Hobbies in Varkaus
In Varkaus, you can enjoy a wide range of activities, from art and culture to sports and nature. On this page you will find links and information about different activities.
Culture and languages
Graffiti/Catwalk art
Graffiti and street art in Varkaus can be practised on legal graffiti walls in the city. The walls can be found at these locations:
Hertunranta Art Triangle
The underpass of the roundabout
The graffiti wall behind Joutenlahti school
The skate park next to the Konst museum centre
Languages
Soisalo-opisto language courses are available for beginners, those who have already mastered the basics and for young and adult students.
Literature
The Soisalo-opisto Literature and Poetry Circles are meeting places where a dialogue takes place between the reader and the text.
Kirja-Varkaus is an association of writers and readers that welcomes everyone interested in writing and reading.
Varkaus Library offers a wide range of opportunities for reading.
Visual arts
The Soisalo School of Fine Arts and the Civic College offer a wide range of courses and studies in fine arts and design for all ages.
The Varkaus Fine Arts Association organises exhibitions, art tours, art courses and events.
Art exhibitions
Visiting art exhibitions is a hobby that offers visual literacy and aesthetic experiences, and Varkaus offers a wide range of opportunities.
Handicrafts
Soisalo courses offer children, young people and adults the opportunity to learn a wide range of crafts.
Basic craft education is a goal-oriented and progressive form of craft education primarily for children and young people.
In Taito Shop craft courses, you can learn a new craft technique or brush up on skills you have already learned.
Varkaus Handicrafts Marts are based on the joy of being together and making crafts. All those interested in crafts are welcome, regardless of their skills.
Music
Music lessons at the Soisalo Music Academy are for all ages, from beginners to those who have been practising for a long time. Courses are also organised for special groups. Soisalo also has a variety of choirs.
Varkauden Bändiklubi aims to promote and revitalise the culture of live music in the Varkaus region.
Dance
At Soisalo Dance School you can dance according to your own interests and skill level.
At the Soisalo dance classes you can dance alone or in pairs.
Dancing Foxes rydances with ballroom dancers in Varkaus.
Events
The Varkaus events calendar provides up-to-date information on upcoming events.
Theatre
The Soisalo theatre courses are aimed at making a play. Some courses allow you to practise theatre and expression without the pressure of performing.
Harjuranta Youth Theatre operates all over Varkaus. In this youth theatre, age is just a number - anyone of any age interested in theatre and its magic is welcome.
Teatteriryhmä Nimettömät ry is a Varkaus-based amateur theatre group that is a channel of expression for anyone interested in theatre.
Varkauden Teatteri is one of the oldest continuously operating art institutions in Finland. The current number of premieres is about 6-7 per season, of which about 170 performances are given. You can also go to the theatre with a theatre friend:
Photography
The Varkaus Camera Society organises exhibitions, training courses and club nights.
Sport
Shooting
Varkauden Ampujat ry is a shooting sports club founded in 1938. The club's sports include traditional pistol shooting, game painting with air guns, practical shooting and black powder shooting. The club has a 10-seat 25-metre indoor range at the terminal of Kuljetusliike Welin and a 20-seat 25-metre outdoor range at the Kanavankankanka shooting range in Joroinen.
Avant-garde swimming
The open-air swimming area is located behind the Ilopisara swimming pool in Tyyskä and is open 24 h/day. Signposted "winter swimming spot". The area is illuminated, there is a heating mat at the end of the dock and a pump is used to keep the open space warm throughout the winter. Those using the swimming pits must take care to clean up after themselves. The maintenance of the open-air swimming area and the handing over of the keys to the swimming stall is the responsibility of VARKAUDEN LATU RY - Suomen Latu
Kinkamon Aalto organises regular open-air sauna nights during the winter season.
The Honkapirt sauna offers direct access to the open-air sauna. Information about the open-air saunas is posted on Varkauden Latu's Facebook page You can also rent the sauna for your own use.
beach volley
Joutenlahti field (Porukankuja 6)
Puurtila beach field (Uimarannantie)
Reservations in the booklet at the field
Harjuranta field
(Harjurannantie 588)
The pitch is free for all to use, no booking book for the time being.
Billiards
You can play billiards at the Varkaus Bowling Hall, which has several pool tables and a café where you can buy refreshments while you play.
Frisbee golf
There are two frisbee golf courses in Varkaus.
Lemmensillanpuisto frisbee golf course, Lemmensillantie 6, 78200 Varkaus
- park-like 12-hole course
- suitable for beginners
- Course map
- course descriptions
Vattuvuori DiscGolfPark, Opiskelijankatu 7, 78210 Varkaus
- Full 18-hole forest course
- large differences in altitude on the course
- course map
- course descriptions
Use of these courses is free of charge.
Golf
You can play golf in the Varkaus region at Kartano Golf in Jorois.
Skiing
For more information about Varkaus ski runs, click here.
Information about the Varkaus region's ski slopes, ski huts and skiing events on the website VARKAUDEN LATU RY.
Varkaus ski slope situation and maps.
Football
WJK Varkaus Ry is an association based in Varkaus that organises recreational and competitive activities for boys and girls in junior football and futsal in winter.
FC Vanukkaat is a sports club founded in 2006 in Varkaus, offering low-threshold telegraphy for women over 18 and football in the summer! Snooker Tuesdays at Waltteri school at. For more information and contact Facebook.
Yoga
Yoga classes in Varkaus are offered by, among others:
Archery
Varkaus Archery Ry organizes activities in the summer at the Lehtoniemi field, in the winter at the sports hall.
Hockey
Warkis has been enabling and developing hockey in Varkaus since 1991. The Warkis hockey family consists of junior and adult players.
Ice hockey
WP 35, representative ice hockey and youth work for decades.
Martial arts
Varkaus Taekwondo training hall is located at Ahlströminkatu 17, 2krs. The club's Facebook and Instagram.
The judo club in Varkaus is Yama-Arashi ry.
HokutoryuJu-jutsu, Kenjutsu, Brazilian Ju-jutsu and Kickboxing.
You can learn more about fitness and boxing through the Varkaus Gymnastics Club.
Krav Maga is available through the Krav Maga Varkaus Association.
Street corners
Fields:
Waltter School yard (Urheilukatu 21)
Factory school yard (Savontie 4)
Bowling
Varkaus Bowling Hall is located on the second floor of the Varkaus Sports Centre.
Climbing
Laivalinna Vejätys ry is an association that brings together climbers in the Varkaus area.
Church retreat
You can practice church rowing in Varkaus through the Kaleeriseura Varkauden Melaveikkojen.
Fitness / Gym / Group exercise
The aim of Soisalo University's sports groups is to improve physical, mental and social fitness and to promote health, well-being and body control. The courses are aimed at people of all ages and levels.
Varkaus Women's Gymnastics offers gymnastics, dance and body care for children and adults.
Gyms
- Outdoor gyms
- Kangaslampi gym
- Gym in the Sports Centre
- Swimming pool Ilopisara gym
- Municipal hall
- OleFit
- Women's gym
- Energy Fitness Club
Skiing and snowboarding
In Varkaus, it is possible to go skiing and snowboarding right in the centre of town on Vattuvuor. The activities are run by the Varkaus Ski Center.
Volleyball
Varkauden NMKY is a specialised volleyball club founded in 1972, which invests and profiles in the development of women's and girls' volleyball. Junior boys' activities are also launched as needed.
Skating
- Varkaus Central Field, Kirikatu 7, 78210 VARKAUS, varkauden.keskuskentta@varkaus.fi, 044 444 2618
- Kämäri Ice Sports Centre, Rehnströminkatu 10 78250 VARKAUS, tel. 040 702 3900
- There are also several frozen rinks at schools, including Puurtila School, Luttila School, Repokanka School, Kangaslammi School and Könönpello School.
Figure skating in Varkaus is organised by Tarmo skaters.
Motor sport
Motor Sports Centre
Responsible for the maintenance and operation of the site
- Varkauden Urheiluautoilijat ry Varkauden Urheiluautoilijat
- Warkauden Motorcycle Sportsmen Association Warkauden Motorcycle Sportsmen Association
- Varkaus Racing Team ry Varkaus Racing Team ry
- in cooperation with: the City of Varkaus / Sports Services
Padel
Padel is a mixture of tennis and squash, suitable for players of all ages and levels.
Padel courts in Varkaus
Wrestling
Baseball
Puurtilan Kisa-Pojat is a baseball club from Varkaus. The club has junior teams in several age groups. The club also organises an annual baseball school for boys and girls aged under 12 in the summer and a baseball clinic for under-9s in the winter, offering a wide range of sports activities.
Cycling
For more information on Varkaus cycling routes, click here.
The Bridges Safari is a popular cycling route in Varkaus, where you can enjoy the stunning lake scenery. More about the route at jalki.fi
See also the mountain biking section of Varkaus Latu.
Table tennis
Horse riding
Freefinns Ranch in Kuvans, about 10 km from the centre of Varkaus, offers animal-related activities, including riding lessons, field trips, various animal clubs and camps for children, and leash riding.
Kimmo's stable is located in Jorois, 6 km from the centre of Varkaus. Riding lessons, training and competitions. The home track of the Hakkapeliitat Riding Club.
Leko-Talli is located in Kopolanniemi, Varkaus, about 7 km from the city centre. The stable offers stalls for rent in the manege stable and guided riding and grooming lessons.
Vantunmäki Riding Farm is located in the Kurola district of Vantunmäki, about 8 km from the centre of Varkaus. The riding farm offers riding lessons and competition training in small group lessons.
Varkaus Equestrian Centre is located 10 km from the centre of Varkaus. Riding lessons, courses, camps and competitions. Varkaus Sport Riders Association's home track.
Walking on a pole
You can go walking anywhere or choose your preferred environment from Varkaus' many walking trails and nature trails.
Skateboarding and scootering
The skate park Factory Park is located in the yard of the Factory School (Savontie 4). The park is open to all skateboarders, scooters and other sports enthusiasts, regardless of age and free of charge.
TheVarkaus Skateboarders Association brings together skateboarders from the Varkaus area.
Diving
The activities of the Aquihiisi Ry include:
- Scuba Diving / Nitrox
- Technical Diving /Trimix
- Rebreather diving
- Free Diving
- Harpoon fishing
- Snorkelling, fin diving
- Scuba diving training
- Dan First Aid Training
Badminton
You can reserve courts for badminton at the Varkaus Sports Centre. Booking calendar.
Contact details of the Sports Centre:
liikuntatalo@varkaus.fi
040 771 8700
+358 140 140-171-171, Järvelänkatu 12, 78200 Varkaus
Navigation
The Savon Suunta Orienteering Association operates in the Varkaus, Joroinen and Leppävirra areas
Telegraphy/Salibandy
Varkauden Tarmo's volleyball section was founded in 1996. The club's men's team plays in the 2nd division. The club has about 250 players and 11 teams. VarTa is one of the biggest volleyball clubs in the Savo-Karelia region. In addition to competition teams, the club also has club activities for the youngest girls and boys in the family.
FC Vanukkaat is a sports club founded in 2006 in Varkaus, offering low-threshold telegraphy for women over 18 and football in the summer! Snooker Tuesdays at Waltter School at. For more information and contact Facebook.
Tennis
Tennis has a long tradition in Varkaus, as A. Ahlström Osakeyhtiö employees "brought" the sport to Varkaus already in the early 1920s. Today, tennis in Varkaus is organised by the Warkauden Tennis Club, which runs, among other things, junior tennis activities and tennis courses. In summer, tennis can be played in Varkaus on the renovated Kosulanniemi mass courts.
Booking and prices for Kosulanniemi tennis courts
The tennis courts in Kosulanniemi are managed by the City of Varkaus. Reservations are made through the booking system of the Warkauden Tennis Club Association. You can access the booking system here Warkauden tennisklubi (google.com)
Kosulanniemi tennis courts are priced by the Sports and Recreation Board, price list valid from 5 July 2021:
- Juniors, under 18 years 6,00 €/h
- Adults 11,00 €/h
- Youths, children under 18, adults under 18, children under 18 €/h 5,00 €/h
- Use during lessons 4,00 €/h
- Non-residents: juniors, under 18 years 8,50 €/h, adults 17,00 €/h
For information on pricing for competitions and tournaments (tournaments with entry fee), please call 040-5019401 or e-mail varkauden.tennisklubi@gmail.com.
Reservation fees must be paid to the account of Warkauden Tennisklubi ry before use. IBAN: FI82 1044 3000 2181 98. The name of the reserving party should be included in the payment message.
Triathlon
TDT Triathlon Club is a specialised triathlon club based in Varkaus, Finland.
Our activities are active and the club offers weekly coached training sessions.
We are constantly developing our activities and investing in professional coaching!
Swimming and water aerobics
Varkaus Swimming Hall Ilopisara organises guided aqua exercises, swimming lessons for schools, swimming schools for children, baby swimming and technique courses for adults. The pool is used by aquatic clubs outside the pool's opening hours.
The Varkaus Swimming Association (VarU), founded in 1935, is the only open swimming club in Varkaus. The club's activities include coaching swimmers of all ages, participating in national swimming competitions and organising its own competitions.
You can find aquatic sports courses at the Soisalo School here.
Information on public swimming beaches in Varkaus can be found here.
Powerlifting (weight and powerlifting)
Crossfit & Lifting Varkaus offers CrossFit and weightlifting coaching for beginners as well as
and advanced athletes. Anyone can sign up for the basic courses, regardless of age or fitness level. New facilities and equipment are available, the gym will open its doors in August 2021 and the instructors are trained professionals.
Athletics
Varkauden Kenttä-Veikot is an athletics club founded in 1959. The purpose of the club is to promote sport and exercise, to develop its members as diversely as possible and to create the conditions for its athletes to progress to the top level.
Nature and animals
Animals
Koivun Lumo offers well-being from nature and experiences with animals .
FreeFinns Ltd's Ranch offers program service activities with animals, including. horseback riding lessons, field trips, various animal clubs and camps for children, and horseback riding on leashes.
The alpacas at the Pihlajakummu Ranch do animal assisted work.
Fishing and angling
Northern Haukivede and Unnuka joint permit areas in Varkaus in the vicinity of Varkaus cover a total area of approximately 15.000 hectares. The boat launching sites are in Taipalee, Kommila, Luttila and Käärmeniemi. Northern Haukiveden Fishing Area
Varkauden Vaaputtajat ry is a boat club founded in 1988. The activities of the association also include other sport fishing, such as casting and fly-fishing, as well as spotting in winter.
Pirtinvirta is a great fishing spot in the middle of the city. The river is stocked with rainbow trout and anglers can also hook pike, perch and lake trout.
Ämmäkoski is a stream fishing spot. Fishing permits for the stream are currently under construction due to changes in the area.
Varkaus also has a number of organisations organising fishingtrips, see for more--> visitvarkaus. fi
Dog hobby
Varkauden Seurakoirat ry is a multispecies club, which includes Agility, Toko, PK and Rally-toko. Training runs all year round, except for the Basic. In summer, training is held in the outdoor arena along Osmajoentie and in winter at the VarPS Arena in Akonlehdonkuja.
Outdoor exercise areas for dogs in Varkaus.
Nature hiking
For information on outdoor recreation and hiking opportunities in the Varkaus area, click here.
For equipment hire, guided nature sports services and activities in the Varkaus area, click here.
Visit Varkaus for information on outdoor trails and nature trails in Varkaus, as well as outdoor huts and lodges.
Canoeing, rowing and boating
Canoeing: VisitVarkaus Melonta
Varkauden Pursiseura ry, VPS - Varkauden Pursiseura ry (wps.fi).
Seastarevents runs guided canoeing, fishing and nature trips, Metsämieli exercises, 1-3 day camps and camping clubs for children. In winter, our programme also includes guided snowshoe and ice climbing excursions.
Patrol
Partio-Unnukka ry is a Varkaus-based mixed association, founded in 1974. Currently there are three groups, the Wolf Cubs, the Family Patrol and the Adult Patrol.
Gardening and nature courses
The gardening and nature courses at the Soisalo College will introduce you to different gardening tips and hiking in the local nature.
Horse riding
Freefinns Ranch in Kuvans, about 10 km from the centre of Varkaus, offers animal-related activities, including riding lessons, field trips, various animal clubs and camps for children, and leash riding.
Kimmo's stable is located in Jorois, 6 km from the centre of Varkaus. Riding lessons, training and competitions. The home track of the Hakkapeliitat Riding Club.
Leko-Talli is located in Kopolanniemi, Varkaus, about 7 km from the city centre. The stable offers stalls for rent in the manege stable and guided riding and grooming lessons.
Vantunmäki Riding Farm is located in the Kurola district of Vantunmäki, about 8 km from the centre of Varkaus. The riding farm offers riding lessons and competition training in small group lessons.
Varkaus Equestrian Centre is located 10 km from the centre of Varkaus. Riding lessons, courses, camps and competitions. Varkaus Sport Riders Association's home track.
Astronomy
Warkauden Kassiopeia ry is an astronomical society that promotes the hobby and education of astronomy.
Other hobbies
Household
Soisalo offers a variety of practical cooking courses.
Varkaus Martha Associations offer a wide range of activities related to home economics, food and crafts.
- Könönpellon Martat ry
- Varkaus Marttayhdistys ry
- Varkaus Kässämartat / Eastern FinlandMartat ry
- Entisöinti Martat ry
- Puurtilan Martat ry
Genealogy
The Warkauden Seudun Sukututkijat Ry meets once a month at the Varkauden Yhdistystalo Wariko or in the downstairs meeting room of the Library. Meetings and events are announced by e-mail to the members, on the website and on the association's Facebook page.
Soisalo University organises genealogy courses, for more information click here.
Information and communication technologies
You can come to Soisalo-opisto's ICT courses either to learn and strengthen basic skills or to develop your skills in a topic that suits you.
Savonetti organises free digital counselling for seniors in Varkaus.
Volunteering
You can find and report volunteering opportunities on the Vapaaehtoistyö.fi service.
Voluntary youth fire brigade
The Youth Fire Brigade was established in Varkaus in 1988. The aim of the Youth Fire Brigade is to bring together boys and girls aged 7-18 to learn about fire and rescue and to help young people develop into responsible citizens who value themselves and others.
For more information, visit the Varkaus Fire Brigade website and the Varkaus Volunteer Youth Fire Brigade Facebook page.
Is something missing?
Is there an activity missing from the page? Tell Taavi Julkuse, Hobby Coordinator: taavi.julkunen@varkaus.fi, tel. 041 731 9287
Support for hobbies
Cookies for life
Save the Children's Eväitä Elämälle programme supports the schooling and hobbies of children at risk of social exclusion. Save the Children local associations involved in the Eväitä Elämälle programme support children and young people from low-income families through support for hobbies and learning materials.
Meals for Life support is targeted at children whose access to leisure activities is at risk and who face challenges in covering the cost of educational materials due to family poverty or other social challenges.
The forms of support are designed to promote equality, inclusion and good development of children and young people.
Recreational grants are awarded to children and young people under the age of 18 whose continuation or taking up a hobby is threatened by the family's difficult financial situation. Material support is given to young people in secondary education to cover the costs of studies not covered by school.
Free places in basic art education at Soisalo-opisto
Free apprenticeship in basic art education
If the income limit is lower than the income limit, the basic art education at Soisalo-opisto is exempt from tuition fees. The Regional Committee of theCity of Varkaus Welfare Promotion Board confirms the income limits at its meeting. If you start your studies after 30 September, you must submit your application as soon as possible.
The exemption is granted for one academic year at a time. The form is available from the office or at the following link: Application form for a place as a pupil exchange student
For further information, please contact
Turning dreams into reality
SOS Children's Village's Unelmista.fi is a platform that aims to reduce inequality and exclusion in the leisure time of families and children and young people in challenging life situations by providing every school-age child with a hobby. The financial support will be allocated to applications received via the school curators and, in part, the family social workers of the participating municipalities.
Go! action
VAUHTI! is a leisure and recreational activity for children, young people under 16 and their families across all diagnostic borders who need support to engage in leisure activities.
Activities in Varkaus: Activities - TATU ry
LAINAAMO - Sports equipment on loan from the library
You can borrow sports equipment from the Varkaus Library's lending desk with a library card during the library's opening hours. The loan period is 14 days. The lending desk is located on the second floor of the library.
Warkaus card
The purpose of the Warkaus card benefit is to strengthen inclusion and well-being by lowering the threshold to well-being support services.
The Warkaus card benefit is part of the WARKAUS365 card. The WARKAUS 365 card is a composite card that can be loaded and used to pay for different services. The card can be used for various customer cards of the Ilopisara swimming pool, customer cards of the Varkaus and Kangaslammi sports centres, a senior card, a special sports card and the Warkaus card.
The Warkaus card benefit is valid for the agreed benefits for a limited period of one year from the date of redemption. The application for a new card is submitted to the City Hall's Counselling Service, with the envelope marked Warkaus card. The application must be accompanied by a decision from KELA (payment statement no more than one month old). You will be notified by text message when the card is ready and will receive it after seven working days. The decision issued is valid for 2 months from the date of the text message from the swimming pool.
Show the received text message and ID at the time of purchase at the cash desk of the Ilopisara swimming pool.
You are entitled to a Warkaus card if you are an adult (18-64 years old) from Varkaus and receive one of the following Kela benefits (and are not entitled to a Special Exercise Card):
- Income limit 1000 €/month (gross)
- Unemployment benefit (basic unemployment benefit/employment market allowance)
- Disability pension and rehabilitation allowance (for persons under 65 years of age)
- Guaranteed pension (card granted on a discretionary basis)
- Pension support (for 61-64 year olds)
- Basic income support (when presenting the decision, also show the Kela card)
- Rehabilitation allowance, sickness allowance and parental allowance
The card is issued for one year at a time. The annual fee for the card is €10 and a deposit of €3 for the first time. If the card is lost or damaged, the cost of a new card is €13 (including €10 delivery charge and €3 deposit). The card is not issued if you are entitled to Special Benefits (formerly Special Exercise Card).
WITH A WARKAUS CARD YOU CAN:
City gyms
- Gym, Ilopisara Swimming Pool, enter by 14.00, can stay until 16.30
- Gym, Varkaus Sports Hall, from 13.00 to 16.00
- Gym, Kangaslampi 7.00-20.00
Swimming pool Ilopisara
Enter by 14.00, can stay until 16.30. No time limit on weekends.
Varkaus Theatre
For rehearsals or events announced by the theatre. Tickets must be purchased preferably one week in advance at the theatre ticket office. If there are free seats, please contact the theatre's ticket office on tel. 044 364 8830, myynti@varkaudenteatteri.fi.
Soisalo University
The Warkaus card entitles you to one free course at the civic college during the academic year.
Show your card at the office before the course starts.
To register, follow the instructions at soisalo-opisto.fi, call 040 7138 660 or visit the office, Taipaleentie 24.
For more information, please contact:
Service Secretary Leena Valkonen
040 727 0330
You can apply for a Warkaus card using this form.
Warkaus card brochure.