Kokkola Attractions
Post code: SF-67100
Telephone code: 6
Kokkola, one of the oldest towns in Finland (founded 1620), was almost entirely Swedish- speaking, and was known only under the name of Gamlakarleby, until the 20th century. With the development of industry, however, the language boundary was obliterated and Finnish came increasingly into use. Nowadays only about a fifth of the population are Swedish-speaking. Originally situated on the sea, the town is now 5km/3mi inland as a result of the rise in the level of the coast. The harbor is the deepest on the west coast of Finland. The nearby Seven Bridges Archipelago is a popular sight and the local specialty shops attract many visitors.
History
The town was founded by Per Brahe in 1620 at the behest of King Gustavus Adolphus. Its excellent situation from the point of view of communications led to the rapid growth of its commerce and shipping around 1800. Kokkola lost much of its merchant shipping fleet during the Crimean War (1854-56).
Telephone code: 6
Kokkola, one of the oldest towns in Finland (founded 1620), was almost entirely Swedish- speaking, and was known only under the name of Gamlakarleby, until the 20th century. With the development of industry, however, the language boundary was obliterated and Finnish came increasingly into use. Nowadays only about a fifth of the population are Swedish-speaking. Originally situated on the sea, the town is now 5km/3mi inland as a result of the rise in the level of the coast. The harbor is the deepest on the west coast of Finland. The nearby Seven Bridges Archipelago is a popular sight and the local specialty shops attract many visitors.
History
The town was founded by Per Brahe in 1620 at the behest of King Gustavus Adolphus. Its excellent situation from the point of view of communications led to the rapid growth of its commerce and shipping around 1800. Kokkola lost much of its merchant shipping fleet during the Crimean War (1854-56).
Town
In Kokkola's Mannerheim Square (Mannerheiminaukio) stands the Town Hall (by C. L. Engel, 1845). The church in the center of the town is modern (1960). The old part of the town with its wooden houses has preserved much of its original character. The Kaarlela district has an old church (1460). The Renlund Historical Museum (history of the town, ship models) occupies an old wooden house dating from 1696. The Renlund Art Gallery displays works by Finnish artists. On the banks of the Kaupunginsalmi is the English Park (Englantilainen Puisto) - a name which recalls a British attack on the town in 1854, during the Crimean War. A captured British longboat is displayed in the park.
Kokkola Surroundings
Kalajoki - Sandy Beaches
At Kalajoki, 65km/40mi from Kokkola, are the most frequented sandy beaches in Finland, sheltered by a fringe of dunes. As a result of the steady rise in the level of the land the coastline is continually moving farther seaward. On the beach is the Jukujukumaa amusement park.
Fäboda - Nanog Arctic Museum
10km/6mi from the center of Jakobstad is the sandy beach of Fäboda, with the Nanog Arctic Museum.
Facilities
Beach
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Maakalla
The island of Maakalla, a relatively recent product of the rise in the land, emerged from the sea in the 16th century. On the island is a fishing village in 18th century style. The fishermen brought over their huts from the mainland to provide an advanced base for their activities. There is even a little church on the island. Boat services from Kalajoki in summer.
