Ylivieska is a town and municipality of Northern Ostrobothnia region, Finland. It has a population of 15,307 and it serves as the administrative centre for Kalajokilaakso and Pyhäjokilaakso, an area with about 90,000 inhabitants. The municipality is unilingually Finnish.

Geography

Ylivieska is located in Northern Ostrobothnia about 130 kilometres (80 mi) south of the city of Oulu.

The town is characterized by the Kalajoki River, which runs SE–NW through the town centre. The agricultural and economical area of the Kalajoki river basin is known as Kalajokilaakso.

Ylivieska is situated along the Ostrobothnia railway, which leads from Helsinki, the national capital, to Rovaniemi in the north of the country. The railway was opened in 1886 and it has had a significant role in the town’s economical development.

Economy

• Services 66.1%
• Industry 28.5%
• Agriculture and forestry 5.4%
• Unemployment 11%

Agriculture and animal husbandry, mainly milking cows, used to be the main sources of livelihood in Ylivieska. In recent decades, the role of agriculture has reduced following the development of industry and services. Currently, Ylivieska is home to about 30 industrial enterprises, some of which are also internationally recognized in their respective niche markets.

Regionally, Ylivieska has become an important place for car buyers. There are several stores and agents selling new and used cars, and purchases average about 6,000 cars per year. Thus, the local car sales entrepreneurs have created the concept of Ylivieska being the “Autolaakso” or “car valley” of the Kalajokilaakso and neighbouring regions.

Culture 

The newspaper Kalajokilaakso and the free distribution newspaper Vieskan Viikko are published three times a week in Ylivieska .

Ylivieska hosts the annual Sun Pampas City Festival in June and the Ylivieska Bull Festival on the second weekend of August.

Ylivieskatalo Acoustics is a cultural center in the city center. There is a 405-seat concert hall, an exhibition hall, a sound studio, and meeting and video conference rooms. There are many different concerts and events in acoustics, 15 exhibitions a year in the exhibition hall. Acoustics also serves as the Ylivieska cinema . 

Amateur theater in Ylivieska The YTY theater produces 2–5 premieres a year. YTY cooperates with, among others, Kajaani City Theater .

Ostrobothnia Underground Association organizes events built around electronic dance music in the Ylivieska region. The association wants to offer people the opportunity to listen to good music, dance and meet like-minded groups. One of the most important starting points is to arouse interest among less dedicated people as well. The activity is non-profit because music is the main thing.

Pro Ylivieska Medal

The Pro Ylivieska Medal is a recognition given to a person or community in Ylivieska in recognition of merit in the field of science, sports, art or other cultural work for long-term and significant work in society or significant national achievements. 

Food culture 

Ylivieskan pitäjäruoiksi was named 1980’s blood bread made soup called kampsupaisti , klimppisoppa and milk flatbread . 

Attractions 

• Clay bridge , Finland’s second oldest concrete bridge
• Puuhkala Homeland Museum
• Jumbo, an old restored steam locomotive
• Elias Home Museum with Ylivieska’s history, old artefacts and vehicles
• Helalala Mill, a mill protected by the Building Protection Act right in the center on the banks of the Kalajoki River
• Huhmarkallio (Huhmari)
• Statuary:
  • “Kyösti Kallio” ( Risto Saalasti 1971), City Hall Park
  • “Water of Life” ( Antonio da Cudan 1985), City Hall Park
  • “The Flame of Lakeuden” ( Väinö Lätti 1972), Kirkkopuisto
  • “Feriatis” – 100th anniversary of the construction of the railway ( Antonio da Cudan 1986), Railway station
  • “Stone Men” ( Lauri Kivi and Seppo Pälli 1985), Kataja School