Mänttä: Art, Music and Nature at Mäntänvuori

Mänttä combines art and music with a history closely linked to a forestry company. It also offers nature trails at Mäntänvuori and a striking view over the town, lakes and forests. When choosing a holiday rental in Mänttä, you can consider whether cultural attractions or outdoor activities will be the focus of your stay.

Art and History

The former headquarters of G. A. Serlachius Osakeyhtiö is now a sight in its own right as Serlachius Pääkonttori. The building was completed in 1934 as the forestry company's representative building and combines neoclassical and functionalist architecture. The exhibitions in the building explore the Serlachius family's patronage, Mänttä's history and art. Several exhibitions present their themes through multimedia and stories.

Serlachius Manor is also part of Mänttä's art scene: the manor houses the permanent exhibition “Classic Works of Fine Art at the Manor”. The Mäntän Kuvataideviikot, an annually curated summer exhibition of contemporary art that has been held since 1993, takes place at the Pekilo Exhibition Centre. Visitors interested in different art forms will find both a permanent exhibition in the manor and a changing annual summer exhibition in Mänttä.

For music lovers, the Mänttä Music Festival is a special occasion: it is Finland's only annual international piano music festival. In 2026, it will take place from 28 July to 1 August; the main venue is the Kivijärvi Hall at Serlachius Manor. Concerts, theatre performances and seminars are also held there throughout the year. The cultural programme therefore includes other types of events alongside the festival.

Discover Architecture and Culture Together

Mänttä Church was completed in 1928 to designs by architect W. G. Palmqvist. The stone church features an altarpiece painted by Alwar Cawén and wooden sculptures by sculptor Hannes Autere. Visitors interested in architecture, painting or sculpture can consider these different aspects when exploring Mänttä's architectural and artistic history.

Another architectural stop is the historic tennis pavilion, a functionalist building designed by Heimo Kautonen and completed in 1950. Families can also choose between two different cultural attractions: the “Metsän maailma” experience space at Serlachius Pääkonttori is suitable for children and adults. Mäntän Uusi Teatteri stages performances for adults and younger audiences.

Nature Trails and Views at Mäntänvuori

If you would also like to spend time outdoors during your stay, Mäntänvuori has three nature trails: Hirven jotos is 5.3 kilometres long, Vasan polku is about 3 kilometres, and Ketunlenkki is about 1 kilometre. Information boards along the trails introduce rare plants and trees. The different trail lengths give you a practical basis for choosing a nature trail, without implying a walking time.

The Mäntänvuori recreation area also has a lit fitness trail, ski trails, a fitness staircase and the Vuorentorni observation tower. The Lydia Wideman fitness staircase leads to the summit via 218 steps. From the viewing platform, you can see across the town to the lake landscapes of Keurusselkä and the green forests beyond. Alongside a walk through the forest, you can choose between a striking viewpoint and sporting activities as different ways to enjoy nature.

Another route that brings together nature and the townscape is Kärleksstigen. This narrow, sandy, wooded path runs along the lakeshore between Serlachius Manor and the centre of Mänttä. Its location makes it a distinct option for including the lakeshore landscape and both of these places in your travel plans.

Getting There and Choosing a Location

Mänttä is located on National Road 58 between Orivesi and Keuruu. This provides a reference point for travelling by car. Which experiences you want to focus on—art and events or nature trails and views—may also influence your choice of accommodation in Mänttä.

More location pages: Innala. More places: Virrat, Parkano, Ylojarvi, Punkalaidun, Viiala, Vaskivesi and Sastamala.

To the main travel overview: Pirkanmaa.