Forssa
Accommodation in Forssa
Forssa combines the history of Finnish printed fabrics with historic industrial architecture featuring red-brick buildings and the green park landscape along the banks of the Loimijoki River. The Kehräämö site is a special starting point for exploring cultural history: it is home to a former cotton warehouse dating from 1849 and other reminders of the area’s industrial past. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Forssa for your trip, you can focus on museums and local history, nature experiences or activities for children.
Printed-fabric history at Kehräämö
Forssa is considered the birthplace of Finnish printed fabrics. The history of Finnish printed fabrics is presented at Kuosikeskus, located in the former yarn-dyeing rooms on the Kehräämö site. The permanent exhibition invites visitors to try things out for themselves: they can design patterns, mix colours, examine the texture of fabrics with a magnifying glass and turn the crank of a printing machine. Workshops also offer hands-on ways to explore the world of printed fabrics.
The Forssa Museum is housed in a former cotton warehouse built in 1849, in the centre of the Kehräämö site. Its permanent exhibition, “Kirjavan kankaan kaupunki” (“The City of Colourful Cloth”), tells the story of Forssa, its people and its factories. Those interested in the town’s development and industrial history will find a different perspective here than at Kuosikeskus, which focuses on printed fabrics and their production. Guides from the Forssa Museum and Kuosikeskus offer tours of the exhibitions as well as guided walks around the town, former industrial areas and parks.
Industrial history and nature along the Loimijoki
The Kehräämö site is part of the Forssa National Urban Park, established in 2015. Its green park landscape lies along the banks of the Loimijoki River, alongside historic industrial architecture with red-brick buildings. The Kuhalankoski dam can also be visited on the site. For a stay combining an interest in culture and the landscape, this part of Forssa offers a range of experiences without requiring you to focus on a single museum topic.
The Forssa Nature Museum offers another perspective on the surrounding region. It is located on the historic Kehräämö site, on the second floor of the former Karhekehräämö building on Wahreninkatu. The exhibition “Hämeen luonto” (“Nature of Häme”) features species found in the region. “Suojassa” (“Protected”) explores nature conservation in Finland and Southwest Häme; the museum also presents the nature of Southwest Häme and nature conservation work.
Trails, a beach and activities for children
Mäkilamminpuisto has three walking trail networks, a shelter and Mäkilammi Beach. The Hunnari DiscGolfPark is also in the Mäkilamminpuisto area: its challenging course is rated AA1 and has 18 holes. The area therefore offers a choice of both walking trails and sporting activities.
At Linikkalanlammi Beach, facilities include a separate pool for small children, a playground and beach volleyball courts. There is also outdoor exercise equipment and fitness stairs. Families can choose from a range of play and exercise options, while Forssa Traffic Park offers a dedicated activity for children aged 3 to 12: in summer, they learn traffic rules and ride pedal cars and scooters.
The Ronttismäki Workers’ Museum also tells the story of the people behind Forssa’s industrial history. In the wooden-house district of Kalliomäki, three residential buildings, an outbuilding, the museum courtyard and the garden show the living conditions of factory workers from the 1870s to the 1930s. The museum is open in summer; visits can be arranged by appointment in spring and autumn. Nearby, Museotila Hevossilta also offers, by appointment, a glimpse of farmyards and buildings from the 19th and 20th centuries, including examples from the 1800s and 1950s.
Theatre and events
Elävienkuvien Teatteri is in the town centre on the banks of the Loimijoki River and serves as the venue for the international silent film festival, held annually at the end of August. Forssan Teatteri is housed in a former Civil Guard building by the market square and offers cultural experiences for all ages. Annual events in Forssa also include the Forssan Holjat town festival, Pick Nick, an event for hobby vehicles, and Forssan Suvi-ilta, a marathon and cycling event.
Another nearby destination to explore is Matku.
For the wider travel overview: Kanta-Häme.
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