Every design for Ylivieska

At Ylivieskan vanhan kirkon rauniot, the remains of the old church stand as a reminder of the day it burned to the ground in an arson attack; a new church has since been consecrated. Loss and rebuilding are part of how Ylivieska sees itself: a working town that grew up where the railway lines meet on the banks of the Kalajoki river.

Akustiikka, the culture centre in the middle of town, brings concerts and exhibitions to a place better known for practical things. Ylivieska is the commercial hub of the Oulu South region, and so many cars change hands here that local dealers call it the Autolaakso, the car valley. Moist grain crimping, a farming method that has spread widely, was developed here by two local brothers. The writer Pietari Päivärinta served as cantor for decades and helped found the parish's first library and school. The Kalajoki runs straight through the centre, and Savaripuisto and Veteraanipuisto add green along the way.

For anyone from the Kalajoki valley, coming home means the river, the junction and the long flat fields opening out all around.