Jakobstad - Runeberg's School

Jakobstad was the birthplace of J. L. Runeberg (1804-74), one of the greatest 19th century poets writing in Swedish. His best known work is the "Songs of Ensign Ståhl", a glorification of the Swedish-Finnish resistance to the Russian invasion of 1808-09. Since the war was waged under Swedish command - Finland providing the soldiers and NCOs, Sweden the officers - the work is also a reflection of Swedish attitudes. Runeberg's school, in the Westmansmors Stuga, is now a museum. In the gardens adjoining the Town Hall is a monument to the poet by his son Walter Runeberg (1905).