Situated in the southernmost parts of North Savo, Varkaus is a well-known industrial city, where a factory atmosphere joins past with present. The courtyards that grew up around the ironworks are today delightful places to visit, but the historic industrial landscape is also fascinating in its own way. Past and present meet in the Taipale Canal area, where you see both the old stone canal and the new deep channel. Other charming and inexpensive places to visit while on holiday in Varkaus are the Linnansaari and Kolovesi National Parks.
Start getting to know the area with a city break in Varkaus, where you can best see the significant impact of industry on the city and North Savo. The true business centre of Varkaus, with its railway and bus stations, is a little way from the factory milieu, so when you arrive in the city, you can first view the industrial landscapes from the shore of Huruslahti Bay. You can then continue your journey to Päiviönsaari, where you will find Varkaus Hometown Centre and Päiviönsaari Market, home to many different events. You will find a traditional market square atmosphere at Taulumäki Market, as well as the chance to buy some delicious fish, including traditional kalakukko fish pies.
From Päivionsaari, your journey into the history of Varkaus continues along a path lined by linden trees to the Kommila district, dominated by the city's industrial buildings and still an operating factory centre directly next to the city. Between the modern buildings, you will see, for instance, a pulp mill from the early 1900s, and near the bridge leading to Kommila are some lovely red-brick factory buildings. Continue past the factory area to the beautiful wooden houses beyond, where many workers' houses and mansions have been lovingly restored. While in Kommila, visit the functionalist Main Church of Varkaus, in which you will find the largest altar fresco in the Nordic countries.
One of the most famous places to visit in Varkaus is Taipale Canal, the history of which dates back more than 170 years. The canal area now includes the old canal, a new deep channel and Taipale Canal Museum, where a permanent exhibition “Via Canalia” includes displays of old equipment from the canal tower and a scale model of the canal area. The old stone canal is charmingly tiny compared to the deep channel – the height difference between the upper and lower waters is five metres. Ships travelling through the lock are exciting to watch, so reserve enough time to explore the area.
For nature-loving tourists, the best places for a holiday in the Varkaus area are the two nearby national parks. Located in Lake Haukivesi, Linnansaari National Park is a fine place for a day trip, and the views from the vantage point overlooking the lake are nothing short of breathtaking. It is best to explore Kolovesi National Park by canoe or rowing boat, because the lake is the best place from which to reach and admire the cliffs that rise vertically from the water. If you wish, you can also cruise the beautiful lake scenery of Varkaus on an electric or steam-powered boat.
It is easy to reach Varkaus by car or by public transport once in Finland. A great visit to Varkaus will be crowned by a visit to the Mechanical Music Museum, which is one of Europe’s most versatile tourist attractions.
