Verla Groundwood and Board Mill World Heritage Site

FROM SPRUCE TO CARDBOARD

The authentic and idyllic Verla is the only forest industry site on the World Heritage List. The small Verla groundwood mill began operations in 1872, but was soon destroyed by fire. The groundwood mill and its associated cardboard factory were built in 1882. Factory operations continued using early methods until 1964, and the factory opened its doors as Finland’s first factory museum in 1972.

Verla was selected as a World Heritage Site in 1996. The Verla factory village was created around the factory. Only a small part of such industrial communities have survived to this day. The factory’s machines are in their original places and tell the story of how cardboard was made from spruce wood.

THE FACTORY COMES TO LIFE WITH MUSEUM GUIDED TOURS

Verla tells the story of the lives of past generations in a small village community where the factory took care of the entire village. You can learn about Verla’s stories and the stages of cardboard production with guided tours at the Verla Factory Museum.

Verla guided tours start on the hour. (The last guided museum tour of the day starts at closing time at 4/6 p.m.) The tour lasts about an hour.

Factory entrance tickets 15/10/0
The Museum Card is also valid in Verla!

The World Heritage Site also has Restaurant Verla and craft shops.

You can stay in the cottages in the workers’ residential area – some of them all year round.

The Verla wood grinding mill and cardboard factory are located in North Kymenlaakso, about 30 kilometers from the center of Kouvola.