KEURUU
The first permanent inhabitants settled down in Keuruu in the 1560’s after the King Gustavus Vasa had given the order to inhabit the wilderness. These hunting grounds, owned by hunters from Satakunta and Häme, now became inhabited primarily by farmers from Savo, to whom the virgin forests of the region offered ideal conditions for cultivation by clearing and burning-over woodland.
Keuruu became an independent congregation in 1628. It had been an administrative part of the large parishes Pirkkala and Ruovesi, which belonged to the province of Satakunta. The southern parts of Keuruu, in contrast, belonged to Häme. Administratively the area was not united until the establishment of the province of Vaasa in 1776.
In terms of area, Keuruu today is the second largest municipality in Central Finland, even though it has conveyed land to several other parishes over the course of time. The municipalities Multia and Pihlajavesi have both been separated from Keuruu, but the latter rejoined its mother parish in 1969. Keuruu has about 11 000 inhabitants and three population centres: Keuruu, Haapamäki, and the railway village Pihlajavesi. Keuruu became a town in 1986.
Most of the centre of Keuruu has been built on four islands. Keuruu’s churches, for example, are located on the largest of these islands, naturally called Kirkkosaari (Church Island).
Lake Keurusselkä has for centuries been the home of hunters, cruised by traveller boats, punts, long church boats, and nostalgic paddle wheelers. The paddle wheelers Kuru and Elias Lönnrot operated on the lake around 1900. The new Elias Lönnrot, built as a replica of the old one, first set sail on Lake Keurusselkä in 1986.
Haapamäki Steam Locomotive Park offers you an introduction to traditional railway culture. Hotel Keurusselkä is a popular holiday and meeting hotel situated by Lake Keurusselkä, providing an ideal setting for your holiday. You can choose from a variety of alternatives as regards to programme, accommodation, and food services. You can spend the night in either the hotel or the granary, have dinner in the restaurant or by the campfire, and visit local events. The Old Rectory and Kamana Tourist Centre, which has been built in the rectory’s old cow house, are both situated in the cultural historically valuable old Keuruu area. There are restaurants, shops, nature cure services, the town tourist information and the town museum located in these buildings. In summer there are also shops in the cabins round the yard.
The nature and culture trails winding through varied landscape vividly present the history and nature of the region. The rapids and lakes rich in fish attract fishermen. Here you can safely go cycling, camping, hiking, skiing, riding, rowing, and sailing. The illuminated skiing track and path networks, the indoor swimming pool, indoor skating rink, tennis fields and halls provide a perfect setting for sports. Several sports events and competitions also take place here, for example, the skiing tour between Keuruu and Multia, and Keuruu Summer Games.
Keuruu is also known for its active cultural life, which demonstrates itself especially through music. There are popular local groups such as Keuruun Soittajapojat and Keurusseudun Alueorkesteri (Keurusseutu Regional Orchestra), and numerous choirs and soloists of classical as well as light music. Basic and advanced music education is provided by the open college and the music school.
Painters such as Akseli Gallén-Kallela and A. A. Thessleff have been inspired by the landscape and people of Keuruu. In addition, the visual artists Lauri Santtu, Onni Oja, and Kirsi Neuvonen come from Keuruu. You will find art and cultural history exhibitions in Keuruu Museum, located in Kamana Tourist Centre, throughout the year.
Keuruu has been a source of inspiration also for writers, including Joel Lehtonen and Olavi Paavolainen. Keuruu’s own nature poet Einari Vuorela and Hannele Huovi, who excels especially in children’s literature, are among Finland’s best-known and most recognized writers.
A lot of local history is presented in the museums and churches of Keuruu. The beautiful churches have become symbols of Keuruu: Keuruu Old Church was built in 1758 and Pihlajavesi Wilderness Church in 1782.
Versatile business activities flourish in Keuruu. The largest fields include laser, cable, metal, and graphic industry; the main companies in these fields being HT Laser Ltd, Reka Kaapeli Ltd, Otava Printing House Ltd, as well as several small printing houses.
Cabbages, cucumbers, candy, books, cables, and textile bands are among the key products of Keuruu.
Come and enjoy Keuruu!
For further information on the selection of services in Keuruu, please contact Keuruu Tourist office.
About the destination
