Nykarleby, known as Uusikaarlepyy in Finnish, is a charming bilingual town situated on Finland's west coast in the Ostrobothnia region, along the Gulf of Bothnia. Predominantly Swedish-speaking, it is celebrated for its historical wooden architecture, serene river setting, and cultural heritage tied to literature and arts. As a small municipality, it embodies the tranquil coastal lifestyle of Finnish Ostrobothnia, with a focus on manufacturing and community-oriented living. The town is often highlighted for its high quality of life, having been ranked as Finland's "happiest city" in 1995. With a population of 7,462 as of June 2025, it ranks as the 127th most populous municipality in Finland, covering a vast area dominated by water and forests.
Nykarleby is located at the mouth of the Lapua River (Lapuanjoki),
with coordinates approximately 63°31′N 22°32′E. The municipality spans a
total area of 1,675.20 km², of which 732.83 km² is land and 942.84 km²
is water, making it the 117th largest in Finland by area. This extensive
water coverage includes parts of the Gulf of Bothnia and numerous inland
waterways, contributing to a landscape of rivers, forests, and coastal
plains. The town borders municipalities such as Jakobstad (Pietarsaari)
to the north and Vörå (Vöyri) to the south.
The climate is subarctic
with continental influences, moderated by the Gulf of Bothnia. Summers
are mild and short, with average highs around 20°C (68°F) in July, while
winters are cold, averaging -5°C (23°F) in January, with potential for
lower temperatures. Annual precipitation is about 500-600 mm, and the
region experiences long summer days (midnight sun) and short winter
daylight. Strong winds from the sea and occasional fog are common, and
snow cover persists from November to April. The area's flat terrain and
proximity to water make it prone to flooding in spring.
The Lapuanjoki mouth area seems to have been inhabited
later than the Kyrönjoki and Ähtäväjoki areas on the basis of
ancient discoveries. However, already in prehistoric times, locks
have certainly been built here to catch fish and seal hunting has
been practiced in the Bay of Bothnia. A solid settlement along the
Lapuanjoki River was created in the Middle Ages, and in 1550 there
were 33 houses in the village of Lepo on the site of the present
city.
When King Charles IX of Sweden returned home from the
Polish War via Ostrobothnia, he planned, among other things, the
division of the old mothers, and one result was the formation of
Nykarleby from parts of Pietarsaari and Vöyri in 1607. The new King
Gustav II Adolf called to which in 1617 he ordered the establishment
of the city. Uusikaarlepyy received city rights in 1620.
According to the first census of 1636, there were 44 households in
Nykarleby. In 1651, Nykarleby became the center of Kaarlepor County,
but the following year the town of Pietarsaari was established right
next door. After the death of Count Åke Tott, the county of
Charlesleport returned to the crown in 1674. Difficult times for the
city were marked by the famine of 1696–1697 and the great hatred of
the beginning of the next century, during which almost the entire
city fled to Sweden and the Russians plundered the city. Outdated
trade legislation hindered trade in the region until Nykarleby in
1795 gained the rights of a tapioca, ie complete freedom to
transport its goods anywhere in Finland or abroad.
The most
important export product of the Nykarleby region was tar, which was
exported from the city at the end of the 17th century in about 5,000
barrels, or a third of the quantity exported from Kokkola. By the
end of the next century, Uusikaarlepyy had developed into one of the
largest export ports in the kingdom, and by 1782 the volume of tar
exports had risen to nearly 20,000 barrels. In 1856, more than
13,000 barrels of tar were still exported from Nykarleby, but soon
after that exports ceased. At the same time, Lapuanjoki had become
unfit for sailing. In 1903, a narrow-gauge railway was built from
Kovjoki station on the Oulu line to Nykarleby, but this did not
improve the situation either. The track was demolished in 1916 and
the rails were sold to Russia.
Most of the city in Nykarleby
was destroyed in a fire in 1858. After that, it was planned to move
the town to Oravainen Karvat next to a good port, but the project
was not implemented. Architect Carl Albert Edelfelt drew up a new
town plan, which was completed in 1910.
The first school in
Ostrobothnia, the trivial school in Nykarleby, was founded in 1641,
but it was moved to Vaasa in 1684. Finland's second Swedish-language
elementary school teacher seminary was founded in Uusikaarlepyy in
1873 and closed in 1973. In 1919, the city's Nykarleby got its own
library in 1814 and it became a public library in 1865. The city's
own newspaper, Österbottniska Posten, began publishing in 1884,
edited by Anders Svedberg.
Nykarleby remained a small town
for centuries, and even in its 350th anniversary year in 1970, it
was the smallest town in Finland. In 1974, the city had 1,569
inhabitants and a land area of 21.3 square kilometers. In 1975,
the countryside and the municipalities of Munsala and Jepua were
annexed to Uusikaarlepyy, increasing its area by more than 30 times
and its population by almost five times.
In Nykarleby, the
city and the countryside formed a common congregation throughout
their history. The first church in Nykarleby was built in 1607. It
was demolished in 1708, when the current church designed by the
assessor Elias Brenner was completed. Next to the church is a belfry
completed in 1702.
As of June 30, 2025, Nykarleby's population stands at 7,462, with a
density of 10.18 inhabitants per km². The population has been relatively
stable, with estimates around 7,439-7,467 in 2024. The age distribution
includes 18.4% under 15, 56% aged 15-64, and 25.7% over 65, indicating
an aging population similar to national trends.
Linguistically,
it is bilingual: 83.7% speak Swedish as their native language, 6.5%
Finnish, and 9.8% other languages. In 2021 breakdowns, Swedish was
85.3%, Finnish 6.7%, Ukrainian 2.1%, Vietnamese 1.2%, and others 4.7%.
This diversity, particularly the Ukrainian community, is notable. The
sub-region, including nearby areas, has about 52,000 residents.
Nykarleby's economy is driven by manufacturing and services, with key
employers in industrial sectors. Major companies include Prevex (part of
KWH Group), specializing in packaging and piping products; Westwood, a
producer of wooden staircases; and KWH Mirka in the village of Jeppo,
known for coated abrasives. These firms contribute to the local
economy's focus on exports and specialized goods.
The town benefits
from its coastal location for trade, though it lacks a major port
compared to neighbors like Jakobstad. Unemployment rates align with
regional averages, and recent national forecasts for 2025 predict slow
growth for Finland overall (0.3-1.0%), which may impact local
industries. No specific local economic developments for 2025 were
highlighted, but the area emphasizes sustainable manufacturing and
digital innovation.
Culture in Nykarleby revolves around its Swedish-Finnish heritage,
literature, and arts. The town is home to the Svenska Konstskolan, a
Swedish-speaking art school fostering local creativity. Zacharias
Topelius's legacy is prominent, with his works often depicting the
region. Traditional cuisine features coastal influences like fresh fish
(e.g., Baltic herring), rye breads, and seasonal berries, blended with
Swedish-style dishes such as pea soup and pancakes.
Events include
summer festivals celebrating local history and arts. The town's wooden
townscape and river views inspire a peaceful, community-focused
lifestyle. It has been illustrated in historical works like "Finland
framstäldt i teckningar" (1845-1852), edited by Topelius.
Education emphasizes bilingualism, with schools offering instruction
in Swedish and Finnish. The Svenska Konstskolan stands out as a
specialized institution for arts. Higher education is accessible via
nearby Jakobstad or Vaasa.
Transportation includes road connections
via Highway 8 and regional buses. The Lapua River supports limited
boating, but no major rail or airport exists locally—residents use Vaasa
Airport (about 80 km away) for flights. Bridges and ferries facilitate
local movement across waterways.
Key landmarks include the St. Birgitta Church (Nykarleby Church), a wooden structure from the 18th century with a distinctive yellow facade and clock tower, overlooking the river. The town's grid-plan streets feature preserved wooden houses, creating a nationally significant cultural environment. Attractions include river walks, historical museums dedicated to Topelius, and nature trails in surrounding forests. The Brogatan bridge offers scenic views of the church and town center.
In 2025, Nykarleby's population saw a slight increase, aligning with national trends where foreign-language speakers exceeded 600,000 in 2024. Economic recovery is gradual, with Finland's GDP growth projected at 0.5-1.0% for the year, potentially benefiting local manufacturers. Population projections assume net immigration gains, including to areas like Nykarleby with its Ukrainian community. No major local events or projects were reported for 2025, but the town continues to promote sustainability and cultural vibrancy.