There is plenty to see and do in Virrat, whether you are visiting the town of a hundred lakes on a weekend break or a longer trip. A trip to Virrat offers the benefits of a city break without the hustle and bustle but with a large helping of activities and cultural experiences.
Virrat is located in Pirkanmaa province in Finland. It has good connections to Tampere, Pori, Jyväskylä and Seinäjoki. Although Virrat was only granted town status in the 1970s, the area has been inhabited since the Iron Age as demonstrated by the spearheads and sword remnants discovered near the Härkönen village.
The town's name, which translates to "Currents", refers to the abundant natural waters surrounding the area, the largest of which are Lake Vaskivesi–Visuvesi, Lake Toisvesi and Lake Seinäjärvi. Virrat is sparsely populated with built-up areas near the lakes, which number 269 in total. The area has large swathes of natural forest. Visit the handsome Toriseva gorge lakes located along Main Road 66 just over a mile from the town centre and enjoy the refreshing effect of pure Finnish nature.
Hike along a nature trail or hop on a bike to whisk yourself away into the Finnish wilderness along the Näsijärvi Lake Trail – a holiday with a difference. Travel at your own pace around the surrounding region and discover Finland's landscapes, local food and culture as never before, whether you are alone, travelling with friends or bringing the whole family.
Dive into the local cultural heritage at Virrat traditional village on the island of Marttinen and find out more about traditional Finnish peasant life in the 19th and 20th centuries. The romantic country village has real charm, with a traditional smoke sauna, a windmill and a blacksmith's forge. Make sure you visit the Rajalahti House and the Halli forest hut, stop off at the War Veterans' Museum and see the workings of the beautiful Herraskoski Canal.
Virrat also has plenty of museums and other cultural attractions. Go to see plays about the local hero, bear hunter Martti Kitunen, at the Alaisen-Toriseva summer theatre or visit the monument to Kitunen in the grounds of the Kotala house, around 10 miles from the town centre. Take a cruise along the renowned poet's way aboard the historic steam ship S/S Tarjanne and while you travel, enjoy something to eat in the restaurant designed by artist Akseli Gallen-Kallela.
Virrat is Finland's official midsummer town, so if you plan to experience the white nights, take the whole family to the border between the Pirkanmaa and South Ostrobothnia provinces to celebrate in the traditional way. The area also offers plenty to do during the winter, when active holidaymakers come to enjoy the good cross-country skiing tracks and the Pukkivuori downhill skiing slope. If you are looking for more peaceful relaxation, you can escape the everyday grind by renting one of the many cottages or villas on offer around the town.
A holiday in Virrat will sweep you away on a magical journey to the heart of Finnish culture.
