Written and photographed by Liisa Berg
It's about time I get something of my own on the web about my home town Joensuu! I am surprised that as a photographer I do not have more and better pictures of this beautiful place, but here are a few that I have been able to find in my files.
I met a Finnish couple in Sweden a couple of years back, and they were delighted to tell me, an old joensuulainen, that upon retirement they are moving to Joensuu, because they were so impressed with this little "joen ja puun kaupunki" ("the city of wood and water"). It is a great place!
The name Joensuu describes the town's location: it is situated at the estuary of Pielisjoki at Lake Pyhäselkä. It was founded by the Russian Czar Nikolai I in 1848 on the spot of an old trading post on the river route. When Joensuu became the seat of government for the then newly organized Pohjois-Karjalan lääni (province), its population was a mere 15,000. Since that time, the numbers have grown considerably—each year about one thousand new inhabitants find their way to this "joen ja puun kaupunki," making the present population count a little over 50,000.
Lumber has always been a vital part of the economy of Joensuu. Timber from the near-by forests used to be floated down the river to the large sawmill Repola. I remember swimming in the river and watching kids climb on the floats of timber and ride them down the river . . . very dangerous activity that we were told never to do. (I never did, honestly!) With the river, numerous parks and proximity to some of the most glorious Finnish nature, summer fun still remains one of Joensuu's best offerings.
Lately, Joensuu has grown into an important center for learning with its university and various vocational schools. A large dairy has always been important in Joensuu's economical profile, as well. Reportedly, the best ice cream in North Europe used to come from this very dairy.
As the center of the province, Joensuu holds on to its Karelian roots, carrying on the heritage of its culture and people who are often described as "lively, uninhibited and hospitable," with a great gift of music. The great annual summer song festival (Joensuun laulujuhlat) and numerous other musical productions, including concerts by Joensuun kaupunginorkesteri, add to the artistic flavor of the town. The cultural calendar also boasts a lively summer theater at Linnunlahti. There are a number of important museums and galleries, as well, such as Joensuun taidemuseo, located in the old boys' lyceum on Kirkkokatu, a building of museum quality itself.
Two of Joensuu's landmarks: Kaupungintalo (The City Hall), by the world-famous architect Eliel Saarinen, finished in 1914, and Vapaudenpatsas in the Vapaudenpuisto (literally, "The Statue of Liberty" in the Liberty Park) by Yrjö Liipola—names subject to be adjusted later because of a failing memory—mine, that is).
(Left:) At about this spot on the river Pielinen (Pielisjoki), in
the winter time there started a couple foot paths for crossing the river
over ice. During many winters there was an actual "highway" along which
trucks loaded with lumber would safely cross the river. That's cold
country! And I remember it well.
(Right:) Joensuun tyttölyseo, later an art museum, city library and offices
for the Joensuu radio station. Tyttölyseo means a school for girls, oppikoulu, or junior and senior high school equivalent. An excellent
example of Jugend or art nouveau architecture right there in Joensuu!
We've got culture!
Joensuu is well known for its beautiful old wooden houses along Rantakatu. These are but a few examples of their intricate yet rustic detailing. I have no further information, except that they are historical, dating from the 19th century, and receive city endowments for renovation, etc.
It's a real license plate from the State of Virginia!
(We do get around . . . )
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This page was created on May 15, 1999
Most recent revision: June 16, 2008