Närpes is a proud old cultural region. The oldest records of the Greater Närpes parish are from 1331. The town is shaped by its vicinity to the sea, villages of natural beauty, well-kept houses with gardens and many greenhouses. The sea has in many ways left its mark on the community and its inhabitants. Along the 45 km coast there are many bays and islands with a total coastline of 700 km and 2000 summer cottages.

Enterprise is considered a lifestyle in Närpes. The welfare of the region is based on the widespread enterprise and high work ethics. There are a great number of small entrepreneurs within different lines of business. The most significant production goes on in  metal, carpentry, building and construction as well as the food sector. Traditional agriculture is the basic livelihood in the area. The bodywork industry and the greenhouse cultivation hold a leading position in Finland. The logistics sector has a significant dimension. Närpes is also known for its large labour immigration. Today there are 35 different nationalities represented in the street scene. We are very proud of the fact that many of those who have moved to Närpes get on well and become our new inhabitants.

The greenhouse industry dates back to the early 20th centrury and today there are about 300 greenhouse entrepreneurs. The industry is highly automated with year round production. Over 60% of the Finnish tomato production and 40 % of the cucumber production come from Närpes. The highlight of the summer in Närpes is the Tomato Carnival, which is arranged annually in early July. The event takes place along the main street with the world’s longest ”tomato table” as the centre of attraction. Drop in and help yourself to our fresh delicacies!

The town of Närpes offers a good range of services within education, health and social care and supports the leisure sector in many ways. In Närpes there is lively cultural and sports activity, which enables the residents of Närpes to be active during their whole lifetime. The social networks are strong. The town of Närpes has the vision of allowing its inhabitants their own choices and greater individuality in an socially, ecologically and economically sustainable way.

In Närpes beautiful nature , good service and rich trade and industry are combined. Welcome to Närpes as a tourist, an entrepreneur or a new inhabitant. In Närpes we want everybody to enjoy living  here and to feel at home.

Hans-Erik Lindqvist
Mayor