Jakobstad is a beautiful historical city located in Ostrobothnia in Western Finland, on the coast of the Gulf of Bothnia. Jakobstad was established by Countess Ebba Brahe in 1652. She gave the town its name after her late husband, Jacob de la Gardie.
The Finnish speakers, however, retained the old name of the parish, and therefore the name of the town in Finnish still remains Pietarsaari (from Pedersöre). The town is renowned for its maritime history. Shipbuilding, with its associated shipping industry, has a long tradition in Jakobstad.
Jakobstad is also known as the town of parks and gardens. Johan Ludvig Runeberg, Finland’s national poet, was born in Jakobstad. There are lots to see and experience in Jakobstad! Jakobstad’s numerous parks and gardens are like oases in the middle of the town.
Visit Vicar Aspegren’s famous gardens at Rosenlund or the popular School garden. There are specialized museums that provide very instructive tours and unique experiences, e.g. the Arctic Museum Nanoq and the Museum of Jakobstad. Jakobstad’s location on the coast offers great possibilities for all kinds of outdoor activities throughout the year. There are beaches and guest harbors within and outside the town area. During the winter, the local citizens enjoy outdoor activities like skiing and ice skating on the sea. Also, the cultural life in Jakobstad is well worth noticing. The biggest event of the year, the town festival Jakobs Dagar in July, attracts thousands of visitors to Jakobstad.