A weekend trip to Ylivieska offers plenty for fans of sport and culture alike. The town is lively and active, making it an enjoyable and memorable destination for visitors.
Like all of the rivers in Ostrobothnia, the water level of the mercurial River Kalajoki, which flows through Ylivieska, fluctuates greatly. In the spring, when the snow melts but the ground is still frozen, the river may burst its banks and flood out onto surrounding fields. When this happens, you may experience the amazing sight of boats sailing down roads – this may also be familiar from the news. Conversely, during dry summer heat waves, the water level in River Kalajoki dips so low that the rocks on the riverbed become visible.
River Kalajoki contains a few small sections of rapids, with the Hannunkoski and Juurikoski rapids being the most significant in the Ylivieska area. The northern part of Ylivieska contains a number of lakes, the largest of which is Lake Iso-Viitanen. Kalajokivarsi has retained several elements of its heritage – the Pappisaari island in the river is linked to accounts of the Great Northern War.
The town's positive development has reinforced Ylivieska's position as a regional hub of commerce and services. Ylivieska has a population of more than 15,000 and its excellent location at the crossroads of major national roads and railways ensures that it is easily accessible.
Ylivieskatalo Akustiikka, which was built in 2003, is renowned for its acoustics. The new part of the 400-seater concert hall in the cultural centre was designed to look as much like a cube as possible. The new building is connected to the old one by a staircase, which also serves to make the buildings stand out from each other. The facades are light and neutral with the intention of ensuring a feel that is consistent with the old part.
As the facilities are highly versatile, Ylivieska's citizens have not needed to compromise on any part of their cultural centre. The concert hall has hosted events ranging from military orchestras to concerts featuring easy-listening music and classical singing.
The wooden Ylivieska Cruciform Church, which was built in 1786 and featured a tower at one end, burnt down at Easter time in 2016. The decision has already been made to build a new church in its place. The ruins of the church are surrounded by an old cemetery.
Pylväsvuo, situated in the village of Pylväs along the Ängesleväntie road, is a five-part work of art by media artist Jussi Ängeslevä and visual artist Jaakko Mattila. The work was made using polarisation films and objects symbolising country life, such as traditional Finnish milk carts and tractor tyres, and tells a story of the past using modern means. The artists were inspired by the villagers' memories and Pylväsvuo was made in close dialogue with local residents.
Helaala Mill, which is open in the summer, was originally built in 1884 and renovated to correspond to its old form in 1942. Check out the varying exhibitions and the mill itself, experience events and enjoy great coffee at the summer café. And visit the Puuhkala Local Heritage Museum – the museum of milk jugs and the Järvelä house are open all year round. Pay a visit to see the Savisilta bridge, which was built in 1912 with a girder and cantilever beam construction and five waterways, and don't forget the Jumbo steam locomotive!
Visit Ylivieska – see what it has to offer, have unforgettable experiences in natural surroundings and relax in a beautiful environment.
