Varkaus is an environment-conscious international industrial city founded in 1929. Varkaus is located in North Savo in eastern Finland with the third largest population in the province. At present, Varkaus has 21,000 inhabitants.

Geographically, Varkaus enjoys an excellent location – just one and a half hour’s drive from big cities like Kuopio, Mikkeli, Jyväskylä, Savonlinna and Joensuu – and reasonably close to Helsinki (4 hours’ drive). Varkaus is located at the juncture of highways 23 and 5, close to the Saimaa deep-water channel. Efficient rail services are also available.

A closely knit network of companies created around the vigorous local export industry offers a wide range of business opportunities. The secondary and higher education institutes in Varkaus offer education and training for future experts and users of services.

The Saimaa water system extending up to the city centre, lush natural surroundings and a wide range of sites of interest attract tourists to the region. Among the attractions are the locally produced caviar and sturgeon delicacies as well as the Museum of Mechanical Music, the home of magical instruments.

Varkaus’ cityscape has been shaped by renown architects of the early 20th century such as Ivar and Valter Thomé, Karl Lindahl and Alvar Aalto. As a city built around industry, its architecture is unique. This rich cultural heritage is presented by the local museums and their online exhibitions as well as on the Old Varkaus walking tour.

The scenic views of Lake Saimaa can be admired on electric vessel and steamship cruises or canoeing tours. Fishing is available in Pirtinvirta in the centre of the city and across a 3000-hectare water area around it. The Linnansaari and Kolovesi natural parks are a paradise for boaters and canoeists and home for the famous Saimaa ringed seal. Taipale Canal offers the opportunity to watch ships passing through locks, while the Canal Museum offers an overview of the construction of the canal.