Jakobstad was founded in 1652 by Ebba Brahe, a widow of the military commander Jacob de la Gardie - whose memory still lives on in the Swedish name of the town - and the town charter was granted by Queen Kristina of Sweden. The town was founded at the old harbour of greatparish Pedersöre. The tar-farmers of the sea-district - the trade contractors of the town - kept the name of the greatparish. That´s why the Finnish name of the town still today is Pietarsaari.

The sights in Jakobstad are for example Tobaksmagasinet, the arctic museum Nanoq, Weapons museum, the botanical garden Skolparken, Aspegren garden, the old town sector of wooden houses Skata and the 18th century sailing vessel Jakobstads Wapen

The sea and archipelago have always been of great importance to Jakobstad and its people. Jakobstad is an old port town where sailing boats have been built for hundreds of years. In Jakobstad you can enjoy the beautiful 7 Bridges Archipelago with its wonderful experience of nature, islands, enchanted light summer evenings by the sea, and hiking trails.

Visit the homepages of Jakobstad >>