Actor Nicklas Pohjola, known from the TV series Putous, was born and raised in Kokkola on Finland’s west coast. When he was asked to take part in telling the story of his hometown, the decision was an easy one. His memories are full of stories, mishaps and plenty of warm moments. Read more below and check out Nicklas’s TOP 5 Kokkola tips.

What was Kokkola like as a place to grow up?

– Kokkola was a safe place for me to grow up. The city provided a great foundation for pursuing a career as an actor: there were excellent opportunities for hobbies in theatre and music. The sea and the maritime environment also became very important elements in my life.

How do you feel the city has developed in recent years?

– Kokkola has a good tailwind behind it. There are plenty of opportunities for studying and working, and many of my childhood friends have stayed in Kokkola. And it’s no wonder – it’s a good and safe place to build a solid foundation for life. The investment in culture and the arts is already visible, and developing these areas is definitely important for the city’s future.

Tell us about a childhood memory connected to Kokkola.

– My childhood friend and I used to secretly go exploring in the harbour. It certainly wasn’t the smartest place to play, but sneaking into the quiet harbour under the fence was exciting. Huge piles of wood pellets were stored in the Main Harbour, and we would go there to jump around and perform all kinds of tricks.

What do you think is behind the remarkable rise of cultural professionals from Kokkola in recent years?

– Some become serious, respected artists, while others turn into these jacks-of-all-trades and clowns.

– There must be something in the drinking water… The talkoo spirit and sense of community in Ykspihlaja are absolutely essential to me. And the fact that performing arts are valued..

What is the best thing about Kokkola?

– The sea and the archipelago. And, of course, summer in Ykspihlaja.

And what is the worst?

– Well, perhaps the fact that people from Central Ostrobothnia warm up slowly – and even then, they tend to keep it to themselves.

You now live in Helsinki. Could you imagine moving back to Kokkola at some point in your life?

– I do think about that possibility from time to time, even though in my current situation and profession it wouldn’t be very practical. In fact, I never really had any strong desire to move away from Kokkola, but when I was accepted into the Theatre Academy, it was of course necessary to move to the Helsinki metropolitan area. It took me several years to settle into life in the capital. For a long time, whenever I went to Kokkola, I felt like I was going home.

Come and work in Kokkola. Here, you’ll do just fine when you’re simply yourself.

Actor Nicklas Pohjola, who was born in Kokkola and spent the first decades of his life in the city, was the face of the KokkolaWorks campaign in 2024.