Kurikka is a town and municipality in Finland. It is located in the South Ostrobothnia region. The population of Kurikka is () The municipality gained independence from Ilmajoki in 1868; it received kauppala rights in 1966 and became a town in 1977.

Transport

Finnish national roads 67, 3 (European Highway E12) and 19 run through Kurikka.

The Suupohja railway from Seinäjoki to Kaskinen runs through Kurikka. Passenger transport on the railway stopped in 1968 and the old railway station now serves as a lunch restaurant. The nearest passenger railway stations are in Seinäjoki and Parkano.

The nearest airport is Seinäjoki Airport.

The private coach company OnniBus route Helsinki—Seinäjoki—Vaasa has a stop at Jalasjärvi.

Sights

  • Botniaring, a racing circuit in Jurva
  • Jurva church
  • Jurva museum
  • Kurikka church
  • Kurikka museum
  • Kusikivi, a rock, behind which Swedish king Adolf Frederick supposedly relieved himself during his tour of Finland after his coronation.
  • Pitkämö beach

Notable people

  • Arsi Harju (born 1974), shot putter, olympic gold medalist 2000
  • Joni Isomäki (born 1985), former ice hockey player
  • Juha Mieto (born 1949), former cross country skier
  • Jorma Ollila (born 1950), Nokia and Royal Dutch Shell chairman of the board
  • Veikko Uusimäki (1921–2008), actor and theater councilor
  • Samuli Paulaharju (1875–1944), teacher, ethnographer and writer

International relations

Twin towns — Sister cities

Kurikka is twinned with:

  • Ockelbo Municipality, Sweden
  • Melhus Municipality, Norway
  • Holmegaard, Denmark

References

  • Town of Kurikka – Official website