Varkaus

Pirna has fostered a partnership with Varkaus since 1961, a Finnish town located around 300 kilometres to the north east of Helsinki in the North Savo region (Central Finland). Varkaus is a small but very modern town with around 21,000 inhabitants and it first gained town privileges in 1962. In terms of economics, the town has focused on its wood processing industry thanks to its large forested areas, as well as energy production and inland waterway transport.

Varkaus is surrounded by beautiful lakes and expansive riverlands - the large Saimaa lake district takes up around 4,370 square metres - with numerous waterways and bridges. The town has even built its own museum to recount the history of how the waterways were built. There is also an array of excellent opportunities to get involved in sports: boat rides, water sports and fishing are the most popular activities in the summertime whilst, as the cold season sets in, Varkaus becomes a veritable winter sports paradise.

There is also a wide variety of cultural activities in get involved in. In addition to the events held in the concert hall and theatre, you can also visit the most diverse range of exhibitions at the many museums or the art centre.