Take a trip to the heart of Finland and experience stunning natural landscapes, interesting cultural events and fascinating museums.
A holiday in Mänttä-Vilppula is never boring. Check out the nature trails, go fishing in white water, see some of the most significant works of Finnish art and find out about the Finnish Civil War on the history trail.
Mänttä-Vilppula is located in Central Finland, between Tampere and Jyväskylä. It is a great place for a cheap holiday at any time of year. The nearest international airport is in Tampere. There are also bus and train connections from Jyväskylä and Tampere.
Mänttä-Vilppula was originally constructed around the forest industry, and the Serlachius family had strong connections to this business. Visit the Serlachius Museum Gustaf to find out about the area's industrial history and the Gösta art museum to see works by masters such as Gallen-Kallela and Edelfelt.
If you are looking for an extra dose of culture, come during Mänttä-Vilppula's Mänttä visual arts weeks between the beginning of June and the end of August. Attend the Koko kylän joulurieha Christmas party, a lively urban festival that brings light, cheer and song during the dark months.
Mänttä-Vilppula’s natural surroundings are rich in diversity and provide lots to do, including hiking, cycling, boating and fishing. The Mäntänvuori outdoor area is only two kilometres from the centre of Mänttä. It offers nature trails, an illuminated fitness track, an observation tower and routes suitable for wheelchairs and buggies. In the summer, the town offers several excellent beaches, and, in the winter, the nature trails make superb cross-country skiing routes.
Mänttä-Vilppula played an important role in Finland’s Civil War of 1918 – for two whole months, the whites controlled Vilppulankoski rapids to the north and the reds controlled the southern side. The area has monuments to both the reds and the whites.
The events are described on a history route from Vilppula railway station via the Perinnehuone Heritage Centre, Vilppula School Museum, Vilppula Local Heritage Museum and Koivuniemi Manor House to Vilppula Church. These are a great way to find out about early 20th century life in the town, the countryside and the classroom, and the strategic sites of Koivuniemi manor house and Vilppula church are reminders of the brutal war.
Experience the best of Central Finland and take a holiday in the beautiful town of Mänttä-Vilppula!
