Nestled along Finland’s west coast, the bilingual town Jakobstad combines coastal beauty with a rich maritime history and vibrant culture. Jakobstad is know as Pietarsaari in finnish.
The town’s charming archipelago is a hidden gem, offering serene landscapes perfect for outdoor activities. The pristine beaches invite visitors to unwind, while the stunning natural surroundings create a peaceful escape.
Jakobstad’s well-preserved Old Town, Skata, is one of Finland’s largest wooden town districts. Strolling through its historic streets offers a unique journey into the past, highlighting the town’s cultural heritage and architectural beauty.
A year-round destination, Jakobstad boasts a diverse array of experiences. From the summer’s lively events and coastal adventures to the winter’s peaceful frozen coastlines – visitors enjoy the town’s offerings in every season. The coastal allure and cultural richness of Jakobstad-Pietarsaari make it a captivating destination for travelers seeking a unique destination.
Distance from port to city centre
5 kilometers
Distance from city to airport
35 kilometers
Airport information
Kokkola-Pietarsaari Airport provides a fast and easy way to reach the regions surrounding Pietarsaari-Jakobstad. The flight time is only 1 hour from Helsinki.
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Jakobstad, also know as Pietarsaari is a small town, with a big heart. Known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, the town boasts a rich cultural heritage shaped by its bi-langual community. Jakobstad is home to historical landmarks like its well-preserved old town and the old harbour. Whether exploring local crafts, enjoying the picturesque archipelago, or savoring traditional Finnish cuisine, Jakobstad offers a delightful mix of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Must See & Do
Skata
Skata was protected in 1982 and it has largely preserved its original state. Strict regulations ensure that the area will retain its authentic look and history.
Today Skata is one of the most desirable residential areas in Jakobstad. The largest clock in the Nordics is to be found in Skata.
Nanoq Arctic Museum
The Arctic Museum Nanoq displays the Arctic and Antarctica, as well as surrounding areas and is a tribute to the cultures of the last Arctic people. 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.
Mässkär Island
The island of Mässkär, about 2 km from Ådö fishing harbor, is a stately example of the outer archipelago’s beauty.
In the summer, there is regular boat traffic to and from the island. During winter, it is possible to reach Mässkär by walking or skiing over the ice!
The Old Harbor
The old harbor and Kittholmen are situated about a kilometre from the city centre. The old harbour area is primarily a popular recreational area with a beach, beautiful forest, small boat marina, big playground, camping site and restaurants.
It also holds a history present in the red painted traditional boat houses and The Shipyard museum.
Rosenlund garden
The Aspegren Garden and Rosenlund Vicarage form a unique garden milieu in the urban area. Provost Gabriel Aspegren had the Rosenlund constructed in the 18th century, and the garden is one of the oldest vicarage gardens in Finland as well as an exceptionally well-preserved milieu in Scandinavia.
Ruissalo Island
Located just outside the city, Ruissalo island has a beautiful nature and archipelago atmosphere for a perfect day spent outdoors. Visit the botanical gardens, take a small hike along one of the trails, or just stroll or bike on the promenade admiring the old villas and their cute swimming huts.
Shore Excursion Examples
Gardens
Discover the beautiful gardens of Jakobstad.
Have guided tour in the 18th-century Aspegren garden, the large schoolgarden and combine it with a great lunch.
Wooden houses
Take a walk in Skata, the largets woodenhouse area in Finland with over 40 blocks of beautiful houses. Visit the old tobacco factory and enjoy the arcitecture. A local guide can tell the stories from Jakobstad.
Old Shipyard
Jakobstad has a long history of boat buildning. Have a guided tour at the old harbor and the shipyard museum to take a look at the galeas Jacobstads Wapen or the war damaged ship Vega.
The Arctic Museum
Nanoq the Arctic Museum takes you to a world full of stories and items from from famous expeditions to the North and the Southpole. End the day with a autentic smoke-sauna experience or a visit to Fäboda beach.
Local food
Enjoy the local food culture in Jakobstad. The worlds’ best cinnamonbuns, a locally crafted beer and smoked fish combined to a delicious meal.
Annual Events
Checkout some of Turku’s annual events!
Jakobs dagar
- July
- Jakobstad
Jakobs Dagar is a traditional city festival filled with culture, sports, and programs suitable for all ages. It is held in Jakobstad in the month of July as a week-long town festival.
During the whole week, the town is filled with life from morning till evening.
More information: https://jakobsdagar.fi/
Spotlight
- August
- Jakobstad
Spotlight – The Night of Culture and Commerce is an annual evening where town’s center is filled with various programs, art and music and where the shops keep their doors open until 22:00. Read more: https://citygruppen.fi/fi/evenemang/
Jeppis Jazz Festival
- October
- Jakobstad
Jeppis Jazz Festival was founded in 2008 and is arranged annually in October. The festival is a platform building bridges between local, national and international musicians in the genre of Jazz. During this week visitors and locals can listen to jazz in many dirrefent places.
Read more: https://jeppisjazz.fi/jeppisjazzfestival
Rusk Chamber Music Festival
- Summer 2028 and 2032
- Jakobstad
The RUSK Festival is an annual music festival held in Jakobstad at the end of November, combining high-quality chamber music with various art forms. At the heart of this convergence is the Schauman Hall, located in the city center, but events also spread more widely throughout the surrounding urban environment. Read more about the festival: https://ruskfestival.fi/en/
Christmas Market
- December
- Location goes here
Looking for a new destination? Let’s introduce Jakobstad to your clients!
Jakobstad is a beautiful hidden gem on the west coast. Don’t hestitate to contact us for more information about our destination or port.
