ATTRACTIONS ACCOMMODATION SHOPPING ACTIVITIES EVENTS

Seinäjoki 90 km ATTRACTIONS...... 4 VMT Shopping Center 105 km Pirkantie 26, 34800 Virrat Jyväskylä 110 km  +358 3 485 1276 Turku 260 km CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS...... 8 [email protected] 280 km www.virrat.fi/english ACCOMMODATION...... 10 Ähtäri Zoo 50 km Tuuri department store 50 km RESTAURANTS & CAFES...... 16 Virrat is a popular summer town right next to pure, natural Summer in Virrat means happy people, excellent services and a wide Alahärmä PowerPark 140 km waterways. Its beautiful scenery and rich cultural heritage offer range of summer events. The traditional Virrat Midsummer Market, much to see and experience for the whole family. The Toriseva ravine the high-quality KesäVirratSoi music festival and the MuksuFestarit ACTIVITIES...... 18 lakes, with their steep and impressive cliffs, are just three kilometres festival for children offer a diverse selection of events that delight from the centre of the town. The Virrat Heritage Village on Marttinen locals and visitors alike, year after year. Winter activities in Virrat island offers a journey into a traditional rural environment, and S/S include ice climbing and cross-country and downhill skiing, to EVENTS...... 22 takes you on a cruise through beautiful lake scenery along name just a few examples. For more things to see and experience, a shipping route known as the Poet’s Way. visit the Virrat tourism website at www.virrat.fi/english. LOCAL PRODUCTS...... 23

SHOPPING...... 24

VILLAGES...... 26 TORISEVA RAVINE • Field fortress from the First World War VIRRAT HARBOUR • War Veterans’ Museum Room LAKES AND NATURE • Canal Museum AND RANTAPUISTO TRAIL LAKESIDE PARK The Toriseva ravine lakes attract visitors Herraskoski Canal The Virrat harbour (Laivaranta) is at the to pause and admire the breath-taking Built in 1903–1907, the Herraskoski northern end of the shipping route scenery. These deep ravine lakes are Canal is next to the Heritage Village. It (S/S Tarjanne between Tampere and famous for their steep and impressive connects Lake Näsijärvi with the Toisvesi Virrat) known as the Poet’s Way. The cliffs. The lakes are by main road 66, waterway. Bordered by impressive fir harbour is near the centre of Virrat and about 4 km towards from the trees, the canal is 960 metres long. There the local sports centre. Laivaranta has a centre of Virrat. The largest of the lakes is a canal museum in the area. fully rebuilt beach that is also suitable is Lower Toriseva, with a length of about Herrasentie 16, Virrat for children. The beach has a 9-metre 1.2 km. The deepest is Middle Toriseva, at www.marttinen.fi/perinnekyla diving tower, and the area also features 37 metres. The famous Inkeri cliff is at the a lush lakeside park and a marina (25 southern end of Lower Toriseva. These guest spots and 120 rental spots) with magnificent landscapes are home to the related services. Baarpuuri is a summer Toriseva Coffee Hut, established by the KILLINKOSKI OLD restaurant with a beach patio. Its Lotta Svärd organisation in 1936. The FACTORY AREA AND services also include bicycle hire and coffee hut is open in the summer. THE INTO CENTRE tennis courts. Torisevajärvientie 493, Virrat (main road A diverse range of museums and Pohjolantie 5, Virrat 66) exhibitions: Master photographer I. K.  +358 3 485 1367 or +358 40 545 4470  +358 50 531 8125 Inha was born in Virrat. The Into Centre www.baarpuuri.fi www.kahvimaja.net in Killinkoski showcases his work not only as a photographer, but also as an author, journalist, critic and translator. S/S TARJANNE VIRRAT HERITAGE Other attractions in the Old Factory area include the only ribbon industry OPERATES BETWEEN VILLAGE museum in the Nordic countries; the VIRRAT AND TAMPERE The Heritage Village invites you on Finnish Camera Museum, also known as S/S Tarjanne, a legendary steamship a journey into a traditional rural “Camera Heaven”; an exhibition of old built in 1908, operates the route known environment. The Heritage Village volunteer fire brigade equipment; the as the Poet’s Way. S/S Tarjanne is the on Marttinen island is a destination Tenhola Photographic Studio exhibition; only operational passenger steamship showcasing agricultural and forestry a collection of old teaching materials and in , if not the entire world. During traditions. The village also includes supplies; the Old Factory frame shop; an the trip, passengers hear the famous the Taidetalo art centre, Marttinen exhibition of nostalgic toys; a barber and steam whistle and enjoy a meal and the Chapel, a 4H club facility, a nature trail, hairdressing museum; the Killi Gallery; atmosphere in a restaurant designed by a playground, a beach and much more: and Marjaliisa Pitkäranta’s summer Akseli Gallen-Kallela. demonstrations and events, guided tours atelier studio. For shopping, the area and programme services, and artisans’ Named after poet Johan Ludvig features Inka’s factory outlet for ribbons, Runeberg, who lived in Ruovesi in his shops and workshops. Mikontalo is the the Old Factory village bazaar and the village restaurant. youth, the Poet’s Way runs from Tampere Kirjakirppu used book shop. Admission to Virrat via Ruovesi. Along this culturally Museums: to the area is free. The industrial area is and historically significant shipping by main road 68, midway between Virrat route, passengers have an opportunity • Rajalahti House Museum from the and Ähtäri. to admire the spectacular lake scenery 1840s Inkantie 60, Killinkoski and beautiful natural landscapes which • Hali Lumberjack’s Cabin Museum from  +358 400 453 054 have inspired many of Finland’s best- the 1950s www.killinkoski.fi 4 5 known artists, such as composer Oskar OTHER CHURCHES Memorial stone to the Virrat Liedenpohja Village Merikanto; painters Akseli Gallen-Kallela, New Graveyard Chapel: The cemetery old people’s home Museum Hugo Simberg and Ellen Thesleff; and chapel in the new graveyard was authors Lauri Viita and Aila Meriluoto. designed by Usko Nyström and was The memorial stone to the people Open by appointment. who lost their lives in the fire at the S/S Tarjanne can also be booked for trips completed in 1902. Tulijoentie, Liedenpohja Virrat old people’s home in 1979 is in outside its regular service schedule.  +358 40 569 1836 Killinkoski Church: This wooden Jäähdyspohja. (Lakarintie 611)  +358 10 422 5600 church was designed by Josef Stenbäck, [email protected] Finland’s most famous and prolific Vaskivesi Battle Memorial Local Museum church architect. The church was built in www.runoilijantie.fi The memorial to the Vaskivesi battles Old tools and utensils on display in a salt 1928. in 1918 was designed by architect Onni storage hut from the eighteenth century. Liedenpohja Church: Liedenpohja Tarjanne. (Vaskivedentie 1490) Open by appointment. Church was built on the granite footings VIRRAT CHURCH Niemi-Korhosentie 30, Kotala Built under the supervision of Antti and log frame of the old Liedenpohja Memorial to those who  +358 40 544 6170 Hakola between 1772 and 1774. The school. The drawings for the church were lost their lives for their made by Voipa N. Sulkava and E. Jalava. altarpiece, Christ and Mary Magdalene, convictions Killinkoski Old Factory was painted by Alexandra Frosterus- The village church was completed and Såltin in 1897. The neoclassical altar and inaugurated in 1961. 88 people from Virrat who fought for the The Old Factory area is home to the only font were designed by Ilmari Launis, Reds lost their lives during the Finnish ribbon industry museum in the Nordic and were completed between 1923 and MEMORIALS Civil War and related events in 1918. Most countries. The museum has old weaving 1925. of the victims who fought on the losing machines on display, as well as thousands side died in prison camps. The memorial of ribbon and label samples. Of the candle chandeliers in the church, Memorial to brothers-in- is in the yard of Virrat Church at Rantatie the middle is the oldest, made by arms The Finnish Camera Museum is also 9. www.tyovaenliike.fi/muistomerkit here, along with the Into Centre, which Leander Helander in 1857. The oldest of The memorial in Ohtola was built by the three church bells dates from 1657. focuses on the work of I. K. Inha and the war veterans and is called Brothers, I. K. Inha Memorial Nyströms, a family with a long cultural The church was renovated between Bring Me a Drop of Water. It reminds later 1967 and 1968 and between 1993 and In the car park by Lower Toriseva Lake. history. Many smaller exhibitions are also generations of the grim times of war and held in the area. 1994. of the sacrifices people had to make. Rantatie 9, Virrat The memorial was designed by Major Memorial to those left Inkantie 60, Killinkoski  +358 400 453 054 www.virtainseurakunta.fi Erkki Lahti, a war veteran from Virrat, and behind in Karelia agronomist Kaarlo J. Laaksonen, a war www.killinkoski.fi The memorial is in the churchyard, along veteran from Lammi. (Killinkoskentie with the Freedom Fighter Memorial and 1212) MATIAS CHAPEL Martti Kitunen Memorial. (Rantatie 9) Completed in 2009, the chapel invites Martti Kitunen Memorial visitors to calm down and quietly look and listen. It is based on an open- The sturdy memorial to bear hunter MUSEUMS minded, ecumenical approach: everyone Martti Kitunen (1747–1833) stands in the Virrat Heritage Village is welcome. yard of Kotala House, about 15 km from the centre of Virrat (Vironkoskentie 101). This culturally and historically significant Kappelitie 11, Virrat area is home to the Rajalahti House  +358 500 605 887, Kosti Helimäki Pro Patria Museum, the Hali Lumberjack’s Cabin www.matias-kappeli.net Pro Patria is a memorial to the people Museum, the Canal Museum and the War who fought at the front between 1939 Veteran Museum. Open in the summer. and 1945 and those who supported www.marttinen.fi them on the home front. The memorial is in the war grave area. (Rantatie 9)

6 7 GALLERIES Art House The Virrat Art Society’s summer shop Virinä Gallery sells works of visual art, glass, pottery, An exhibition facility maintained by the textiles, handicrafts and postcards. CULTURAL municipality of Virrat. Exhibitions change Virrat Heritage Village, Herrasentie 16, monthly. Virrat Pääskyntie 4, Virrat  +358 44 715 1464 or +358 50 525 2047  +358 3 485 1335 Humina Graphics Workshop Kirsti’s Gallery Graphic artworks and paintings by ATTRACTIONS Works of art and postcards by artist Kirsti Päivi Somppi and Tuukka Peltonen. By Koro. appointment only. Ittemäentie 56, Virrat Euraniementie 34, Jäähdyspohja  +358 50 327 3845  +358 40 555 0242 or +358 40 715 1143 [email protected] www.kirstingalleria.fi Catherine Sillanpää Art Virrat Art Boardinghouse Atelier Oil paintings, pencil drawings, portraits, Photographic exhibitions and other landscapes. Open in the summer. exhibitions by main road 66 in July. Valkamantie 10, Virrat Lakarintie 611, Jäähdyspohja  +358 40 547 0067  +358 40 516 9500 www.csillanpaa.net Pirkko-Sisko Syrjänen’s Home Gallery Paintings by Pirkko-Sisko Syrjänen. Meijeritie 13 A, Virrat  +358 3 475 5234 or +358 40 557 8204

Old Factory exhibition facilities Killi Gallery, Mikkelikutomo exhibition hall, illustrator Marjaliisa Pitkäranta’s summer atelier studio, changing exhibitions at the Finnish Camera Museum. Inkantie 60, Killinkoski  +358 400 453 054 www.killinkoski.fi

8 9 HOLIDAY COTTAGES Viljamaa Holiday Cottages Lätti Holiday Cottages In Vaskivesi in Virrat, by the peaceful High-quality log cottages for 2–8 people Lomasaari log villas and beautiful Lake Havanganjärvi, the by Lake Toisvesi. Available throughout A total of 11 villas for 7–8 people, with a Viljamaa log and wooden cottages offer the year. Each of the five cottages has a view over Lake Tarjanne. The apartments a high-quality setting for a holiday. Each sauna, beach, rowing boat and barbecue have a well-equipped open kitchen, cottage accommodates 6 people. Both hut. 3–4 bedrooms, 2 toilets, a sauna and a cottages have a sauna, a beach and a Rantarinnantie 31, Ohtola living room with a television, in addition rowing boat.  +358 400 234 939 or +358 400 773 939 to Wi-Fi. Pets are welcome for a small Havangantie 404, Vaskivesi [email protected] additional fee. Three of the villas are  +358 3 475 8957 or +358 50 591 3717 accessible to people with disabilities. A www.viljamaanlomamokit.net cosy accommodation option. Vesaniemi Holiday Farm Palolammintie 361, Virrat Enjoy an active holiday and take time Reception: Herrasentie 16 Poukka Guest Farm/ to wind down in Virrat! Villa Aalto, Villa  +358 3 485 1900 Levonniemi Holiday Kaisla, Villa Helmi and PikkuVilla Mutteri www.marttinen.fi Cottages take you away from the worries of daily life all year round. These well-equipped Log cottages for 2–6 people by Lake villas, the beautiful scenery by Lake Haapamäki Guest Farm Näsijärvi, along the Poet’s Way shipping Toisvesi and some outdoor hot tubs The Haapamäki Guest Farm is by Lake route, in a beautiful setting. The farm guarantee complete relaxation. has a shared lean-to for hikers and a Näsijärvi. The main building, Setälä,  volleyball court, and some cottages have +358 40 8414 791 has seven rooms for 2–4 people, with www.rentoutumaan.fi shared toilet and shower facilities. A their own badminton court. A hot tub spacious barbecue hut, a playing field, for 8–10 people, a smoke sauna and a a playground and a playhouse can be traditional lakeside sauna are available Juhani’s Cottages found in the yard. Cottages for 3–10 by appointment. The farm also has a Cottages available for rent in the people are available for rent. The sauna catering service, which delivers tasty beautiful Killinniemi at the northern building by the lake has a smoke sauna, meals and delicious pastries. Distances: end of Lake Toisvesi. Each cottage has which is heated by appointment, and a Virrat town centre 13 km, Virrat harbour its own lakeside sauna and rowing boat. continuously heated sauna for daily use. 8 km by boat. The rent includes firewood. The cottages Other activities include swimming, Patalantie 33, Koro and saunas are only 10–15 metres from rowing, fishing, hiking and enjoying the  +358 3 475 9838 the lake. beautiful silence away from the hustle www.levonmokit.fi  +358 500 953 566 and bustle of daily life. [email protected] Purrantie 147, Vaskivesi Lomajärvinen www.juhanintuvat.fi  +358 3 475 8845 A beautiful semi-detached log house www.matkailutilahaapamaki.com with two family apartments in a peaceful Jussila Holiday Cottages countryside setting. Each apartment has Two cottages and a villa in Kortesuo in Vermaa Holiday Cottages a sauna, shower and toilet, in addition to Virrat, in a beautiful setting next to the a shared lakeside sauna. The area has 16 Four traditional log cottages for 6 Poet’s Way shipping route. Beds for 6–10 caravan spots with electricity. Excellent people. These high-quality cottages are people, sauna, outdoor hot tub. opportunities for cross-country skiing. by Lake Vermasjärvi and Lake Valkeajärvi.  +358 50 340 3277 The Pukkivuori downhill slopes are A movable hot tub is available for rent. [email protected] ONLINE COTTAGE SELECTION about 20 km away. A tennis court is Vermaantie 181, Virrat www.jussilanlomamokit.fi • www.lomarengas.fi available about 3 km from the area. • www.nettimokki.com  +358 3 475 9818 • www.huvila.net Kivimäentie 37, Kotala • www.mokkiavain.fi • www.mökit.fi  +358 3 475 9251 or +358 50 556 7435 • www.mokkihaku.fi 10 • www.gofinland.fi 11 Sängenniemi Holiday Villas Tarjanne House Lakari Camping Egyptin pyhä ja arki Villa Kanerva, Villa Puolukka and Villa Opposite the marketplace, about 1 km One of the oldest camping and caravan A small countryside company offering Mustikka are available throughout the from the harbour. Accommodation in sites in Finland. Located between two opportunities and facilities for hiking, year for 6–8 people each. High-quality rooms for 1–2 people, with a kitchenette beautiful lakes. Open 1.5.-30.9. cycling, snowshoeing, fishing, swimming, accommodation by Lake Näsijärvi. and a bathroom. Lakarintie 405, Virrat bathing in a sauna and holding meetings.  +358 44 567 3586 Open by agreement.  +358 400-991040 Accommodation in an old granary in the summer, and in “grandmother’s house” [email protected] Virtaintie 35, Virrat [email protected] all year round. In the summer, you can www.nettimokki.com/virrat/4254  +358 3 475 9229, +358 41 461 0165 www.lakaricamping.fi organise a family celebration in the barn. (groups) A smoke sauna, neural pathway massage www.tarjanne.com therapy and other services are available [email protected] HOTELS & MOTELS OTHER by appointment. Kitusen Kievari Motel ACCOMMODATION Egyptintie 272, Pohjaslahti This cosy motel has 10 rooms with 2–4 SERVICES [email protected] CAMPSITES &  +358 40 829 4844 beds. Some of the rooms have a sauna. Rajaniemi Holiday Centre The price includes a varied breakfast. CARAVAN AREAS In an old vicarage in a beautiful setting At the junction of highway 23 and main Kirsti’s Gallery Herraskoski lakeside by Lake Siekkisjärvi. Open throughout road 66. the year. Accommodation available in Accommodation in an old granary for  +358 3 475 2000 cottages and campsite the buildings in the yard, with 36 rooms two people, with a breakfast option. www.kitusenkievari.fi Three summer cottages, with a total of and a total of 68 beds. Banquet and Ittemäentie 56, Virrat 14 beds. A cooking and dining hut. A meeting rooms.  +358 50 327 3845 DomusVirrat Summer Hotel Lappish-style hut, a sauna and a beach Rajaniementie 35, Virrat [email protected] Open in the summer. 30 rooms, up to 83 volleyball court.  +358 3 475 5648 www.kirstingalleria.fi beds in total. Each room or apartment  +358 3 485 1900 www.elakkeensaajat.fi/rajaniemenlomakeskus has a kitchen, toilet and shower. A www.marttinen.fi Villa Keituri peaceful location next to the church Kuunsilta Berry Farm An excellent accommodation option and sports ground in the centre of Vankkurimännikkö SF- Accommodation for 8 people (4 rooms for families on holiday and for business Virrat. About 400 m from the beach and for 2 people) in an old granary, and for travellers all year round. Two spacious, harbour. Caravan families of up to 6 people in the cafeteria cosy apartments within walking distance A popular caravan area with five saunas, Sipiläntie 3, Virrat building. A sauna and a barbecue hut are from the centre, Rantapuisto park, barbecue sites, playgrounds for children,  +358 3 475 5600 available by appointment. exercise facilities and recreational areas. lounge areas for young people and a [email protected] The smaller apartment downstairs is beach. A licensed restaurant is open Niemikyläntie 261, Kotala www.domusvirrat.fi suitable for 1–6 people, and has 1–2 during events. Excellent opportunities  +358 3 475 6327 or +358 40 567 7621 bedrooms, a kitchen, a living room, a for hiking, fishing and other outdoor Marttinen Youth Hotel toilet and shower. The larger apartment activities. Space for up to 300 caravans. Pukkila Holiday Centre Three separate buildings, with 25 rooms is suitable for up to 11 people, with four Open throughout the year. A lakeside holiday centre within walking in total. Each room has 2–6 beds, a toilet bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, a Lakarintie 580, Virrat distance from the Helvetinkolu gorge. and shower. The lounges in the buildings toilet and shower. The price includes use  Office: +358 43 214 0014 The centre is run by the Parasta Lapsille have a kitchenette and a television. A of the sauna facilities and the outdoor  Area Manager: +358 50 464 6646, child protection organisation. Camps, total of 107 beds. Accessible to people hot tub. +358 50 555 0369 camp schools, seminars, family events, with disabilities. Rantatie 16, Virrat [email protected] Christmas parties and other occasions. Herrasentie 16, Virrat  +358 40 841 4791 www.vankkurimannikko.fi Pouruntie 1242, Visuvesi  +358 3 485 1900 www.rentoutumaan.fi  +358 9 350 8630 www.marttinen.fi [email protected] 12 www.lomakeskuspukkila.fi 13 © Municipality of Virrat Baarpuuri Beach Patio CAFES SUMMER CAFES At the Virrat harbour. Open daily from 1 May long into the autumn. Events, Kitusen Kievari Heritage Village ice cream services, menus and opening hours: Fresh pastries, paninis and pies with kiosk and patio café baarpuuri.fi. coffee, tea and refreshments. Ice cream, sweets, cold beverages, coffee Pohjolantie 5, Virrat At the junction of highway 23 and main and pastries.  +358 44 715 1367 road 66 Heritage Village, Herrasentie 16, Virrat baarpuuri.fi Sampolantie 7, Virrat www.marttinen.fi/perinnekyla  +358 3 475 2000 www.kitusenkievari.fi Kipparin Likka Toriseva Coffee Hut Lunch on weekdays; à la carte menu, Center Café The coffee hut is on a vantage point in RESTAURANTS dancing and live music on Fridays, a beautiful setting by Lower Toriseva Saturdays and Sundays. Catering services Coffee and pastries. Sweet and savoury Lake. Established by the Lotta Svärd Mikontalo Restaurant available. A banquet room and sauna pastries available on order. organisation in 1936, the coffee hut facilities available for rent for meetings An atmospheric restaurant specialising Pirkantie 26 (VMT Center), Virrat has served customers for 75 years. The and evening get-togethers. in traditional dishes. Fully licensed, 124  +358 50 531 8125 pastries are baked on-site, and the coffee seats. Virtaintie 35, Virrat www.vmtcenter.fi/centercafe is made in a traditional Finnish coffee  +358 44 715 1367 pot. Tasty, inexpensive lunch from a buffet +358 44 784 4457 (table reservations) on weekdays. An abundant, traditional Vilénin Leipomo Torisevajärventie 493, Virrat Tavastia-style buffet at the weekends. A bakery with a shop and café.  +358 3 475 5330 or +358 50 531 8125 Pub 66 www.kahvimaja.net Heritage Village, Virrat Kiertotie 4, Virrat  +358 3 475 6560 or +358 50 558 2485 A traditional pub, disco and karaoke +358 3 475 2900 [email protected] nights, live music. Fully licensed. Grill. www.vileninleipomo.fi Wanhan Tehtaan Kuppila www.mikontalo.fi Open Friday to Sunday. An atmospheric café in a museum. Virtaintie 29, Virrat RasinTupa Inkantie 60, Killinkoski Kitusen Kievari Restaurant  +358 3 475 4607 A coffee shop in Vaskivesi. Pizza Day on  +358 400 453 054 A spacious, smoke-free restaurant. www.pub66.fi Fridays and Saturdays. Catering services www.killinkoski.fi Abundant breakfast and lunch buffet. and private events. Open Tuesday to Rolls burgers and meals, pizza, etc. Virtain Ruokapaja Sunday. Golfkentän Kolokahvila At the junction of highway 23 and main A lunch restaurant with 58 seats. Tasty Vaskivedentie 1482, Vaskivesi Lakarintie 350, Virrat road 66 buffet lunch. Lunch deliveries available.  +358 44 5935 557  +358 3 475 3666 Sampolantie 7, Virrat Virtaintie 36, Virrat www.satuluomus.fi/rasintupa www.torisevagolf.fi  +358 3 475 2000  +358 3 475 5679 www.kitusenkievari.fi www.virtainruokapaja.fi Cafe Virtainportti Baarpuuri Beach Patio A coffee shop in Vaskivesi. Kebab Pizzeria Dilana Coffee, ice cream, refreshments. Sauna Kulmakahvila Vaskivedentie 1415, Vaskivesi available by appointment. Kebab, pizza, chicken dishes and salads. Pizza, grill and café.  045 207 5551 Pohjolantie 5, Virrat Virtaintie 25, Virrat Keskustie 6, Virrat  +358 44 715 1367  +358 3 475 3476 045 8856981 baarpuuri.fi www.dilana.fi

16 17 SPORTS FACILITIES health-promoting exercise and exercise PUBLIC BEACHES CLIMBING aimed at maintaining working capacity, Virrat offers excellent opportunities for for example. Multipurpose sports centre Kalettomanlahti outdoor outdoor and indoor climbing. In the Sports ground, full-size grass field, 8/6- Urheilukuja 1, Virrat swimming pool winter, the options include ice climbing  lane track with Novotan coating, beach +358 50 576 2290 Marina, restaurant, diving tower. in a natural environment or at the volleyball courts, tennis courts, ice www.virtainkiekkokarhut.fi Marttinen ice-climbing tower. Laivaranta, Pohjolantie 7, Virrat stadium, outdoor skating rink, network Herrasentie 16, Virrat of skiing tracks and exercise trails, Pukkivuori ski centre  +358 3 485 1900 downhill slope, beach nearby, etc. Killinkoski outdoor Pukkivuori downhill skiing centre and www.marttinen.fi Sipiläntie 24, Virrat a network of skiing tracks meeting swimming pool international requirements. Maps for Vuolteentie, Killinkoski Marttinen Youth Centre cross-country skiing, orienteering and Programme services and events for hiking are available from the tourist Herranen beach office. Virrat Golf children and adults all year round. Lomasaari Marttinen A golf course with nine fairways, par 68. Archery, canoeing, climbing, wall Urheilukuja 1, Virrat Palolammintie 359 B, Virrat climbing, ice climbing, zip-lining, etc.  +358 440 900 965 Lakarintie 350, Virrat Available for groups by appointment. www.pukkivuori.fi  +358 3 475 3666 Herrasentie 16, Virrat www.torisevagolf.fi  +358 3 485 1900 Virtain Kisapirtti www.marttinen.fi Gym, aikido, volleyball, tennis, group Outdoor courts Disc golf exercise sessions with an instructor. The area has two clay courts. Reservations A disc golf course with eight targets. Sports hall Virtaintie 15, Virrat can be made at the Baarpuuri beach Urheilukuja 1, Virrat The sports hall offers facilities for ball  +358 3 475 5381 or +358 50 586 7350 patio.  +358 3 485 1360 games and gymnastics in its different [email protected] Sipiläntie 20, Virrat forms. Seats for nearly 450 spectators. www.virtainurheilijat.fi  +358 3 485 1367 The hall has a ball game facility, a gym, a www.baarpuuri.fi HORSE RIDING dance studio with mirrors, squash courts, Kuntostudio Gym In addition to several smaller stables, a straight running track and a cafeteria. Keskustie 7, Virrat Indoor court Virrat has a riding school (Mallatin Rantatie 6, Virrat  +358 400 632 088 Virtain Kisapirtti Ratsutila) approved by the Equestrian  +358 3 485 1360 Virtaintie 15, Virrat Federation of Finland. www.harrastustenvirrat.fi/yhteystiedot  +358 50 586 7350 www.virtainratsastajat.fi www.virtainurheilijat.fi Virrat Ice Stadium Reservations can be made at Virtain Kiekko-Karhut, the local ice hockey club. Reservations are available for events,

18 19 HIKING & NATURE Other nature trails DANCE PAVILIONS TRAILS You will also find nature trails in the Traditional Finnish dance pavilions with Kotala rapids area and in the Lakeisneva live music provide an ideal setting for a Toriseva nature trail primeval forest area (signposted from nice evening out in the summer. This nature trail (6.5 km) runs amidst the Itämerentie in Kotala). impressive scenery of the Toriseva ravine Vehkakoski Lakeside Dance lakes. More detailed information and Pavilion FISHING maps are available from the Virrat tourist Vehkalinnantie 30, Pohjaslahti We offer pure water and well-maintained office and the Toriseva Coffee Hut.  +358 50 586 7350 settings. Fishing sites are accessible by Torisevajärvientie 493 (main road 66), www.vehkakoski.fi car and are near services. The shores are Virrat easy to navigate. www.virrat.fi/english Myllyniemi Dance Pavilion www.kahvimaja.net Herraskoski and Upper Havangantie 153, Vaskivesi Toriseva  +358 400 636 005 Marttinen island nature trail Herrasentie 63, Virrat (Herraskoski) www.myllyniemenlava.fi Maps of the Marttinen island nature trail Torisevajärvientie 360, Virrat (Toriseva) are available from the reception desk Permits: Teboil Virrat, Meijeritie 22. Virrat Lakeside Dance at the Marttinen Youth Centre, along www.urheilukalastajat.net with exercises to complete along the Pavilion trail. Sites along the trail include a field Kotala rapids Torppakyläntie 65, Virrat fortress area, for example.  +358 45 1285 546 Kitus, Vehmas and Koskela rapids. Herrasentie 16, Virrat www.virtainhiekkaranta.fi  +358 3 485 1900 Permits: Kotala village shop, Vironkoskentie 72, Kotala CINEMA Myllyoja forest trail www.kotalankosket.com Virtain Pirtti Cinema You can access the Myllyoja forest trail Virtaintie 51, Virrat by driving along Sipiläntie from the  +358 43 214 0085 centre of Virrat, turning right at the top BOATING www.virtainpirtti.fi of Pukkivuori and driving to the end of There are marinas in the harbour the gravel road (about 1 km). The trail (Laivaranta), above and below the runs for about 2 km and features many Herraskoski Canal and in the village of types of natural environment along the Koro. More information is available from way. The trail is also suitable for children. the Virrat tourist office and the harbour. www.virrat.fi/english  +358 3 485 1276 (tourist office)  +358 3 485 1367 (harbour) Pirkan Taival Pirkan Taival is a network of hiking trails CANOEING in the northern Tampere Region that is divided into shorter routes. Its total Retkievä length is 300 km. The routes are part of Guided canoeing trips. Kayaks available the E6 European long-distance path. for rent. Adventure services. Fatbikes available for rent. +358 40 546 8526 retkieva.fi 20 21 EVENTS LOCAL PRODUCTS VIRRAT OFFERS A WIDE RANGE OF EVENTS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY, PURE, FRESH LOCAL DELICACIES DIRECT FROM LOCAL PRODUCERS FROM TODDLERS TO GRANDPARENTS MIDSUMMER IN VIRRAT Virrat is Finland’s official Midsummer town. MidsummerThe local Midsummer in Virrat festival, JuhannusVirrat, is Kotala Bear Market TilkkuVirrat Kangasmäen Highland Kuunsilta Berry Farm Products from farms by agreement. More a unique combination of Midsummer traditions local products (such as apple syrup, sea A Midsummer event for the whole Local products available for sale. A A handicrafts festival. Exhibitions, Highland beef products. Blackcurrants, blackcurrant juice. and events for the whole family in a rural town buckthorn jelly and Kanavan Kille bread family is held on Midsummer’s Eve in the multifaceted programme. At Kotala courses and lectures. July–August. Catering and cafeteria services for surrounded by lakes. Töllintie 144, Kotala by J. L. Runebergin Herkut) are available Virrat Heritage Village. The programme House in July. groups by appointment.  +358 40 756 9296 in shops in the centre of the town. includesA Midsummer a traditional event for themarket whole and family a is held Venetian Festival on Midsummer’s Eve in the Virrat Heritage Vil- www.kangasmaenhighland.com Niemikyläntie 261, Kotala wide range of other activities and Virrat for Veteran Vehicles A free music festival for everyone at the lage, with a wide range of activities and perfor-  +358 40 567 7621 performances. An event for owners of veteran vehicles Killinkoski Old Factory (Wanha tehdas) at mances, including a market. The traditional mar- www.koti.mbnet.fi/anjav and their cars. More information: www. the end of August. Joutsenjärvi organic farm ket attracts a growing number of locals, summer KesäVirratSoi music festival ypmry.fi. Strawberries, redcurrants, potatoes, residents and visitors. Around 5,000 people from A weekend of high-quality concerts in More information: vegetables, root vegetables, cabbages. Jussila Berry Farm all over Finland celebrate Midsummer in Virrat. July, with performances in different parts Killinkoski Market Days and • Suomenselän Sanomat summer Kurjenkyläntie 1093, Kurjenkylä Berries, nectars and jellies. ofFor the more town, information including abouta blues the concert programme collectors’ event supplement  +358 400 500 8326 Patalantie 158, Koro (Rantapuistopluus)and other current issues, at visitthe theharbour event website  An event with a multifaceted programme • www.virrat.fi/ajankohtaista www.joutsenjarvi.fi +358 3 475 9855 (Laivaranta).at www.juhannusvirrat.com. for the whole family. Car-boot sale. At www.marjatila.jussila.org MuksuFestarit the Old Factory (Wanha tehdas) on the Niinivehmas & Tallila last weekend in July. Mustan Sonnin Tila A summer event for the youngest Agricultural Enterprise Organic beef. members of the family on the first Eggs. weekend in July. Pihtisalmentie 415, Vaskivesi Sysinevantie 77, Liedenpohja  +358 50 523 6371  +358 400 660 625 www.mustasonni.fi Ylä-Härkönen Sheep Farm RasinTupa Lamb, sheepskins, wool Ammumelli toffees. Vaskivedentie 243, Virrat +358 44 261 3660 Vaskivedentie 1482, Vaskivesi facebook.com/ylaharkonen  +358 44 241 2085 www.satuluomus.fi Ylä-Koro Farm Highland beef products. Vaskuuntie 4, Koro +358 50 304 7625 www.ylakorontila.fi

22 23 Kaluste Katja, Stemma SERVICE STATIONS Furniture Neste Oil Express Keskustie 1 At the junction of highway 23 and main road 66  +358 3 475 2000 Virtain Moottorisaha Machines and supplies for forestry, GULF, VMT Shopping Center gardening, boating and leisure activities Annuli Helmien Talo Pirkantie 26, 34800 Virrat FOOD PRODUCTS Salinintie 2 S-Market Virrat Clothes for women; shoemaker and key Jewellery and accessories www.virtainmoottorisaha.fi copying services by Suutari 66 Tupparintie 27 Virtain TB-huolto & Pääskyntie 13 Virtaintie 35 www.helmientalo.fi Virhydro Matkahuolto Meijeritie 22, Virrat K-Supermarket Virrat Tools, machines, workwear and work Alko shoes  +358 3 475 5460 Virtaintie 28 RETAIL SHOPS Liquour store Pirkantie 22 Löytötex Pääskyntie 13 www.virhydro.fi Vaskipalvelu Killin Jätti Clothes, textiles, home supplies Vaskivedentie 1415, Vaskivesi Inkantie 45, Killinkoski  +358 3 475 8950 Keskustie 2 Taitokeskus Virrat K-Rauta hardware store www.vaskipalvelu.fi Gifts, handicraft supplies Lantmännen Agro Virrat Kotala village shop Tokmanni Virtaintie 36 agricultural store Vironkoskentie 72, Kotala ABC automatic service Clothes, textiles, home supplies Meijeritie 16 station Asematie 15 Virtain Pala Cafe Virtainportti Virtaintie 2, Virrat Drapery shop Purran Kukka- ja Vaskivedentie 1415, Vaskivesi Virtaintie 35 Hautauspalvelu  045 207 5551 Meijeritie 14 SPECIALITY SHOPS S www.purrankukkajahautaus.fi ATM R-Kioski Asetalo gun shop VIPstore Center • K-Supermarket, Virtaintie 28 Pet supplies • Osuuspankki bank, Virtaintie 40 Keskustie 2 Keskustie 7 Kukka-Riitta www.asetalo.com Killinkoskentie 23 • S-Market Virrat, Pääskyntie 13 www.vipstore.fi Florist, funeral services Varpustie 1 CLOTHES Virrat-Kirja book shop www.kukkariitta.fi Foto-Riitta Vaatetusliike Tamminiemi Virtaintie 35 www.virratkirja.fi Photographic studio, framing services, Virtain Pesupalvelu Oy Clothes for women and men supplies Laundry service Virtaintie 34 Virtaintie 35 VMT Shopping Centre Virtaintie 47 Shops and a coffee shop. www.virtainpesupalvelu.fi Symppis Pirkantie 26 Kuvaamo Into Clothes for women www.vmtcenter.fi Photographic studio, frames, supplies Heritage Village summer Virtaintie 35 Virtaintie 32 shops www.kuvaamointo.fi Idyllic small shops Herrasentie 16

24 25 More shops and services: yrityshakemisto.virrat.fi Herranen is about 5 km west of the centre The Killinkoski Old Factory area has a wide The beautiful field, forest and waterway of Virrat, between Lake Toisvesi and Lake selection of museums and exhibitions, all scenery of Vaskivesi invites visitors to try Tarjanne. These natural waterways are with free admission. These include the Into fishing, hunting and hiking. The Pirkan connected by the Herraskoski Canal, one Centre; the only ribbon industry museum Taival hiking trail and the E6 European of the most beautiful canals in Finland. The in the Nordic countries; the Finnish Camera long-distance path run through the village. Canal Museum, which is part of the Heritage Museum, also known as “Camera Heaven” Exercise opportunities also include sports Village, is at the upper end of the lock. (Kamerataivas); the Camera Heaven Gallery grounds and volleyball courts, as well as The Heritage Village is a museum area on with monthly photography exhibitions; a beach, and skiing tracks and a skating Marttinen island, showcasing agricultural Nostalgic Toys (an exhibition of teddy bears rink in the winter. The Myllyniemi pavilion and forestry traditions. Its sites include and toys); a barber and hairdressing museum; is regarded as Finland’s most beautiful the Rajalahti House Museum, the Hali a collection of old voluntary fire brigade lakeside dance pavilion. The Kesämakasiini Lumberjack’s Cabin Museum, the War equipment; illustrator Marjaliisa Pitkäranta’s summer bazaar sells local food, pastries and Veteran’s Museum Room and several historic summer atelier studio; the Killi Gallery; a handicrafts. It also features a jumble sale. buildings. On the same island, the Marttinen collection of old teaching materials and Youth Centre offers a wide range of tourist, supplies; a jumble sale and the Kirjakirppu programme, meeting and banquet services used book shop; an atmospheric museum café; and a frame workshop. Interesting attractions also include Kirsti’s throughout the year. Gallery and Matias Chapel, as well as the The Heritage Village also has a restaurant The beautiful village area is also worth Keituri railway bridge. The village has a beach specialising in traditional dishes, various art exploring, as is the Killinkoski Church, a and marina spots. Exercise opportunities and handicraft shops, a 4H facility and a wooden church from 1928, designed by include the Pirkan Taival hiking trail and the summer kiosk. In addition, exhibitions and Josef Stenbäck, Finland’s best-known Kalevankierros skiing track, to name just two events, such as the Midsummer market, are church architect. examples. organised in the summer. There are a few marina spots and a public beach next to the Heritage Village. The The village boasts the Toriseva ravine Ohtola has an old shingle mill that runs on beautiful Herraskoski rapids, a popular lakes and a broad range of tourist services. water and machine power in the traditional fishing site among anglers, is at the opposite Jäähdyspohja is a busy travel and summer way. Demonstrations are organised twice end of the island, along with a nature trail destination, as well as being a village with a a week in the spring, in connection with and a birdwatching tower. lively cultural scene, including art galleries, art work parties. Ohtola is also the location of a exhibitions and summer cafés. Jäähdyspohja memorial to brothers-in-arms. This memorial offers a wide range of accommodation is called Brothers, Bring Me a Drop of Water. services, in addition to a campsite and a The Kotala rapids, another popular fishing caravan area. Outdoor activities include the site, are in the home village of bear hunter Toriseva nature trail and Pirkan Taival, which Martti Kitunen. The artefacts in the old also offers excellent opportunities for picking salt storage hut exude history, as does the Kurjenkylä is a village of around 300 people, berries and mushrooms. A beach and a collection of coffee jars at the local museum. bordering Virrat to the west and southwest. landing area for boats can be found near the Hikers can take a little break in one of the The village landscape is characterised by lakes old school in Euraniemi. three Lappish-style huts in the village. The and peatland, and the Kurjenjoki River runs village shop sells local products and has a The village offers plenty to see and through the village. In a watershed, the old public computer with an Internet connection, experience, including the old village area with Kurjenkylä school is a popular venue for in addition to an information point. Permits its mills and the Lakarinharju esker, as well as banquets and other special events. for fishing in the rapids are available from the the Oraniemi ruins from the Bronze Age for village shop. Kotala House serves as a venue adventurers who want to explore the area on for several annual events and bazaars. their own. Jukola Village House features I. K. Inha’s photographic exhibition, to name just one example. 26 27 IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS EMERGENCY NUMBER  112 Matkahuolto bus station, Meijeritie 22  +358 3 475 5460 Public healthcare centre, Sairaalantie 1 +358 3 485 3200 Town hall, Virtaintie 26  +358 3 485 111 Pharmacy, Virtaintie 30 +358 3 474 0180 Veterinarian, Sairaalantie 1 +358 44 715 1351 Taxi  0100 2020

PUBLISHER PHOTOS TOURIST Municipality of Virrat Henrik Dagnevall, HD Markkinointi INFORMATION Jori Häll, Kuvaamo Into VMT Shopping Center EDITORS & GRAPHIC Katja Urrila-Virtanen, Kuvaamo Into Pirkantie 26, 34800 Virrat  +358 485 1276 DESIGNERS Seppo Rantanen, Virrat Photographic [email protected] Municipality of Virrat, Economic Society www.virrat.fi/english Development Matti Nenonen, KesäVirratSoi HD Markkinointi Linda Peltola, Lindavision 4/2020 Studio Katve Merja Kaitajärvi PRINTS Pertti Kanerva VirtoPrint Hannakaisa Raiskinmäki Marttinen Youth Centre