Niina and Hans Verkerk have lived all over the world, but Joensuu is the place they always enjoy returning to. A compact city, international work, and an active lifestyle make everyday life smooth.
Niina Verkerk, originally from Forssa, ended up in Joensuu to study—though coincidence also played a role. Her first visit to the city was thanks to a friend’s move and a summer music festival.
The compact campus and smooth everyday life made an impression
“I visited Joensuu during Ilosaarirock and had a great time. I applied to the university, and when I missed the spot in Turku by just one point, I accepted the place in Joensuu instead. The compact campus and smooth everyday life made an impression,” she recalls.
Cupid Struck in St. Petersburg
Hans Verkerk, from Rotterdam in the Netherlands, came to Joensuu through an Erasmus exchange . He met his future wife, Niina, during a university course.
“We were both part of a field trip to St. Petersburg, and that’s where we really got to know each other. That’s where it all began,” Hans remembers.They lived in different countries for a while, but soon Hans returned to Finland and Joensuu some 20 years ago. Moving felt like the right choice both personally and professionally.
“I got an internship at the European Forest Institute (EFI), and Niina was also working in Joensuu, and later a position opened up. We now work in different departments, and our roles are quite different, even though we’re in the same organization,” Hans explains.
International Work, Peaceful Daily Life
Niina’s work has taken her to different corners of the world, from the Pacific Ocean to West Africa.
“My work covers among others the Solomon Islands, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Ivory Coast, Liberia, and Cameroon. I’ve gotten used to work requiring flexibility and adaptability,” she says.
Hans, on the other hand, is responsible for coordinating the research activities in EFI and he led research projects related to Climate-Smart Forestry.
“We study how European forests and forestry are developing and can contribute to meeting policy goals on climate and biodiversity.”
Even though the work is international, everyday life in Joensuu is peaceful and easy especially compared to Barcelona, where the couple spent a few years in another EFI office, between their stints in Joensuu.
In Barcelona, commuting could easily take two hours a day here in Joensuu it takes ten minutes
“In Barcelona, commuting could easily take two hours a day here in Joensuu it takes ten minutes. That leaves more time for life,” Hans says.Niina and Hans have a cabin just a short drive from the city. Weekend getaways in nature are an important part of their routine.
“Joensuu has a good life rhythm. Life here doesn’t drain all your energy,” Niina says.
CrossFit Became A Shared Passion
They discovered a shared fitness hobby: CrossFit became a lasting part of their lives.
“I started already in Barcelona and back in Joensuu I bought Hans a CrossFit course as a gift. He was sceptical at first but eventually got really into it. It became our thing,” Niina says.
Joensuu suits an active lifestyle well
In winter, their activities also include skiing, skating, and downhill skiing. Niina plays drums and enjoys photography, while cycling is a shared hobby.
“In Barcelona, mountain biking played a big role—here it’s more about everyday cycling. Joensuu suits an active lifestyle well,” Hans notes.
Joensuu Is a Great Base for the Family
The family also includes their 13-year-old son. Internationality is part of daily life, but their future plans evolve along with their child’s growth.
“Joensuu currently works well as a home base. As our child grows, we can be more mobile with work,” Niina says.
Hans highlights the importance of a high quality of life, which is closely tied to accessibility.
“Good train connections are essential. They affect how easily people can come here or choose to stay.”
This material was produced as part of the activities of the City of Joensuu Innovation Ecosystem Agreement (ERDF), co-funded by the European Union and the city of Joensuu.
Artificial intelligence has been used in the translation of the article.
