Varkaus Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Varkaus, Finland with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover its cultural and natural attractions, hiking and biking routes, best things to do, must-try dishes, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to Varkaus

Varkaus is a beautiful lakeside city located in the heart of the Finnish Lakeland region. It is known for its stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural history, and vibrant food and drink scene. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply a relaxing getaway, Varkaus has something for everyone. In this guide, we’ve compiled a list of the best places to visit, things to do, and local tips to help you plan your trip to Varkaus.

List of Places to Visit in Varkaus

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Taipale Canal Museum
  • Varkaus Art Museum
  • Orthodox Church of Varkaus
  • Paavola Old Church
  • Laukko Manor
  • Kerimäki Church

Natural Attractions of Varkaus: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Linnansaari National Park
  • Leppävirta Nature Reserve
  • Haukivuori Observation Tower
  • Kermankoski Rapids
  • Valtimo Recreation Area
  • Syvärin enonkosket Nature Trail

Hiking/Biking Routes of Varkaus

  • Päijänne-Ilves hiking trail
  • Neitvuori trail
  • Valtimo-Kuuninki hiking trail
  • Varkaus Canal cycling route
  • Taipale Canal Two Bridges cycling route

Best Things to Do in Varkaus: Activities and Tours

  • Take a boat tour of Linnansaari National Park
  • Go fishing on Lake Saimaa
  • Visit a local sauna
  • Attend the Varkaus Jazz Festival
  • Attend the Varkaus Food Festival
  • Go ice skating on Lake Saimaa during the winter

Week-Long Itinerary for Varkaus

| Day | Activity | | — | — | | 1 | Visit the Taipale Canal Museum and take a boat tour of the canal | | 2 | Explore Linnansaari National Park and go hiking or fishing | | 3 | Visit the Varkaus art museum and the Orthodox Church of Varkaus | | 4 | Take a cycling tour of the Varkaus Canal | | 5 | Visit the Laukko Manor and Kerimäki Church | | 6 | Relax in a local sauna or attend a festival or event | | 7 | Spend the day at the Kermankoski Rapids for scenic views and outdoor activities |

Food and Drink Scene of Varkaus

Must-Try Dishes

  • Kalakukko (fish and pork meat pie)
  • Karjalanpaisti (Karelian stew)
  • Muikku (fried vendace fish)
  • Lihapullat ja perunamuusi (meatballs with mashed potatoes)
  • Leipäjuusto (Finnish squeaky cheese)

Local Beverages

  • Olvi beer
  • Salmiakki liquorice liqueur
  • Sima (Finnish mead)
  • Terva snapsi (tar schnapps)
  • Coffee (Finland is known for its coffee culture)

Where to Stay in Varkaus: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Hotel Oscar
  • Scandic Oscar
  • Dream Hotel & Apartments
  • Huuskon Lomakylä
  • Guesthouse Husulan Vintti

What to Buy in Varkaus: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Finnish design products (such as Marimekko)
  • Birch tree souvenirs (such as birch bark baskets)
  • Finnish liquorice and chocolates
  • Finnish specialty foods (such as reindeer meat)
  • Traditional Finnish textiles (such as woolen blankets and rugs)

Local Culture and Customs of Varkaus

  • Be respectful of personal space and privacy
  • Finnish people are typically reserved but friendly
  • Remove shoes before entering a home or sauna
  • Tipping is not as common, but rounding up for good service is appreciated
  • Sauna culture is a big part of Finnish life

Best Time to Visit Varkaus

Summertime, from June to August, is the best time to visit Varkaus, as the weather is mild and perfect for outdoor activities. However, if you’re interested in winter activities such as ice skating, the winter months from December to February are also a great time to visit.

Do’s and Don’ts of Varkaus

Do:

  • Try traditional Finnish foods and drinks
  • Take off your shoes when entering a home or sauna
  • Respect personal space and privacy
  • Use public transportation instead of a car if possible
  • Learn a few Finnish phrases

Don’t:

  • Be late or keep people waiting
  • Speak too loudly in public places
  • Ignore sauna etiquette
  • Be offended by directness or silence

Safety and Health

Safety in Varkaus

Varkaus is generally a safe place to visit, but it’s always important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to prevent theft or other crimes.

Health in Varkaus

Healthcare in Finland is of high quality, with public hospitals and clinics available throughout the country. Visitors from the EU can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to receive medical treatment in Finland.

Getting to Varkaus: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Varkaus

  • Kuopio Airport (KUO)
  • Savonlinna Airport (SVL)
  • Joensuu Airport (JOE)

Bus Stations Near Varkaus

  • Varkaus Bus Station
  • Joensuu Bus Station
  • Kuopio Bus Station

Other Options

  • Train: Varkaus Train Station
  • Car rental: Available at airports and in town

How to Get Around in Varkaus

  • Bikes are available for rent in town
  • Local buses and taxis are available
  • Walking is a great option for exploring the city center

Where to Go Next from Varkaus: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Leppävirta

Located 30 minutes south of Varkaus, Leppävirta has beautiful nature reserves and cultural attractions, such as the Kermankoski Rapids and Leppävirta Church.

Savonlinna

Located 1 hour southeast of Varkaus, Savonlinna is known for its stunning Olavinlinna Castle and its location on the shores of Lake Saimaa.

Conclusion

Varkaus is a destination that offers something for everyone, from outdoor adventures to cultural experiences. With this guide, you can plan your trip confidently, knowing that you’ll explore the best places to visit in Varkaus, try delicious local cuisine, and enjoy unforgettable experiences.

Town view Town view View from Linnansaari National Park View from Linnansaari National Park