Ii (Swedish: Ijo) is a municipality in the province of Northern
Ostrobothnia. The municipality is home to 9,848 people and covers an
area of 2,872.43 km², of which 1,206.00 km² is sea area and 52.33
km² is inland water. The population density is 6.1 inhabitants /
km². Ii is a popular summer cottage resort. The neighboring
municipalities are Oulu, Pudasjärvi, Ranua and Simo.
The
municipality of Ii and the municipality of Kuivaniemi ceased to
exist on 1 January 2007, and their former areas were transformed
into a new municipality of Ii. The coat of arms of the new
municipality became the coat of arms of Kuivaniemi.
1. Uittopatsas (Log Floating Statue)
Uittopatsas is a striking
monument commemorating the log floating era on the Iijoki River, a key
part of Finland's logging industry in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Unveiled as a tribute to the hardworking log floaters (uittomiehet), the
realistic bronze sculpture depicts three workers maneuvering massive
logs through the river currents, capturing the physical intensity and
skill required for this dangerous job. Created by artist Sanna Koivisto,
the statue stands prominently near the riverbank in central Ii,
symbolizing the municipality's industrial heritage and the role of the
Iijoki in transporting timber to mills and ports. It's not just a static
artwork; it evokes stories of Finland's forestry boom, where thousands
of logs were floated annually, shaping the local economy and landscape.
Visitors often note its detailed craftsmanship, from the strained
muscles of the figures to the swirling water effects at the base. The
site includes interpretive plaques explaining the history, making it
educational for families or history enthusiasts. It's easily accessible
year-round, though winter snow adds a dramatic Nordic flair.
2.
Iin Wanha Hamina (Old Hamina Harbor)
Iin Wanha Hamina, or Old Hamina,
is a beautifully preserved historical district dating back to the 14th
century, serving as one of Northern Finland's oldest trading posts and
harbors. Located at the delta of the Iijoki River, this picturesque
village with about 200 residents features traditional wooden buildings,
cobblestone paths, and remnants of its bustling past as a key
marketplace on the Perämeri (Bothnian Bay). In its heyday, it was a
vital hub for trading salmon, tar, furs, and other goods, attracting
merchants from across the Baltic region. The name "Hamina" derives from
an old Finnish word for harbor, and the area retains an authentic,
time-capsule atmosphere with restored 18th- and 19th-century structures,
including old warehouses, boathouses, and residential homes. Key
highlights include the harbor itself, where visitors can stroll along
the waterfront, imagine sailing ships docking, and enjoy views of the
river meeting the sea. Summer brings markets and cultural events, while
winter offers cross-country skiing nearby. It's also home to small
museums and artisan shops showcasing local crafts. The site's cultural
significance is underscored by its role in medieval archaeology, with
excavations revealing artifacts from mixed livelihood societies blending
farming, fishing, and trade. Ideal for a leisurely walk, it's about an
hour from Oulu and perfect for photography or picnics.
3.
Jakkukylän Riippusilta (Jakkukylä Suspension Bridge)
The Jakkukylän
Riippusilta is a modern engineering marvel and outdoor highlight,
completed in December 2021 as the longest pedestrian and bicycle
suspension bridge in Northern Europe, with a main span of nearly 200
meters across the wide Iijoki River. Situated in the village of
Jakkukylä within Ii municipality, near Jakun school, it connects the
river's banks and provides access to the Purusaari island recreation
area. The bridge's design features sturdy steel cables and a wooden
deck, swaying gently in the wind for an exhilarating crossing
experience. It was built to improve local connectivity, particularly for
schoolchildren and residents, but has become a tourist draw for its
panoramic views of the river, surrounding forests, and distant hills.
From the bridge, you can spot wildlife like birds and fish, and it's a
gateway to hiking trails on Purusaari, including campfire sites and
nature observation spots. The area emphasizes sustainable tourism, with
the bridge promoting eco-friendly travel. In winter, it's illuminated
and safe for snowshoeing, while summer invites biking or fishing nearby.
Visitors praise its accessibility and the sense of adventure it
provides, making it a must for thrill-seekers or photographers capturing
the Arctic landscape.
4. Merimiehen Polku (Sailor's Path)
Merimiehen Polku is a short, accessible boardwalk trail offering a
tranquil escape along the Gulf of Bothnia coastline. Stretching just 300
meters, this barrier-free path (esteetön in Finnish) is designed for all
visitors, including those with mobility aids, featuring smooth wooden
planks, benches, and rest areas for relaxation. Named "Sailor's Path,"
it winds near the sea, providing stunning views of the waves, rocky
shores, and distant horizons, evoking the maritime heritage of the
region. The trail is dotted with informational signs about local flora,
fauna, and seafaring history, making it educational as well as scenic.
It's particularly beautiful at sunset or during bird migration seasons,
when seabirds fill the sky. As part of Ii's commitment to inclusive
outdoor spaces, it's family-friendly and ideal for a quick, rejuvenating
stroll. In winter, it may be snow-covered but remains usable with proper
footwear. Combined with nearby beaches or harbors, it complements other
sights for a full day of coastal exploration.
5.
Ympäristötaidepuisto (Ii Environmental Art Park)
Ympäristötaidepuisto
is an innovative open-air park dedicated to environmental art, located
at Pappilantie 16 in central Ii. Managed by the Kulttuurikauppila Art
Center, it features a collection of site-specific installations that
blend contemporary art with the natural surroundings, addressing themes
like sustainability, climate change, and human-nature relationships. The
park spans a green area along the river, with sculptures, land art, and
interactive pieces created by Finnish and international artists. Works
evolve seasonally, with some incorporating local materials like wood,
stone, and water to reflect Ii's eco-friendly ethos—the municipality is
known for its renewable energy initiatives. Visitors can wander freely
year-round, with guided tours available in summer. It's a
thought-provoking space for reflection, photography, or picnics, often
hosting events like art workshops or festivals. The park exemplifies
Finland's fusion of culture and environment, appealing to art lovers and
eco-tourists alike.
6. Hiastinhaaran Luontopolku (Hiastinhaara
Nature Trail)
Hiastinhaaran Luontopolku is a family-friendly nature
trail system in one of Northern Ostrobothnia's most important bird
habitats, located 4.5 km from Ii's center by Hiastinlahti Bay—a former
floodway of the Iijoki delta. The main trail is 2 km long, with an
additional 0.7 km loop (Patakarin rengasreitti) near the end, both easy
and well-marked with boardwalks, gravel paths, and interpretive signs.
Highlights include a birdwatching tower offering panoramic views of
wetlands, meadows, and the bay, where over 200 bird species, including
migrating waders and waterfowl, can be spotted seasonally. The area is a
protected wetland, rich in biodiversity with rare plants, butterflies,
and occasional moose sightings. Trails wind through forests, reed beds,
and open fields, providing insights into delta ecology and traditional
land use. It's suitable for all ages, with rest spots and campfire sites
for picnics. Spring and autumn are peak for birding, while summer brings
wildflowers and berries. As part of Finland's nature conservation
efforts, it promotes environmental awareness and is free to visit.
In ancient times, the Iijoki, Olhavanjoki and
Kuivajoki, which cut through the municipality of Ii, were
considerably more important water routes. At least the Olhava region
was already inhabited during the Stone Age. Fish rivers attracted
Lapland taxpayers. Early in the Middle Ages, the Ii coast was
inhabited by wilderness men from Upper Satakunta. Russian Karelians
competed with the people of the Upper Satakunta, who considered the
area to be under their control. Many place names, such as Russian
War and Olhava, refer to the Karelian influence. Ii suffered from
his disputed position for a long time. The robbery and revenge trips
followed one another, and the houses in Ii and Kantalahti in
particular were ashes in turn. The Iili attacks were led by Pekka
Vesainen from Kiiminki. The long-running state of war did not end
until 1593, and two years later, in the Peace of Täyssina, the
Russian Karelians renounced their claims to the coast of the Gulf of
Bothnia.
The parish was formed as a chapel in the parish of
Pietarsaari after 1340. The documents mention the Iin chapel for the
first time in 1374. The Iin parish became independent by 1445 at the
latest, making it one of the oldest parishes in Northern
Ostrobothnia. The Ii area covered a large area, with the border in
the south being Liminka, in the north the Kemi, and in the east the
border of the kingdom. As the settlement increased, the congregation
gradually began to divide. First Haukipudas and Pudasjärvi were
founded, then Kiiminki and Ylikiiminki in the 17th century. In the
17th century, Kuivaniemi became the chapel of the Ii parish and only
in 1894 its own parish, in fact this was not realized until 1920.
The Taivalkoski parish was formed from the eastern part of Lake
Pudasjärvi. Yli-Ii resigned in 1924.
The history of Iin
churches has been hard. The first church on Illinsaari burned down
in 1582 during a Russian extermination expedition. The communion
lime was found in 1894 in the northeastern part of the island. The
second church was completed on Kirkkosaari in 1588, but the Russians
burned it the following year. The next church, also completed on
Kirkkosaari in 1621, burned with lightning strikes in 1693. The
church built by Israel Simonpoika Annala in 1693–1694 was also
destroyed by fire in 1942. The new church was completed in 1950. The
first church in Kuivaniemi was , when the third parish church was
completed in 1874.
An important place of trade and port
developed at the mouth of the Iijoki River in the Middle Ages, one
of the most significant in the Gulf of Bothnia. At the end of the
Middle Ages, Iin Hamina grew into a market and trading place that
was widely known in the Baltic Sea region. Iin Hamina reminded of a
small town as early as the 16th century with its numerous fences,
shops and artisan dwellings. There were 35 houses in the village of
Ii at that time, while the total number of houses in the parish of
Suur-Ii was 133. Kalaisa Iijoki made it possible to spread the
settlement inland. In 1749 the population of the parish was already
2,378.
The most important livelihoods in the early days of
settlement were fishing, hunting and animal husbandry. In
Kuivaniemi, fishing became an important industry, for which the Gulf
of Bothnia, Kuivajoki and Oijärvi provided good conditions.
Gradually, agriculture became the main occupation of the keeper. The
people of Kuivaniemi also engaged in a lot of coastal sailing, and
especially in the 20th century, the people of Kuivaniemi were
important timber drivers.
Ii has been a pioneer in the
industry of Northern Finland. The Nyby glass factory started
operating in Olhava as early as 1738. Nylander, the founder of the
factory, developed a small community that operated independently of
the factory area. For a long time, the Olhava glass factory was the
most significant industrial plant in Northern Finland. It ceased
operations only in the 1880s. The first steam sawmill in Finland,
the Kestilä sawmill, was built in Iin Kestilä in 1859 in accordance
with a Senate decree, and was in operation until 1908. The high
barrel of the sawmill is still protected from this sawmill in the
village of Kestilä. The first library was established in 1860 in Iin
Parsonage. The current library is located in Nättepori, or Hamina,
opposite the church. The first Finnish horse was registered in 1907.