Mänttä: Art, Architecture and Nature

Mänttä lies on National Road 58 between Orivesi and Keuruu. Art, architecture and recurring cultural events shape what the town has to offer; Mäntänvuori adds nature trails and viewpoints. If you are looking for a hotel in Mänttä, you can plan your travel dates around your own interests, such as a summer exhibition, a piano music festival or an excursion into nature.

Art and Local History

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

The permanent exhibition “Classic Works of Fine Art at the Manor” is on display at Serlachius Manor. The “Metsän maailma” experience space at Serlachius Pääkonttori is designed for both children and adults. The museum visit therefore offers a range of ways to engage, from works of art and patronage to the town’s history and an experience space for different age groups.

Exhibitions and Events

The Mänttä Music Festival is Finland’s only annual international piano music festival. Kivijärvi Hall at Serlachius Manor is its main venue. Concerts, theatre performances and seminars are also held there year-round. Mäntän Kuvataideviikot, meanwhile, has presented a newly curated exhibition of contemporary art every summer at the Pekilo Exhibition Centre since 1993. The two event series focus on different aspects of culture: piano music and stage performances on the one hand, and changing contemporary art on the other.

Mäntän Uusi Teatteri also offers a programme for different audiences, with performances for adults and younger viewers. If an event is the reason for your trip, check the relevant dates and programme before making plans.

A Closer Look at the Architecture

Mänttä Church was completed in 1928 to designs by architect W. G. Palmqvist. The stone church houses an altarpiece painted by Alwar Cawén and wooden sculptures by sculptor Hannes Autere. Another example of the town’s architecture is the historic tennis pavilion: this functionalist building, designed by Heimo Kautonen, was completed in 1950. Architecture enthusiasts can take in the two buildings as distinct highlights, each with its own style and features.

Nature Trails and Views on Mäntänvuori

The Mäntänvuori recreation area includes nature trails, a lit fitness trail, ski trails, a fitness staircase and the Vuorentorni observation tower. The three nature trails vary in length: Hirven jotos is 5.3 kilometres long, Vasan polku about 3 kilometres and Ketunlenkki about 1 kilometre. Along the trails, information boards introduce rare plants and trees. When choosing a route, you can therefore consider not only its length but also its natural features.

The Lydia Wideman fitness staircase climbs to the top of Mäntänvuori via 218 steps. From the tower’s observation platform, the view stretches across the town to the lake landscapes of Keurusselkä and the green forests beyond. Kärleksstigen offers a different kind of route: the narrow, sandy and scenic path runs along the lakeshore between Serlachius Manor and the centre of Mänttä. Before visiting the trails, it is a good idea to check for current notices, as trail conditions and possible closures can change.

Dining in Mänttä

Restaurant Gösta at Serlachius Kartano serves casual everyday lunches, catering for celebrations and refined dinners. As the offering may change, check the operator’s latest information before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Innala, Kämmenniemi, Pälkäne, Laitikkala, Toijala, Vaskivesi, Virrat, Urjala.

For the regional travel overview: Pirkanmaa.