Ylivieska: Cultural Walk, Museums and Bridges

Ylivieska combines local cultural history with distinctive bridges and views of the Pohjanmaa landscape. A cultural walk, museums with very different focuses and places such as Huhmari offer various reasons to explore the town. Which of these aspects interests you most may also influence your choice of holiday rental in Ylivieska.

Discover Culture on Foot

The local heritage trail was put together by the Ylivieska Heritage Association in 2007 and developed into a cultural walk over the years. You can explore it independently or with a guide.

Individual historic buildings also tell the story of Ylivieska’s past. Helaalan Mylly was originally built in 1884 and restored to its original form in 1942. Its construction history therefore encompasses both its original construction and its later restoration to its former appearance. Savisilta was built in 1912 to a design by J. Castrén. As a five-span beam and cantilever bridge, it showcases a specific historic design; it was later repaired. It is open exclusively to pedestrians and cyclists.

Museums and a Varied Cultural Scene

More than 700 milk cans from 15 different countries are on display at the Maitokannumuseo. The collection brings together many individual objects of international origin and provides a distinct focus for a cultural stay in Ylivieska. At the Puuhkalan kotiseutumuseo, the farmyard and its buildings evoke the atmosphere of times gone by. The museum grounds also include Simo Pälli’s studio, which was relocated here and offers a glimpse into an authentic artist’s workshop.

The Puuhkala Museum’s summer offerings include the Kesäkahvila Kerttu café, guided museum tours, and various events devoted to culture and traditional knowledge. This combination caters to different interests: you can make the museum tours your main focus or enjoy the events and café. The Akustiikka Cultural Centre adds year-round events and exhibitions to the mix. Both leading Finnish artists and local artists perform on stage, and the exhibitions change monthly. Those planning a cultural stay will therefore find, alongside historic museum sites, a year-round programme of events and exhibitions.

Bridges and Landscape

Ylivieska’s bridges differ both in their design and their location. In Raudaskylä, the Raudaskylä suspension bridge crosses the Kalajoki River. It is 80 metres long and very popular with pedestrians and cyclists. If bridges are of particular interest to you, you can include these two different structures as separate discoveries during your stay, without treating them as a single route.

For a view of the landscape, head to Huhmari: it is Ylivieska’s highest point and offers views of the Pohjanmaa landscape. The town thus offers both cultural discoveries and a scenic highlight. When planning your trip, you can decide whether you would most like to experience the museums and cultural attractions, historic bridges or the view from Huhmari.

Getting There and Choosing Accommodation

Ylivieska can be reached by road from all directions. Train services connect the town from the south, north and east; the bus station is right next to the railway station. Ylivieska railway station was completed in 1886. The “Feriatis” monument commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Pohjanmaa Railway is located there and was designed by Antonio da Cudan. If travelling by public transport is important to your plans, the adjacent railway and bus stations provide a clear point of reference.

More Places to Explore

You can also explore these places: Salmilamminkylä, Apukka, Ruka, Hailuoto, Merijärvi, Kuusamo, Keitele, Yli-Ii.

For the broader travel overview: Northern Ostrobothnia.