via a multitude of events and beautiful nature. With 20,000 inhabitants, it may look small at first glance, but with a rich entrepreneurial history, worldwide fame for its ship building, and a bustling cultural offering, you may find yourself surprised by what is waiting to be discovered. “We 94 | Issue 124 | May 2019
have just about everything: shopping, restaurants, and an abundance of cultural events, concerts and museums – and what’s more, is that with its small size, you can cycle or walk everywhere,” says Linda Lindroos, tourism coordinator for the Pietarsaari region.
Culture and nature always within reach While the town provides a rich cultural offering all year round, Lindroos does admit to some of the extra benefits available during the summer months. It being a
coastal town, you are always close to the beach, and with never-ending daylight, you have all the time you need to take in the sights. Take a stroll through the old town, Skata, with idyllic wooden houses, narrow streets, and “the best cinnamon bun on the planet” – as Lindroos herself describes them – at one of the local cafés. For a dose of culture, pay a visit to one of the many museums and reward yourself at one of the local restaurants, where musical happenings occur on a regular basis, be it a scheduled gig or a spontaneous gathering of skilled musicians. For an immersive nature experience, Fäboda, about seven kilometres from the town centre, provides a secluded natural spot. Forests, cliffs and sandy beaches