Go to Vacation

Varkaus
- Rich in history and culture

The industrial history of the city of Varkaus, which dates back more than 200 years, is present in the daily life of the city. The Museum of Varkaus gives an overview of the history of the town and the tour of Old Varkaus shows the handprint of the famous architects who worked at the factory. Alvar Aalto's designs can be explored via a map brochure or a mobile tour.

The 107-year-old Varkauden Teatteri offers unforgettable experiences and the idyllic Väinölä Art Centre is a haven of art. Restaurant Kaks Ruusua is a historic setting for lunches and the old factory's Keskuskonttori has been transformed into a restaurant and cultural centre.

In addition, the Museum of Mechanical Music and the Tattoo Museum, the only ones in Finland, ensure that Varkaus has enough to see and experience for several days.

Here we've picked out some information about interesting places to visit, choose the ones you like best.

Museum of Mechanical Music
There are many different museums in Finland, but there is only one like the Museum of Mechanical Music! The uniqueness of the place is really impossible to put into words, so you have to experience it on the spot. The museum has a staggering collection of hundreds of different mechanical music instruments. The Museum of Mechanical Music has been described as one of Finland's most unusual and fun attractions, and is guaranteed to be a memorable experience for all ages, with a show that includes both playing and singing as part of the tour.

Tattoo Museum
Varkaus is also home to Finland's only museum dedicated to the history of tattoo culture, which will open in July after an exceptional spring. It's definitely worth a visit, even if you can't find any pictures of your own skin. The Tattoo Museum's collection is part of the international collection of its co-founder, William Robinson, which he has been collecting for decades. Hundreds of different tattoo devices alone are on display. And if, after this tour, you're thinking of getting your own tattoo, there's also a tattoo studio in the museum.

Taidekeskus Väinölä
The idyllic setting of Väinölä is well worth a visit, as the courtyard makes you feel as if you are stepping into a different world. Built over a hundred years ago to house factory officials, the house is an integral part of Varkaus' illustrious industrial history. Väinölä is an interesting place to visit for all ages, with events at the Wäinölä Arena, puppet theatre, art walks and Kalakukko-katujuna tours.

Taiteilijatalo Taideniitty
Taiteilijatalo Taideniitty in Old Varkaus opened its doors on 1 May 2022.

Taideniitty is a community house for the creative industries, and we are located in Niittylä II, built in the 1910s as part of a beautiful and historic working-class wooden quarter just a stone's throw from the shores of Lake Saimaa.We offer an inspiring artistic community and environment for artists and a delightful new destination for visitors in idyllic and culturally historic Old Varkaus.

Our summer theme for the exhibition and events is Love and Peace 2022.

The building will house artists' studios, an international artists' residency, a shared studio, accommodation, artists' homes and Fifty-fifty café Niittylä , which opened its doors for summer 6.6.2022.

Museum and art museum of Varkaus
Right next to Väinölä is another building of historical significance in Varkaus, the Tehtaan Hotel, built in 1914. Today, this beautiful building houses the Varkaus Museum and Art Museum. On the ground floor of the museum you will find a changing exhibition, which you can check in the exhibition calendar

On the upper floor, you can dive into the history of Varkaus industry from the perspective of workers from the 19th century to the present day in the exhibition "Industrialists - Forest People"

Keskuskonttori
Industry and factories are an important part of Varkaus' history and also its present. Pride in the city's industrial history is also reflected in the way old buildings have been beautifully harnessed for modern services. One good example is the old central office of the factory, which is now a private cultural centre with café and restaurant services. The Keskuskonttori has an exhibition gallery and, while enjoying art, it's nice to sit down and enjoy the trattoria and cat café.

The Canal District and Canal Museum
Summer days and sunshine are best enjoyed outdoors. In Varkaus, outdoor activities can easily be combined with several interesting places to visit, one of which is the Taipale Canal area. The passing boats in the canal alone are interesting to watch, but the Canal Museum and the Canal Trail that circles the area also offer a lot of information about the history of the area, for example about the 180-year-old stone canal.

Terassikahvila Torni
The centre of Varkaus is a great place to visit for families, groups of friends or even those who are just on their own. During the summer, the 45-metre-high Water Tower is topped by the Terassikahvila Torni, a terrace café with views over the city and the Saimaa waterway. You can admire the stunning views without paying an entrance fee and enjoy the Terassikahvila Torni.

Hertunranta
In Hertunranta, in the centre of Varkaus, you can take pleasant walks in the lake scenery or take a selfie on the coastal boulevard with the factory's chimneys visible in the background. At the beach you can take a dip in the water or wake up your muscles at a local sports centre. Hertunranta is also home to the Konttiravintola Morton, which has become a cult favourite in the summer.

Kämäri Island and Ämmäkoski
The excursion to the Kämäri nature trail can be reached on foot from the city centre. Those travelling by car can conveniently park their car at Navitas on Wredenkatu 8. When you arrive at the Navitas parking lot, head towards the swimming pool. A cycle path runs in front of the swimming pool and if you turn right you will reach the water park and the Ämmäkoski.

Kämäri Island is a popular outdoor recreation area between Ämmänkoski and the historic Taipale canal area. The nature is diverse and the fauna is abundant. The trail leads through deciduous groves to rapids, over bridges to a swimming beach and a sports area. Nature lives in close contact with the city.

You can combine accommodation and dinner with a performance by the Varkauden teatteri, which is known for its charm and quality, or simply enjoy a meal in our restaurants.

Theatre packages are offered by:

• Hotel Oscar
• Ravintola Kaks Ruusua
• Ruokaravintola Amanda

Complement your concert experience in Varkaus by staying at the Hotel Oscar and enjoying a snack and dinner in the hotel's cosy restaurant.

Concert package
The Hotel Oscar concert package includes:

• Accommodation in a double room at Hotel Oscar
• Concert tickets
• Optional snack and three-course dinner before or after the concert at Restaurant Oscar

More information about the concert packages:

Hotel Oscar
Kauppatori 4
tel. +358 (0)17 579 011
hotel@hoteloscar.fi
www.hoteloscar.fi
www.warkaussali.fi

There are many different activities for groups, depending on the size and interests of the group.
Here are some of our recommended options:

Unique and interesting Museum of Mechanical Music 
www.mekaanisenmusiikinmuseo.fi

Materials and tools related to tattoo culture from around the world Tattoo Museum

Varkaus Museums and Old Varkaus Tour, discover the interesting history of Varkaus. www.varkaus.fi/varkaudenmuseot

Alvar Aalto in Varkaus tour & Kinkamon Aalto
www.kinkamonaalto.fi

The guided city tours are a great way to get to know the city of Varkaus

The Terassikahvila Torni on the roof of the 45-metre-high water tower designed by architect Kalevi Väyrynen.

Historic and picturesque Taipale Canal District and Canal Museum
www.varkaus.fi/taipaleen kanavamuseo

Taidekeskus Väinölä - Kesällä Iloa - Naivistit in Varkaus exhibition and accompanying programme
www.taidekeskusvainola.fi

Varkauden teatteri offers interesting and captivating theatre
www.varkaudenteatteri.fi

Warkaus-sali offers concert experiences
www.hoteloscar.fi/warkaus-sali

Trips to the waves of Lake Saimaa
Blue Lake Cruises

The beautiful churches and monasteries of the Varkaus region

Härkämäki Observatory is a versatile hiking destination
www.kassiopeia.net

Varkauden kotiseutukeskus is housed in a wooden house built in 1858

Uimahalli Ilopisara
Leisure and sports facilities | Varkaus

Varkauden Keilahalli
www.varkaudenkeilahalli.fi

Varkaus is also a good venue for meetings, parties and similar events.
For more information, see the Meetings section of the website

There are plenty of good sports facilities in Varkaus, such as the Kämärin jääurheilukeskus and the Kisapuisto keskuskenttä, which can also be reserved by sports clubs for their own use.
Hotel Oscar cooperates with sports clubs and offers sports clubs accommodation at special rates.

Ask for more information and accommodation offers:

Hotel Oscar
Kauppatori 4
(017) 579 011
hotel@hoteloscar.fi
www.hoteloscar.fi

See more information about sports facilities in Varkaus:
Exercise and sports facilities | Varkaus